Your best guide to reducing 2014 income taxes is your 2013 tax return. Before filing it away, study it for opportunities to generate a lower bottom line tax bill next year. Read More

You can generate tax breaks plus a stream of income by making well-planned charitable gifts. Read More

There’s more turmoil in the long-term care insurance, with insurers either raising rates or dropping out of the market. Long-term care is a major risk, so you need a plan to pay for it that takes into account changes in the market. Read More

Many people think the bypass trust, that long-time staple of estate planning, is obsolete. Far from it. When properly adapted to the current estate tax law, the bypass trust provides a range of family wealth benefits. Read More

Year-end tax planning can be done in 2013 with some confidence, because Congress isn’t working on last-minute changes to the law. But when doing your tax planning this year, be aware that there are several new or renewed provisions that increase taxes on those who overlook them. Read More

Many IRA owners would like to ensure their IRAs last for decades and help at least two generations. To achieve this goal, both the IRA owner and beneficiaries must take certain actions. Read More

The passing of actor James Gandolfini, best known as Tony Soprano in The Sopranos, generated a lot of commentary in the financial and legal media about his will. The discussion about Gandolfini’s will contains good points for each of us. Read More

The tax deal made in Washington in late 2012 and early 2013 should change the way many people view estate planning. But it shouldn’t make anyone ignore estate planning or give it a lower priority. Read More

It’s time to reconsider how your cash and “safe funds” are invested. There’s at least one new option that pays more than a competitive yield and also delivers up to three times your money to cover any long-term care expenses you incur. Read More

Estate planning no longer is primarily about taxes. Yet, you need a complete, up-to-date estate plan more than ever regardless of the value of your estate. Read More