Our Spring 2025 financial planning newsletter is now available. And there's a lot to cover! We share tips for how to handle 401(k) rollovers during volatile market conditions and a TurboTax double-check for social security recipients. On investing topics, we review current market conditions, whether … [Read more...]
Spring 2024 Financial Planning Newsletter
The Spring 2024 financial planning newsletter is now available. In addition to the investment market update, we include financial spring cleaning ideas and links to some of our team's favorite financial podcasts. We also provide a gentle nudge on keeping your estate planning up-to-date, along with … [Read more...]
Tax-Efficient Beneficiary Designations
Many of our clients plan to leave part of their estate to charity and part of it to individual people. If this is one of your goals, you can maximize the value of your gift by thinking about income taxes. Tax-efficient beneficiary designations allow your gifts to go the farthest. Designating all … [Read more...]
Build Back Better 2021 Year-End Planning Considerations
We want to share a few items for 2021 year-end planning consideration as a result of the Build Back Better reconciliation bill introduced in Congress on September 13. One of the biggest changes is the elimination of Roth conversions of after-tax dollars beginning in 2022. Please see our full … [Read more...]
Financial Planning April 2021 Newsletter
The second quarter financial planning newsletter is now available. It includes information on inherited IRA required minimum distributions, estate planning, spending plans, and an overview of the investment markets. We also share an update on meeting options and our team. Click here to read the … [Read more...]
Estate Planning for 21st Century Couples
Our clients have many different preferences, and we love to see when someone is intentional about what’s right for them. In this article, we'll focus on two examples of modern decisions that are becoming increasingly common. For couples who embrace these choices, the benefits can far outweigh the … [Read more...]
November Personal Finance Newsletter
Our November personal finance newsletter is now available. In addition to the investment market update, it includes several articles on personal financial planning. We have updates released by the IRS and social security administration for 2015: Retirement plan contribution limits for … [Read more...]
May 2013 Personal Finance Newsletter
The May personal finance newsletter is now available. In addition to the introduction of our new staff members Jordan Nightingale and Rachel Songer, it includes financial planning information on understanding your expenses in your 401k as you plan your retirement, how to use payable on death … [Read more...]
October Personal Finance Newsletter
The October personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes the 2013 social security cost of living adjustment and maximum earnings level just announced this morning. A detailed review of the 3rd quarter investment market performance, plus 2012 year-to-date information is also covered. … [Read more...]
July/August Personal Finance Newsletter
The July/August personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes a review of the investment markets through second quarter, consideration of potential outcomes with the federal estate tax for 2013, and an announcement about the personal financial planning workshop schedule for this fall in … [Read more...]
December 2011 Personal Finance Newsletter
The December personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes information on a new student loan repayment program going into effect in January 2012, gift tax strategies, and tips on keeping your online accounts secure. Plus, for those that enjoy history, there's some perspective on stock … [Read more...]
August Personal Finance Newsletter
The August personal finance newsletter is now available. It features a Q&A on the debt ceiling, downgrade, and market response. Plus there's a follow-up on the ABCs of Trusts article from last month's newsletter, suggestions on talking with your high school student about college costs, an … [Read more...]
July Personal Finance Newsletter
The July personal financial planning newsletter is now available. Because of the tumultuous investment markets and economic uncertainty, the newsletter includes two investing columns -- one a recap of the second quarter market performance with a look forward, and another by Jim Parker with … [Read more...]
April Personal Finance Newsletter
The April 2011 Personal Finance Newsletter is now available. This month's newsletter includes a reminder on Monday's 2010 IRA contribution deadline and information on social security statements being suspended. We also have articles on the estate tax exemption portability and the opportunity for … [Read more...]
March Personal Finance Newsletter
The March personal financial planning newsletter is now available. It includes an update on the investment market, tips on cutting discretionary spending to build your cash reserve, planned charitable giving, and social security survivors benefit. There's also a special guest column from attorney … [Read more...]
January 2011 Personal Finance Newsletter
The January newsletter is now available with a 2010 investment market recap, a humorous look at investing resolutions for the new year, and details on the estate tax changes enacted in December. It also includes an announcement of topics for the Keller Public Library personal finance workshop … [Read more...]
November Personal Finance Newsletter
The November personal finance newsletter is now available. It includes information 2011 retirement plan contribution limits -- most are unchanged, but if you're right on the edge of having too much income to make Roth IRA contributions, you should check out the slightly increased income phase-out … [Read more...]
January 2010 Newsletter
The January 2010 newsletter is now available. Beginning in 2010, it will be published the second week of each month. This month's newsletter includes a brief 2009 market update, an update on the estate tax for 2010, how to conduct a home inventory, and more. Click here to read it. … [Read more...]
2010 Key Numbers
The key numbers guide from Forefield has been updated for 2010. Not a lot of changes from last year, but still a convenient reference. It includes limits on retirement plan contributions, tax brackets, tax credit and deduction phase-outs, social security benefits, medicare, and much more. 2010 … [Read more...]
Charitable Giving as Part of Your Estate Plan
As the holidays approach, it’s a good time to consider charitable giving as a potential part of your estate plan. Giving provides a sense of personal satisfaction, and it can be beneficial from a financial planning perspective. If you’re one of the 2% of Americans currently subject to the … [Read more...]
Roth conversion as estate planning technique
The 2010 lifting of income limits for Roth IRA conversions creates a sizable opportunity to reduce estate taxes. We’ve already discussed Roth IRA conversion basics, and who might want to convert. But if your estate is potentially subject to the estate tax at your death, you have an additional … [Read more...]
July 2009 Newsletter
The July 2009 newsletter is now available online. It reviews some blog information on FDIC insurance limits, establishing an emergency fund, and down market estate planning opportunities. It also covers new information on whether or not you should refinance your mortgage and considerations in … [Read more...]
Estate Planning Opportunities in a Down Market
Most Americans are not subject to the federal estate tax at its current exemption levels. For 2009, each person can pass $3.5 million to heirs estate-tax free at their death. However, if your estate has the potential to be affected by the estate tax, you have some planning opportunities right … [Read more...]
June 2009 Newsletter
The June 2009 newsletter is now available. It includes articles on the new credit card law provisions, energy-efficient tax credits, estate planning for second marriages, and social security planning. Click here to read it. … [Read more...]
April 2009 Newsletter
The April 2009 newsletter is now available online. It includes an update on market conditions, plus information on the Cobra subsidy, writing off worthless securities on your taxes, an estate planning pitfall to avoid, a conversation for parents about saving for retirement vs. college, and a how-to … [Read more...]
To Will or Not to Will
Catchy title, isn't it? To Will or Not to Will. I would love to take credit for it, but it all goes to the Texas Young Lawyers Association and the State Bar of Texas. When you do as a resident of Texas, if you don't have a will, the state of Texas has one for you. It's possible that the state's … [Read more...]