The House and the Senate have passed their versions of a tax reform bill and there are many similarities, including the limiting of itemized deductions to mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and property taxes, as well as the doubling of the estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax exemptions from $5.6 million to $11.2 million in 2018. It’s possible, but not certain, that…
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A Primer on Charitable Giving
Charitable giving can play an important role in many estate plans, although this may change with upcoming tax law changes. Philanthropy’s true reward is deep personal satisfaction, but it can also give an income tax deduction, let you avoid capital gains tax, and reduce the amount of taxes your estate may owe when you die. There are many ways to…
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Divorce and Social Security
By Matt Carey How does divorce affect Social Security benefits? Some people don’t realize that after a divorce, you can choose whether to claim retirement benefits based on your own earnings record or on your ex-spouse’s earnings record. Of course, that’s provided certain requirements are met. What requirements must be met? You could qualify to take benefits based on your…
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Fall 2017 Wine & Finance: Healthcare Options in Retirement
At our recent Wine & Finance event in the New York office, we explored “Healthcare Options in Retirement” with Audrey Schwartz. It was a wonderful evening, with many clients and friends attending. Thanks for coming! At any age, health care is a priority. But when you retire, it’s time to focus more on healthcare than ever before. That’s why it’s…
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What Is a “Custodian?”
Change of Custodian A custodian is a financial institution with regulatory responsibilities for an investor’s securities, a “house” where your investments live. Blue Spark Capital Advisors is changing custodians to Fidelity from TD, a move that we believe is better for our clients in several ways. You should have received the paperwork, call us with any questions. Investments that you…
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