With the estate tax exclusion being set at $5.25 million per person, it's easy for affluent clients whose estates don't quite hit that level to write off creating estate plans or building trusts. But even those in-between clients benefit from establishing trusts in select scenarios.
Married couples can't double-dip and claim spousal benefits, too.
Trying to get up to speed on Social Security-claiming strategies? Check out these go-to resources.
I love when readers with whom I consult about tricky Social Security-claiming strategies report back to me with results.
Advisers need to watch that clients do not inadvertently inflate their income and Medicare costs
Investors who surrender or let policies lapse risk big tax bills for so-called phantom income.
High-net-worth investors increase appetite for risk, poll shows.
Breakfast with Benjamin: At Bernanke's final meeting, Fed poised to cut another $10B from its bond-buying program. Plus: CEOs struggle to manage expectations, income tax pain hits home, a tale of two homebuilder ETFs, and young folks aren't biting on the Obamacare sales pitch.
Crucial blocking and tackling for financial advisers
How to maximize Social Security benefits for a married couple, both of whom turned 66 in January 2013, and are just now filing.
Depending on your income, some of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. But if you repay benefits, you may be eligible for a deduction or credit.
Decisions clients make in the next four weeks can make a significant difference in their annual tax bill.
The file-and-suspend strategy offers an added benefit: It can serve as an insurance policy if you change your mind and decide not to delay your benefits after all.
I am thankful to all my faithful <em>InvestmentNews</em> readers, especially those like Jon Smith, a financial planning consultant with Stifel Investment Services in St. Louis, who track of my blog posts and keep me honest.
Earnings in months leading up to retirement date can be ignored.
Legislators looking for ways to boost Americans' savings for retirement and access to advice.
Recent research shows that due to increases in Social Security's delayed-retirement credit, the real retirement age might now be 70.
With the S&P 500 up more than 29% from the start of the year, on the heels of a 15% gain last year, it is a safe bet that there are plenty of taxable gains sitting inside client portfolios. But even if you feel the market is getting rich, it might be worth waiting until after Jan. 1 to cash out.
