Thinking About Naming a Trust as a Beneficiary? Know the nuances to ensure that your plan aligns with your financial goals

A critical part of estate planning is deciding how to distribute your retirement assets, such as IRAs or 401(k)s. One option is to name a trust as the beneficiary of these accounts, which can offer benefits in terms of control and protection. However, this decision also comes with potential tax implications and administrative complexities. It’s…

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Trump Econ 101: Not sure what the next four years of Trump might mean to you financially? For reference, try the four years beginning in 2017 through January 2021.

I know for many of you there is a high degree of excitement and anticipation for the next four years of a Trump presidency. I also know that for many of you there is fear and trepidation. What I also know is that The United States is and incredibly well-designed country and our political system,…

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Individual vs. Joint Trust: Which Do You Need? Make sure your estate plan reflects your wishes and provides protection

Creating an estate plan is a vital step in securing your financial legacy, and if you’re doing it for the first time with a spouse or partner, you’ll quickly face an important decision: Should you set up a Joint Revocable Trust or create separate Individual Revocable Trusts? Understanding the difference between the two can be…

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CyberAttack Risks on Defined Contribution Plans: Tips for protecting financial assets and preserving confidence in the system

It is not just about protecting financial assets; it’s about preserving the confidence in a system that In the landscape of modern financial security, defined contribution plans stand as fortresses safeguarding the future of the workforce. The towering $10.2 trillion in assets within these plans is a testament to the collective effort of countless individuals…

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DOL Confirms Cybersecurity Guidance Application: Tips for retirement and health and welfare plan fiduciaries to stay vigilant

On Friday, September 6, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) confirmed that its 2021 cybersecurity guidance extends to all employee benefit plans, including health and welfare plans. This clarification, issued through a Compliance Assistance Release, underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity practices across all sectors of employee benefits, not just retirement plans. The retirement…

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Fall Season: 5 Steps to a Secure Financial Future Take action and position yourself for a financially healthy winter and beyond

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures cooler, we are officially in the fall season—a time often associated with preparation, change, and reflection. Just as we prepare our homes for colder weather or harvest the final fruits of summer labor, fall is an ideal time to evaluate and prepare your financial future. Here are…

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Famous Estate Planning Blunders

By Elaine Floyd, CFP ® Celebrities have enough money to hire the best estate planning lawyers. You would think celebrities, of all people, should have ironclad estate plans that keep their affairs private, leave money and possessions to the people they love and the charities they care about, and take advantage of legal ways to avoid…

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Fall Season: 5 Steps to a Secure Financial Future – Take action and position yourself for a financially healthy winter and beyond

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures cooler, we are officially in the fall season—a time often associated with preparation, change, and reflection. Just as we prepare our homes for colder weather or harvest the final fruits of summer labor, fall is an ideal time to evaluate and prepare your financial future. Here are…

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