Cliff O'Conner

Law theme, fountain pen, paper, and stamp on a desk, representing a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust for Estate Planning
Is a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) Right for You?

Estate planning is critical to protecting your life’s legacy. Without it, those next in line face unnecessary challenges in receiving what’s rightfully theirs. But the type of planning you, and your beneficiaries need will depend on the complexities of your estate. For those looking to leave larger amounts behind, or who have assets that could […]

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United State IRS form 5500-EZ in close up
Filing Form 5500-EZ for Your Self-Employed 401(k) Plan

Filing Form 5500-EZ for your Self-Employed 401(k) Plan There’s good news if you’re a solo entrepreneur or self-employed individual and want to enjoy the benefits of a 401(k) retirement plan: Congress has created a special type of 401(k) plan just for you. Known as a Self-Employed 401(k) or a solo 401(k), this plan is similar […]

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Empty Strip Mall representing a Private Real Estate Investing opportunity
How to Invest in Private Real Estate

For some investors, the traditional asset categories of stocks, bonds and cash equivalents aren’t enough to ensure a well-diversified portfolio. In such cases, these individuals may want to consider turning to alternative assets in the private market space. Common alternative assets include private equity, private debt, private real estate and hedge funds. Because high-net worth […]

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Black folder with Hedge Fund written across the top
Hedge Funds 101: Investing in a Hedge Fund

For some investors, in order to ensure a well-diversified portfolio, the traditional asset categories of stocks, bonds and cash equivalents aren’t enough. In these instances, investors may want to consider turning to alternative assets in the private market space. These are investments that don’t fall into one of the three traditional asset categories. Some of […]

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Business people meeting representing Succession Planning for Family Owned Business
Family Business Succession Planning: How to Get Started

Does your family-owned business have a succession plan in place? If you don’t, you aren’t alone. Despite family firms making up 90% of all business enterprises in the U.S., 47% of owners who want to retire in the next five years say they don’t have a successor.

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2 businessman meeting
Succession Planning for Small Businesses

Succession planning is one of those things that many owners know is important, but often don’t get around to doing it. In fact, up to half of small business owners who plan to retire in the next five years say they have not yet named a successor, according to the Service Corps of Retired Executives […]

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Businessman writing on tablet and using a calculator; representing tax planning
Tips for Business Owners to Minimize Taxes as Retirement Approaches

As you work toward implementing your succession plan, and ultimately, selling your business and retiring, it’s wise to also be considering the tax implications from the sale of your business. You will likely receive a substantial amount of money for your business or your share of it, which could result in an increased tax liability if you don’t plan ahead.

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signing life insurance policy, representing the use of insurance for succession planning
The Role of Insurance in Succession Planning

Don’t overlook the importance of life insurance and long-term care insurance in your small business’s succession plan. A little work today can mean peace of mind for your family and your business tomorrow.

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2 people reviewing and signing paperwork, representing a buy sell agreement
Buy-Sell Agreements Are Essential to Any Small Business Succession Plan

You can help to ensure the continuation of your business by creating a detailed succession plan that contains a buy-sell agreement. This agreement is the heart of your succession plan and acts like a will for your business – it states what will happen to the business once your involvement ends.

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two people looking at paper work, representing determining business valuation
Know What Your Business is Worth. Four Common Business Valuation Methods

Do you know the value of your business today? Here are four common business valuation methods used by industry practitioners.

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