Financial

Making your estate plan tax efficient may not be in the forefront of your mind when it comes to thinking about your legacy. But with the right planning, you’ll be able to make your estate plan tax efficient, saving your assets for future generations. Estate planning is not merely about passing on your assets; it’s also about ensuring that your loved ones receive as much of your estate as possible. One crucial aspect often overlooked is tax efficiency. Taxes
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Are severance agreements dead? The value of those agreements for employers will be significantly less if employees are free to disparage employers after being paid.

Update to Employee Severance Agreements by The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
In recent years, the landscape of employee severance agreements has undergone significant scrutiny and adjustment, particularly with regards to confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has played a pivotal role in shaping these changes, emphasizing the protection of
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In December 2022, Congress enacted the SECURE 2.0 Act as part of its efforts to encourage Americans to focus on savings, both for retirement and for emergencies. Two of the provisions of SECURE 2.0 – related to automatic portability programs that facilitate transfers between employers and for pension-linked emergency savings accounts (“PLESAs”) – are now the subject of Department of Labor guidance. This guidance provides employers some key insights into how these optional provisions will work in practice, and
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Estate planning for couples is a great topic for you and your partner this Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day is not just about chocolates and roses; it’s also a perfect time for couples to consider building a lasting legacy together through estate planning. While conversations about wills and trusts might not seem romantic, they are crucial for ensuring your loved one’s future security and peace of mind.
Estate Planning for Couples at Any Stage
Here are some essential estate planning
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Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts may alleviate heavy tax burdens on your estate. Are you aware your life insurance policy may bring a heavy tax burden along with it? Many individuals and families are unaware of how their life insurance policies may affect their estate plans, especially those with significant wealth. But fear not, there’s a solution that might just alleviate this stress: Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs) and Crummey Letters.

Let’s break it down into simpler terms.
What’s an
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Estate planning and retirement might seem like two separate financial matters, but they are intricately linked, forming the foundation of your financial security and legacy. While retirement planning focuses on ensuring you have enough funds to live comfortably after you stop working, estate planning addresses how your assets will be managed and distributed both during your lifetime and after your passing. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential connection between estate planning and retirement and provide actionable steps to
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Phantom stock plans are a deferred compensation tool companies can use to attract, motivate, and retain talented employees. These plans (also known by many other names, i.e., shadow stock plans, phantom equity plans, synthetic equity programs, etc.) offer employees some of the benefits of stock ownership without transferring company equity. While phantom stock plans bring many advantages, employers must avoid pitfalls and ensure smooth administration, especially when considering future change-of-ownership transactions.

While phantom stock plans offer a unique compensation
Continue Reading Phantom Stock 101: A Primer on Invisible Equity

In an increasingly digital age, our lives are intricately woven into the fabric of the online world. From financial accounts to cherished memories captured on social media, our digital footprint holds a significant part of our legacy. Yet, many individuals overlook the importance of including digital assets in their estate planning. Let’s explore why safeguarding your digital assets is crucial and how to ensure they are part of your comprehensive estate plan.

1. Understanding Digital Assets:

Digital assets encompass
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The Corporate Transparency Act has gone into effect this year. In the ever-evolving business landscape, staying on top of regulatory changes is crucial. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), effective from January 1, 2024, brings important requirements for small businesses across the United States. Let’s dive into the key aspects of the CTA and what small business owners need to know to ensure compliance.
The Corporate Transparency Act
Understanding the CTA

Enacted in 2021, the CTA is a legislative response
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A prenuptial agreement, which is commonly referred to as a “prenup,” is a legal contract that may be entered into by two people before they get married or enter into a civil partnership. This agreement outlines the distribution of assets and liabilities in the event of a divorce or separation.

While prenuptial agreements may be used by any couple, they can be especially beneficial for couples with a high net worth. Understanding the various ways that a prenup
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Private equity firms are eating up physician practices, and they are not slowing down. According to a recent report from the American Antitrust Institute (hereinafter the AAI Report), private equity acquisitions of physician practices increased from 75 deals in 2012 to 484 deals in 2021. In some urban areas, a private equity firm might own 30% or more of the physician practices, which reduces competition and as studies are showing, increases prices for consumers.

Private equity ownership of physician
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A smooth transition for your family, when the time comes, is the most important gift you can give. This holiday season as we settle in for time with family and loved ones, it’s also a time to reflect on what truly matters, including the well-being and security of our family’s future. In the spirit of giving, this holiday season, let’s consider a gift that may not come wrapped with a bow but could be one of the most significant
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Tax efficient gifting is the way to go this holiday season! As the holiday season approaches, many of us think about giving back, especially through gifts from our estate. While it’s a season of generosity and gratitude, it’s also an ideal time to consider how to make your gifting tax-efficient. This post will guide you through the essentials of gifting from your estate during the holidays, ensuring your acts of kindness are also tax-efficient.
How to Make Your
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Estate planning is a crucial aspect of securing your financial future and ensuring your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone. However, it’s not a one-and-done task. Life changes, laws evolve, and financial circumstances shift. To maintain the effectiveness of your estate plan, you must periodically update it. Here we’ll provide you with a comprehensive checklist to ensure your estate plan stays current and aligned with your wishes. Let’s dive in!
Updating Your Estate Plan

  • Review Your

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    When it comes to securing your family’s well-being after you’re gone, relying solely on a will may not be enough. Although estate planning isn’t a pleasant topic for daily consideration, it’s essential to prepare adequately. While a will is a commonly used estate planning tool, it might not provide the comprehensive protection your family needs. Here we’ll explore the top five reasons why you should consider more than just a will when planning your estate.
    5 Reasons a Will
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    Planning for your minor children in your estate plan is a crucial aspect of parenthood that ensures their well-being and security, even in your absence. It involves thoughtful considerations and strategic decision-making. Here are the key steps to take when planning for minor children, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for them.
    Planning for Minor Children in Your Estate Plan
    Appoint a Guardian for Your Child

    The decision to name a guardian for your child is one of the
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