We all grow old, but we may not want to acknowledge we’re getting older. However, there are benefits to getting older too, and not just experience. Many products are built specifically to make life easier for older Americans. Some of these products are so nice, people may wonder why they waited until they are older…
Author: gstc
When a Living Trust is Your Friend
Frank Sinatra – a singer Michael Crichton – a writer Steve Jobs – a tech pioneer Robin Williams – a comedian Dwight D. Eisenhower – The President of the United States These may all be men you’ve heard a lot about, given their extraordinary success in their respective fields. However, you may realize that they…
Going Beyond the Will
According to legalzoom.com, 56% of Americans agree that estate planning is important. Surprisingly, then, only 34% actually have wills or other estate planning documents. Experience with COVID 19 makes a big difference, 41% of those who had family members with the disease have taken care of this chore. Those who have had COVID are 66%…
Taxes to Consider With Stock Gifting Strategies for the Holidays
When it comes to substantial gifts and wealth transfer within the family, there are strategies that can be used to minimize taxes, and maximize the financial security those gifts create for family members and loved ones. Utilize the annual gift exclusion by giving stock On the federal level, before taxes are imposed on gifts there…
Chuck Feeney: Turning Selling Luxuries Into a Lifetime of Giving
Chuck Feeney died last month. He was perhaps the most prolific philanthropist that no one ever heard of. That’s the way he wanted it. Chuck Feeney wasn’t born into wealth, or into the best of times for the country’s economy. He was born in one of the greatest places in the country, Elizabeth, New Jersey,…
Is a Lump Sum Distribution the Right Decision for Me?
Is a lump sum distribution right for me? Most people think of lottery payments when speaking of the choice of a lump sum vs. an annuity. For some people with pension plans, that decision isn’t just in dreamland though. Both personal and financial factors should be considered when facing that decision. Which will provide more…
“It’s September. Do You Know Where Your Student Loans Are?”
Interest on student loans has started accruing again, with the first repayment due next month in most cases. Given the long hiatus, it’s possible that the service providers handling many of these loans have changed. By some estimates, over 17 million of the student loans—about 1/3 of the loans—are now being handled by someone else.…