Social Security was established in 1935 in the depths of the Great Depression to provide Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI). What started as a program covering only about 50,000 Americans has turned into one now covering over 50 million beneficiaries. By dollars paid out, the US Social Security program is the largest government program … Continued
When Congress and President Obama struck a budget deal last week, political and market observers alike cheered as years of partisan gridlock seemingly came to an end, if only briefly. Those who probably aren’t cheering as much? The many Baby Boomers nearing retirement who saw the Social Security system turned on its ear with the … Continued
I can now fully understand from firsthand experience what it means to want the very best for your child. As the mother of a 2½-yearold, I am fortunate in that it is still relatively easy to meet all of my daughter’s needs and to make her happy. While raising children in Silicon Valley — or … Continued
The term “robo-advisor” has been getting so much press lately you’d think we were facing the rise of the machines. Images of an “advisor” who looks and sounds like C3PO from Star Wars asking, “When do you plan to retire? I repeat, when do you plan to retire?” run through my mind. Actually, robo or … Continued
Real estate, farmland, artwork, closely-held stock of C or S corporations….these are all highly valuable assets, especially here in the Land of Founder’s Stock. If you’re philanthropically minded, it might make sense to consider incorporating these valuable, less liquid assets in your strategic gift and tax planning. With the memory of tax season still fresh, … Continued
“The secret of success is constancy of purpose.” – Benjamin Disraeli As a new parent, I am routinely reminded that patience and rational decision making, combined with preparation for a variety of outcomes, are critical ingredients in creating a palatable recipe for all involved. On a recent family road trip, my husband and I packed … Continued
Big, expensive, “full-service” health care policies may seem like the first choice for affluent individuals who may feel that they can afford such a policy. After all, why not pay for the most coverage available? With careful exploration, comparative analysis, and a fresh view of all overall out-of-pocket medical expenses, the choice worth considering might … Continued
As financial advisors to a broad variety of clients, it is common for us to work with clients with all levels of career experience who are earning income as freelance or self-employed workers. While many of us are familiar with company-sponsored 401(k) plans and traditional IRAs, fewer of us are familiar with individual (or solo) … Continued
For those who want to pursue inter-generational transfers of wealth to assist their family while they are still living, two rather simple techniques stand out for their general ease and effectiveness; annual exclusion gifts and 529 plan contributions. Both offer significant help to children and grandchildren, and provide meaningful estate planning opportunities. Direct gifting may … Continued
I recently came across an article discussing an interesting question: If you could give your college-self one piece of advice, what would it be? Surprising or not, results came back almost 100% centered around finances, covering topics like compounding interest, budgeting, and the little to no ROI on a round of shots — all excellent … Continued