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...
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Retirement Watch
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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
Gift giving is the surest way to reduce estate taxes, help loved ones of all ages, and establish a legacy. Yet, many people are hesitant to make significant gifts to loved ones, because of some potential pitfalls. Those pitfalls, however, can be avoided with some shrewd and creative giving strategies...
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Retirement Watch
by
Bob Carlson
on
04-24-2009
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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, annual exclusion, grandchildren
Last week we discussed how today’s economic distress creates estate planning opportunities. Because of today’s reduced asset values, estate owners can shift assets out of their estates tax at much lower tax cost than they could have a year or two ago. We went over basic strategies for taking...
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Retirement Watch
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Bob Carlson
on
02-20-2009
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Filed under: Bob Carson, Estate Planning, estates, Estate tax, tax-free gifts, taxable gifts, gifts, Carlson, Bob Carlson, wills, income taxes, trusts, homes, estate taxes, grandkids, annual exclusion, grandchildren, financial crisis, investments, portfolios
There is at least one silver lining in today's dark clouds—estate planning opportunities are being created. Falling market prices and low interest rates are a great combination for estate planners. If the price depression of the assets is temporary, there is the potential to transfer significant...
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Retirement Watch
by
Bob Carlson
on
02-13-2009
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Filed under: Estate Planning, estates, Estate tax, tax-free gifts, taxable gifts, gifts, Carlson, Bob Carlson, estate taxes, grandkids, real estate, annual exclusion, grandchildren, financial crisis, stock, stocks, investments, portfolios