How Strategic Giving Can Offset Capital Gains Before Year-End
Selling investments that have grown in value feels like a win—until tax season arrives. Imagine a stock you bought at $10,000 and sold for $50,000. Now, the IRS wants a piece of your $40,000 gain. At the highest federal rate of 20%, plus the 3.8% Medicare surtax, you could owe nearly $9,500 in taxes on that single transaction. State taxes might add even more. But the same appreciated assets that create...
5 Steps to Maximize Business Value Before You Sell
Most business owners wait too long to think about their exit. They build companies for decades, pouring time and resources into growth, then suddenly decide it's time to sell. Maybe a competitor makes an unsolicited offer. Maybe health concerns force the issue. Whatever triggers the decision, these owners quickly discover they're not ready, and that lack of preparation costs them. According to the Exit Planning Institute, only 20 to 30% of...
How to Give More (and Save on Taxes) With Charitable Contributions This Holiday Season
The holiday season brings out something special in people. Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, Americans open their wallets to support causes they care about. Last year, donors gave an estimated $3.6 billion on GivingTuesday alone, and December accounts for roughly 30% of annual charitable donations. The spirit of giving runs strong during these months, but many donors miss opportunities to maximize both their impact and their tax savings. Understanding how...
Integrating Estate Planning with Your Retirement Strategy
You've spent decades building your retirement nest egg. Your 401(k) is funded, your IRA is growing, and you've run the numbers countless times. But there's a critical piece missing from your retirement puzzle - what happens to all that money after you're gone? More importantly, what happens to your family if something happens to you before retirement? Most people treat retirement planning and estate planning like separate projects handled by different...