With two months remaining in 2025 and a new tax bill recently passed with provisions that will affect charitable giving strategies, now is a great time to think about your philanthropic plans before year end. This article will focus on larger gifts and tax-related provisions that affect public charities, community foundations, and donor-advised funds. The … Continued
Two of the most crucial steps in a successful financial plan are tax planning and estate planning. And like most important things in life, they are not a “one and done” endeavor but one that requires ongoing review and occasional adjustments to stay on track towards goals. For clients who are likely to have a … 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
The carefree days of summer camp for my children seem like long ago. My children, now teenagers, have summer jobs—and earned income—so the conversations around the dinner table range from saving, investing, and/or spending their earnings and taxes. TAXES, “gulp”, what? Many parents assume that children are exempt from tax obligations, but this is not … Continued
The start of a new year is a great time to revisit on your existing financial plan and to determine if there are opportunities to make changes. For example, with the rise in the S&P 500 over the last couple of years, you may find yourself in a position to be more generous with your … Continued
In many parts of the country—including the Bay Area—house prices have increased dramatically over the past few decades, leading to significant wealth accumulation. Many people have been nicely rewarded by simply owning a house for a long time while often raising a family and staying put in the same neighborhood and local schools. But at … Continued
“What’s the best way to use our money to maximize our happiness?” Harvard Business School professor, Dr. Michael Norton, sought to answer this question in a 2013 research study and found “people who spend money on others report greater happiness.”1 When it comes to our children, small gifts over time can make a significant impact. … 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
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
If you’re a fan of Albert Brooks like I am, you’ve no doubt seen the 1985 movie classic Lost in America in which the protagonists sell all their belongings and purchase a Winnebago where they plan to live out the rest of their post-retirement days traveling the open road and living off their nest egg. … Continued