Insights + Resources

Epic Insights

Basis: Carryover or Stepped-Up Cost Basis?

Mar 17, 2025

FAQs about cost basis
Answers to some frequently asked questions

Income tax basis can be an important factor in deciding whether to make gifts during your lifetime or transfer property at your death. This is because the income tax basis for the person receiving the property depends on whether the transfer is by gift or at death. This, in turn, affects the amount of taxable gain subject to income tax when the person sells the property.

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Managing Risk

Mar 14, 2025

Finance Game Dice Risk
“Rule No.1: Never lose money. Rule No.2: Never forget rule No.1.” –Warren Buffett

Risk is a factor in any investment decision that you make. Your tolerance for risk is something that you will want to consider when you make decisions alongside your trusted financial advisor in Charlotte NC. Your risk tolerance is balanced against your time horizon, meaning the time between now and your anticipated retirement date. (more…)



Market Update – Navigating Volatility

Mar 12, 2025

Market volatility has arrived in force. The slowdown in the economy and more policy-driven volatility was the consensus expectation coming into 2025. What was not expected, however, was how much the Trump administration would lean into tariffs. During President Trump’s first term, in most instances, investors observed the administration delaying, reducing, or even removing tariffs when the stock market expressed disapproval. Olive branches from the White House sparked stock rebounds. (more…)



Estate Planning Checklist for When a Spouse or Parent Passes

Mar 10, 2025

Estate Planning Death Checklist
An overview of some of the fundamental steps to take.

When you lose a spouse, partner, or parent, the grief can be overwhelming. In the midst of that grief, life goes on. There are arrangements to be made, things to be taken care of – and in recognition of this reality, here is a checklist that you may find useful at such a time. If not, estate planning is an important aspect of one’s overall financial picture. It plans for what comes next.

First, gather documents. Ask for help from other family members if you need it. Start by gathering the following. (more…)

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Social Security Survivor Benefits

Mar 7, 2025

When you think of Social Security, you probably think of retirement. However, Social Security can also provide much-needed income to your family members when you die, making their financial lives easier.

Your family members may be eligible to receive survivor benefits if you worked, paid Social Security taxes, and earned enough work credits. The number of credits you need depends on your age when you die. The younger you are when you die, the fewer credits you’ll need for survivor benefits. However, no one needs more than 40 credits (10 years of work) to be “fully insured” for benefits. And under a special rule, if you’re only “currently insured” at the time of your death (i.e., you have 6 credits in the 13 quarters prior to your death), your children and your spouse who is caring for them can still receive benefits.

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Cost of Medical Care

Mar 5, 2025

Choosing Medical Care Options
The expense of insuring yourself may be minor compared to the price of surgeries and procedures.

When uninsured people end up in the hospital, “sticker shock” can follow. Just a quick look at the current prices for medical care procedures can be sobering.

How much does a CT scan cost? Between $250 to $1,500, depending on where it is performed. Need a stent in your heart? The average cost of that delicate procedure is now close to $20,000. How about a knee replacement? That surgery may run anywhere from $15,000 to $35,000.1,2 (more…)

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The Need for Power of Attorney

Mar 3, 2025

Free Hammer Books photo and pictureThe point of the POA. A power of attorney (POA) is a legal instrument that delegates an individual’s legal authority to another person. If an individual is incapacitated, the POA assigns a trusted party to make decisions on his or her behalf. (more…)

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Resources

Outlook 2025

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2025 Annual Limits for Financial Planning

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Outlook 2024

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2024 Annual Limits for Financial Planning

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