Understanding Probate When you die, you leave behind your estate. Your estate consists of your assets — all of your money, real estate, and worldly belongings. Your estate also includes your debts, expenses, and unpaid taxes. After you die, somebody must take charge of your estate and settle your affairs. This person will take your […]

Notable Changes for Tax Year 2025 The tax year 2025 adjustments described below generally apply to income tax returns to be filed starting tax season 2026. The tax items for tax year 2025 of greatest interest to many taxpayers include the following dollar amounts: ·         Standard deductions. For single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately for […]

Estate, Gift, and GST Taxation and Trusts How are trusts treated for federal estate, gift, and GST tax purposes? A trust is created when you (the grantor) transfer property to a trustee for the benefit of a third person (the beneficiary). The act of transferring property to a trust is generally treated no differently than […]

Analyzing the Latest Trends in the US Producer Price Index (PPI) October 11, 2024 The US Producer Price Index (PPI) is a pivotal economic measure, reflecting the average change over time in the selling prices received by domestic producers. It is a key indicator of inflation at the production level and offers valuable insights into the economic […]

As we approach 2025, it’s essential to prepare for the financial changes that come with it. One critical aspect of financial planning is understanding the annual contribution limits for various accounts, as these limits can significantly impact your ability to save and invest for the future. In this article, we’ll look closer at the contribution […]

Trust Documents: The Basics October 7, 2024 Whether you’re seeking to manage your own assets, control how your assets are distributed after your death, or plan for incapacity, trusts can help you accomplish your estate planning goals. Their power is in their versatility — many types of trusts exist, each designed for a specific purpose. […]

Effective Federal Funds Rate Monthly Update: Key Insights & Analysis September 18, 2024 The Effective Federal Funds Rate is a crucial benchmark interest rate that influences the cost of borrowing and the overall financial landscape in the United States. Set by the Federal Reserve, changes in the Effective Federal Funds Rate can significantly impact economic […]

September 2024 Market Summary: Equities Gain Strength, Fed Cuts Rates, and Treasury Yields Decline Stocks fell in the first week of September but gained strength leading up to and following the FOMC meeting on September 18th. The S&P 500 rose 2.1% in August, the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 2%, and the Nasdaq Composite added 2.8%. Emerging Markets was a big beneficiary […]

Markets tumbled recently, giving their worst performance of 2024.1 And then promptly rallied again. If you’ve been reading our recent emails, you’re probably not surprised. Let’s talk about what’s going on. What’s driving the volatility? Profit-taking, for one. Markets notched big gains in August, and traders decided to cash in some profits, which drove prices […]

The equity pullback continued into the first week of August but most indices regained a substantial amount of their losses by month’s end. The S&P 500 rose 2.4% in August, the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 2%, and the Nasdaq Composite added 0.7%. The one laggard on our chart (below) was the small-cap Russell 2000 […]