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Estate Planning for Blended Families: What is a QTIP Trust?

A Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) trust is an estate planning tool that enables a grantor (i.e. the trust’s creator) of a blended family to take care of their surviving spouse while retaining full control over the distribution of their assets, even after their surviving spouse passes away. In this article, you’ll be given a […]

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Screen showing graphs and data, representing Market Review for February 2023

Market Review – February 2023

Hot Data, Cool Markets, Good News While markets retreat, the shift in rate expectations show signs the end of rate hikes is near February 2023 Key Observations Strong economic data pushed market expectations to 0.5% more rate hikes by year end. While perhaps overdone, this speaks to the end is near on rising rates. With […]

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Picture of senior couple and child representing Grandparents creating a trust for their grandchildren

Trusts for Grandchildren: Generation-Skipping Trusts Pros and Cons

The generation skipping-trust (GST) is a powerful estate planning tool that can help protect your wealth for generations to come. That’s because this type of irrevocable trust allows you to pass on assets to your grandchildren and other members of future generations without incurring gift or estate taxes. In this article, you’ll be exposed to […]

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Stock chart representing January 2023 Market Review

Market Review – January 2023

Markets Start 2023 Off with a Bang Filter out the noise and stay the course January 2023 Key Observations Market Recap Broad asset classes kicked off the new year higher after a not-so-jolly December. Sentiment turned decidedly positive based on slowing wage and job growth and cooling price pressures. These trends provided optimism for a […]

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Stock chart representing the Market Outlook for 2023

2023 Outlook: Goodbye TINA (There is No Alternative)

Key Observations Our investment views are based on a simple idea: as facts change, so may our outlook. The last few years have been an interesting period for this ethos as our annual outlook is beginning to feel like a game of ping-pong, oscillating between bulls and bears, as the environment shifts around us. Our […]

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business agent explaining contract to couple, representing Charitable Remainder Trust

Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) Pros and Cons

When it comes to charitable giving, you’ll want to make the biggest impact possible. But figuring out the best way to do so isn’t always easy. That’s because there’s a variety of charitable giving vehicles that are tailored to different individual needs and goals.  One of those vehicles is a charitable remainder trust (CRT). They […]

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Paper page with Estate Planning printed at the top with eye glasses and a pen.

Financial Estate Planning: Your Guide to Trusts, Gifting Strategies, Charitable Donations, and Taxes

Through the process of estate planning, you’re able to establish, shape, and protect your legacy.  But the strategies that will be most helpful to you will depend on your individual circumstances.  In this article, you’ll be exposed to a variety of estate planning tools that can help maximize the wealth you’re transferring to those next-in-line. […]

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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

Table of Contents1 Filing Form 5500-EZ for your Self-Employed 401(k) Plan2 What Makes Solo 401(k) Plans Simple?3 Form 5500-EZ Filing Deadline4 Electronic Filing of Form 5500-EZ5 Getting a Form 5500-EZ Filing Extension5.1 How We Can Help Your Business Filing Form 5500-EZ for your Self-Employed 401(k) Plan There’s good news if you’re a solo entrepreneur or […]

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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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