by msmyers | Dec 7, 2015 | Business Planning, Elder Care, Estate Planning, Retirement
Many clients donate to charities in the spirit of holiday giving. Not all gifts have the same impact, however. Did you know that donating appreciated assets can have a bigger financial impact on the charitable organization than a gift of the cash proceeds from that...
by msmyers | Dec 1, 2015 | Elder Care, Estate Planning, Retirement
Did you know that no one is required to take possession of a property (and mortgage) unless they want to do so? Simply leaving a mortgaged property to your heirs does not necessarily subject them to your debts. However, if your heirs want the property, they must...
by msmyers | Nov 6, 2015 | Estate Planning
The estate and gift tax exemption for 2016 is increased to $5.45 million per individual– increased from $5.43 million in 2015. With the exemption, a US citizen is able $5.45 million to heirs and pay no federal estate or gift tax. A married couple may combine the...
by msmyers | Sep 5, 2015 | Business Planning, Estate Planning
According to a recent study, only 20% of small businesses remain in the family after death of the owner. Many small businesses are sold off after the owner’s death, with assets divided and distributed to beneficiaries named in the business owner’s Will....
by msmyers | Sep 4, 2015 | Elder Care, Estate Planning
For many clients, thinking about estate planning is about as enjoyable as scheduling a root canal. Thinking about death and making decisions in the event of later incapacity is difficult, stressful and often a process that many put off. On the other hand, making a...