In today’s digital age, scams and other criminal behavior seem to garner additional news headlines every day, making careful stewardship of your digital financial security of the utmost importance. While many individuals and businesses have embraced electronic payment methods, it’s important to remember that physical checks still remain a significant…
As appeared in “Tax Notes Today Federal,” April 16, 2023, by Erin McManus. The estate of a widow of a regional bank founder is challenging a $5.47 million estate tax deficiency arising from alleged additional unreported lifetime gifts and understated valuations, and from disallowed interest on loans to pay expenses. Carolyn…
When we think of a trustee, we think of an individual who is literally in a position of trust – this usually refers to someone managing property, authority or responsibility on behalf of others. Serving as a trustee carries with it a fiduciary obligation that may, in addition to a meaningful commitment of time, also require investment, accounting and legal expertise.
Fieldpoint Private’s Nick Bertha, President of Fieldpoint Trust provides insights and actionable strategies families might want to consider in a new article for Family Wealth Report. Bertha notes that some of the most powerful trust planning techniques are often overlooked or misunderstood by those who can benefit from them the…
It is an unfortunate reality of modern life that we are all just a click away from our own personal online armageddons. However, by following just a handful of simple tips you can protect yourself from the vast majority of malicious attempts that might otherwise compromise your personal information, and…
The U.S. housing market is the cornerstone of economic growth and prosperity. With total housing spending contributing over 15% to annual GDP since the mid 1980’s (Chart 1), the market is a key contributor to economic output, household wealth, consumer spending, fixed investment, and employment. Reference note: “Residential fixed investment”…
As readers of these Tax Alerts are aware, many tax proposals and “scares” emanate from Washington which cause much consternation, sometimes prophylactic, proactive tax planning, and yet in the end do not come to fruition. The current poster child being last year’s tax law legislation that continues to flounder on…
There is a simple and popular investment narrative that has emerged from the fog of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: geopolitical events are good buying opportunities for risk assets because the hit to sentiment is short-lived and the domestic (U.S.) economic impacts of these events have proven to be limited….
February’s Market Update examines the impact Russia and Ukraine have on markets as several themes emerge: commodities soar, flight to safe haven assets, exacerbation of inflation and challenges to the monetary policy. The status and subsequent valuations of the current equity market sell off, along with the current outlook for…
Many of you reading this have thoughtful and comprehensive estate plans in place, with all of the necessary supporting documents fully executed, subject to periodic review and updates. If that’s you, you can stop reading here. This article is for everyone else. Intentionally defective grantor trust. Durable Power of Attorney….
There’s no better way to celebrate the Feast of Saint Valentine than with a good old fashioned glam power ballad (preferably if you’ve teased out your hair and have a stereo that goes up to 11). There is ample wisdom and perspective in these soaring, heartfelt tracks, from White…
As 2021 enters our rear view mirror and we look ahead to the open road of 2022, there are certainly many variables to consider. With consumer spending representing nearly 70% of U.S. GDP, it’s quite evident the sizeable role consumers play in defining the trajectory of the U.S. economy. In…