Gift giving is the surest way to help loved ones of all ages, establish a legacy, and reduce estate taxes when the estate is large enough. Yet, many people are hesitant to make significant gifts to loved ones, because of the potential pitfalls. Those pitfalls, however, can be avoided with some shrewd...
Posted to
Retirement Watch
by
Bob Carlson
on
07-10-2009
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Filed under: Estate Planning, estates, Estate tax, tax-free gifts, taxable gifts, gifts, Carlson, Bob Carlson, trusts, estate taxes, grandkids, annual exclusion, grandchildren, creditor protection, asset protection
Trusts are part of more and more estate plans. Often trusts are used to hold and manage assets for younger generations. Sometimes the beneficiaries are too young or inexperienced to manage the assets. Other times the older generation is afraid the younger generation might not resist temptations to spend...
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Retirement Watch
by
Bob Carlson
on
01-16-2009
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Filed under: Bob Carson, Estate Planning, estates, Estate tax, tax-free gifts, taxable gifts, gifts, Carlson, Bob Carlson, wills, trusts, estate taxes, grandkids, grandchildren, creditor protection, asset protection, investments
Family limited partnerships have been a key element in many estate plans for decades. The FLP provides an array of benefits to the estate owner, not the least of which are tax reduction plus continuing control of the assets. Those benefits and the popularity of FLPs are why the IRS has been fighting...
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Retirement Watch
by
Bob Carlson
on
09-26-2008
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Filed under: Bob Carson, Estate Planning, estates, Estate tax, tax-free gifts, taxable gifts, gifts, Carlson, Bob Carlson, wills, trusts, homes, estate taxes, grandkids, real estate, grandchildren, retirement, retirement plans, creditor protection, asset protection, business sales, selling a business, family limited partnerships, partnerships
Lawsuits, accidents, and other unexpected events can put personal assets at risk of loss. Protecting assets from these and other potential losses is a prime goal of many people. While expensive asset protection packages are available from various finance professionals, there are much simpler ways to...
Posted to
Retirement Watch
by
Bob Carlson
on
07-25-2008
Filed under:
Filed under: Estate Planning, IRA Benefits, estates, Carlson, Bob Carlson, iras, trusts, real estate, mortgages, retirement plans, insurance, lawsuits, annuities, creditor protection, asset protection