I recently explored upgrading from my current condo into a house, but the resulting property tax and mortgage expense increase would be too great for me to justify a move. This same predicament, which I call the “golden handcuffs” provides disincentives for many homeowners to move, fanning the flames of the affordable housing shortage in North County.
Read MoreIt is a sad fact of life that often those who are close to us are the ones who have the ability to hurt us the most, even trusted caregivers or family members. Members of the La Jolla community may recall the chilling case of Robert Stella, an elderly man who was tied to his bed, starved, and forced to live in squalor by his ex-wife (NBC, 2014). Elder abuse can happen to any older adult in any community, but the subject of our story today is how our community members in La Jolla, CA may defend themselves and their loved ones from elder abuse.
Read MoreEmbarking on a financial plan is like sailing around the world. The voyage won’t always go to plan, and there will be rough seas. But the odds of reaching your destination increase greatly if you are prepared, flexible, patient, and well-advised.
Read MoreLooking at broad market indices, emerging markets outperformed developed markets, including the US, in the first quarter.
Non-US real estate investment trusts outperformed US REITs in the first quarter.
Interest rates increased in the US during the first quarter.
The yield on the 10-year Treasury note increased to 2.74%.
The amount you can pass without owing estate taxes essentially doubled as of January 1st thanks to the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
This estate tax provision will expire at the end of 2025.
Estate plans based on prior tax law should be re-evaluated to ensure your intentions match the current law.
Older estate plans may ultimately cost your beneficiaries more in taxes and/or unnecessary recordkeeping requirements.
Silence and privacy are the most undervalued assets in a client’s portfolio. We say this to acknowledge an often overlooked facet of investment management and financial planning: client confidentiality. This is something that many financial advisors and even their clients don’t pay enough attention to until it is too late. Is your advisor doing what your advisor should be doing to protect your confidentiality?
Read MoreThe 10 year anniversary of a record S&P 500 high point is upon us, with several other crisis period anniversaries like the Lehman bankruptcy coming in succeeding months.
Reflecting on your experience back then and looking at the recoveries of other financial crises can help prepare you for the next one.
The recent tax proposal would significantly change income taxes, but there are many important provisions that have not been specified.
