Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) are a popular way for individuals with an individual retirement account (IRA) to support charitable organizations while also limiting their overall tax liability. However, like any financial giving tool, QCDs come with their own set of pros and cons and their viability depends on your unique circumstances. In this article, you’ll […]
Read more
Irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs) can be a critical component of an estate plan. They’re a tool that can help you avoid having to pay estate taxes, and ensure more is left behind for your loved ones. In this article, you’ll explore the functionality of ILITs. You’ll see how they work, their benefits and drawbacks, […]
Read more
A Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRT) is an estate planning tool that can provide property owners with substantial estate and gift tax savings. However, they can be complicated to set up, and have numerous rules that must be followed. In this article, you’ll be exposed to what QPRTs are, how they work, and whether or […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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. […]
Read more
© 2024 C.W. O'Conner.
