Though the year-end fast approaches, it is never too late to review strategic planning opportunities and preview what lies ahead in 2026. With the signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law on July 4, 2025, there are some significant changes ahead that augment the tax and estate planning landscape. We encourage … Continued
If you’ve been saving for retirement in a traditional IRA, you may have heard about the option to convert it into a Roth IRA. It’s a move that can offer significant long-term tax advantages—but it’s not the right choice for everyone. Before making the switch, it’s important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of a … Continued
A Roth IRA allows you to save for retirement with after-tax dollars, enjoy tax-free growth, and access qualified withdrawals tax-free in retirement. Unfortunately, high-income earners are generally barred from making direct Roth IRA contributions due to IRS income limits. A backdoor Roth strategy can be utilized to overcome this hurdle, but a mega backdoor Roth … Continued
“Should I contribute to a Roth IRA? How can I contribute to a Roth IRA?” Before answering those questions, we need to define what Roth assets are. The difference between a Roth IRA and traditional IRA is that Roth contributions are made with after-tax assets, and any growth on assets inside the Roth is tax-free. … Continued
Between now and 2045, Cerulli Associates estimates that more than $80 trillion in wealth will be transferred from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs. It is understandable to assume some of those assets will be in the form of retirement accounts such as IRAs, Roth IRAs and 401(k)s. With the enactment of the SECURE … Continued
At Sand Hill, we work with multi-generational families and one request that we sometimes see from clients is a preference to name minor children as account beneficiaries. Unfortunately, minors are legally unable to own property; therefore, they cannot inherit investment assets in their own name. Naming minors outright will lead to unnecessary complications for their … Continued
As our population ages, the demand for quality eldercare services continues to rise. Traditional family-based care—while often deeply valued—may become increasingly difficult to provide due to various factors such as geographic distance, work commitments, and personal limitations. In such instances, professional eldercare management services offer vitally important solutions and comprehensive support to ensure the well-being … Continued
In an age where philanthropy plays a crucial role in supporting communities, understanding the nuances of charitable giving is essential. Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) offer unique tax advantages, making them an attractive option for many donors. As we move into the holidays and the season of giving, it’s a great time to explore the benefits … Continued
As the costs of higher education continue to rise, people are turning to tax-advantaged 529 savings plans to help fund their children’s education expenses. A 529 savings plan is a state-sponsored investment plan that offers tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals when used for qualified education expenses. In addition, some states offer their residents additional tax … Continued
While you are probably familiar with the term cost basis, it is not likely something you think about very often. In fact, you may only think about cost basis information when asked for it by your Sand Hill Wealth Manager or CPA. Cost basis—also known as tax basis—is necessary to determine the capital gain or … Continued