Dear Garden State Trust: I have two grown children, both married. One couple is financially secure; the other is less so. Candidly, I don’t trust the spouse of my child who is struggling. Is there something I can do to keep that child’s inheritance from the spouse’s hands? How do I treat the children differently…
Month: March 2018
An Introduction to ABLE Accounts
On December 3, 2014, Congress passed the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, or as it’s more commonly known as, the ABLE Act. The ABLE Act authorized a new type of tax-favored savings account for blind or disabled individuals with a qualifying disability incurred prior to age 26. As of January 1, 2018, these individuals…
Elusive Treasures
St. Patrick’s day brings to mind the Irish legend of the pot of gold guarded by a leprechaun at the end of the rainbow. The pot of gold is simply unreachable because its location changes as soon as the treasure hunter’s location changes to investigate. The refracted light on water droplets that creates the rainbow…
Roth Conversions
Dear Garden State Trust Company: Last year I converted my traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. However, now that I see the income tax that will be due, I’m not so sure it was a great idea. Can I change my mind? —Second Thoughts Dear Second: You have until October 15, 2018, to recharacterize your…
Think Hard Before Tapping Your 401(k) Balance
One of the features that make 401(k) plans so attractive is that your money is not completely out of reach should an emergency need arise. Most plans allow for loans that are completely tax free if repaid as agreed. (Interest payments will be required, but they will be credited to the account.) In a major…