Tag: charlotte NC

Gift and Estate Taxes

Sep 15, 2023

If you give away money or property during your life, those transfers may be subject to federal gift and estate tax and perhaps state gift tax. The money and property you own when you die (i.e., your estate) may also be subject to federal gift and estate tax and some form of state death tax. These property transfers may also be subject to generation-skipping transfer taxes. You should understand all of these taxes, especially since the passage of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (the 2001 Tax Act), the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (the 2010 Tax Act), the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the 2012 Tax Act), and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The recent Tax Acts contain several changes that make estate planning much easier.

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Do Your Investments Match Your Risk Tolerance?

Aug 2, 2023

dice risk risky staircase
When was the last time you checked the contents of your portfolio?

From time to time, it is a good idea to review how your portfolio assets are allocated – how they are divided among asset classes – and make sure they still match with your risk tolerance.

At the inception of your investment strategy, your target asset allocations reflect your tolerance for risk. Over time, though, your portfolio may need adjustments to maintain those target allocations. (more…)

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Facing the Possibility of Incapacity

Jul 26, 2023

Incapacity means that you are either mentally or physically unable to take care of yourself or your day-to-day affairs. Incapacity can result from serious physical injury, mental or physical illness, advancing age, and alcohol or drug abuse.

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Market Update – The Mid Point

Jul 7, 2023

As we finalize the log on the first six months of 2023, we believe there’s value in reflecting on recent months gone by. Doing so can help crystallize key learnings and help chart a course through the rest of the year. Looking back on the first half of 2023, it’s probably fair to say the outcome has been a bit better-than-expected for the stock and bond markets, especially compared to 2022’s tumult. (more…)

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Organizing Your Finances When Your Spouse Has Passed

Jun 30, 2023

Losing a spouse is a stressful transition. And the added pressure of having to settle the estate and organize finances can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make dealing with these matters less difficult.

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Market Update: Headline Inflation at Lowest Level Since April 2021

Jun 14, 2023

Market Update
Market Update

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) print came towards the lower end of expectations with the overall headline inflation falling to the lowest level since April 2021. The encouraging trend in consumer prices will provide the Federal Reserve (Fed) some leeway to keep rates unchanged this month and if the trend continues, the Fed will likely not hike for the rest of the year. (more…)

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Investment Professionals and Advisors

Jun 12, 2023

Free Man Looking At A Screen With Stock Market Data Stock PhotoA wealth of investment information is available if you want to do your own research before making investment decisions. However, many people aren’t comfortable sifting through balance sheets, profit-and-loss statements, and performance reports. Others just don’t have the time, energy, or desire to do the kind of thorough analysis that marks a smart investor.

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Creating an Investment Portfolio

Jun 9, 2023

You’ve identified your goals and done some basic research. You understand the difference between a stock and a bond. But how do you actually go about creating an investment portfolio? What specific investments are right for you? What resources are out there to help you with investment decisions? Do you need a financial professional to help you get started?

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Understanding Risk

Jun 2, 2023

Few terms in personal finance are as important, or used as frequently, as “risk.” Nevertheless, few terms are as imprecisely defined. Generally, when financial advisors or the media talk about investment risk, their focus is on the historical price volatility of the asset or investment under discussion.

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Asset Protection in Estate Planning

May 31, 2023

Estate Planning
What you need to know when protecting your assets

You’re beginning to accumulate substantial wealth, but you worry about protecting it from future potential creditors. Whether your concern is for your personal assets or your business, various tools exist to keep your property safe from tax collectors, accident victims, health-care providers, credit card issuers, business creditors, and creditors of others.

To insulate your property from such claims, you’ll have to evaluate each tool in terms of your own situation. You may decide that insurance and a Declaration of Homestead may be sufficient protection for your home because your exposure to a claim is low. For high exposure, you may want to create a business entity or an offshore trust to shield your assets. Remember, no asset protection tool is guaranteed to work, and you may have to adjust your asset protection strategies as your situation or the laws change.

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More Insights

Dec 6, 2023

A successful investor maximizes gain and minimizes loss. Though there can be no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful and all investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, here are six basic principles that may help you invest more successfully.

Dec 4, 2023

When developing your estate plan, you can do well by doing good. Leaving money to charity rewards you in many ways. It gives you a sense of personal satisfaction, and it can save you money in estate taxes.

Dec 1, 2023

November lived up to its reputation as a strong month for stock market seasonality with the November “Turkey Rally” delivering outsized returns for stocks. Now as we look ahead to December, investors are asking the question: Is the Santa Claus Rally still coming to town?

Nov 29, 2023

Key Takeaways: Gold is starting to shine again after confirming support off its rising 200-day moving average last week. A meaningful pullback in interest rates and the dollar underpinned the recovery in the yellow metal. Momentum indicators point to a bullish trend change, while speculator long positions in gold continue to outpace shorts. Central bank … Continue reading “Is Gold a Good Investment?”

Nov 27, 2023

Keeping good business records will not only help you stay in business but may also help you increase profits. Your business records let you analyze where your business is and where it’s going. They point out potential trouble spots and serve as a guide to where you want your business to be.

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