Category: Advisors

This issue of The Wealth Counselor examines Captive Insurance Companies, a topic that should be of interest to all business owners with annual net profits of $500,000 or more, as well as all planners who serve them. Perhaps over-hyped at times, Captive Insurance Companies (Captives) are a legitimate planning tool that offers significant benefits to...

With the rash of bank failures, your clients are likely wondering whether - and to what extent - the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) insures their bank accounts. A new law increases some coverages, and new rules from the FDIC clarify how depositors can ensure maximum FDIC insurance coverage, but your clients may need to...

Most Americans have never discussed what should happen when they die. There are many decisions to make, yet they have very little help in making those decisions. Estate and wealth planning professionals are in a unique position to help their clients make sure that they complete their financial planning. This issue of The Wealth Counselor...

With unprecedented stock market volatility, depressed real estate and business values, the banking, mortgage and automobile industry crises, and numerous negative economic indicators, many clients are wondering what planning they should do now, if any. Some may view planning as discretionary, and without education these individuals may not move forward because of their unwillingness to...

This issue of The Wealth Counselor addresses a law change that is important to all wealth planning professionals and their clients. Beginning January 1, 2008 and continuing through at least 2010, a zero tax rate may apply to long-term capital gain and dividend income that would otherwise be taxed at the regular 15% and/or 10%...

Studies predict that approximately 40% (2 out of every 5) of Americans reaching age 65 will need some type of long-term care (LTC). Some of your clients would prefer to stay at home, no matter what the cost. However, without proper planning, the lack of available services and the staggering price tag for full-time home...

This issue of The Wealth Counselor addresses a topic that is important to clients and all wealth planning professionals - trusts. When used properly, trusts can provide significant advantages to clients and to the advisors who recommend them. Given the numerous types of trusts, this newsletter explores the general advantages of trusts as well as...

A prior issue of The Wealth Counselor addressed the planning opportunities that exist with planning for Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California), particularly where the client's advisors work together to create a plan that addresses all aspects of the client's planning needs. This issue addresses a related topic, VA Aid and Attendance pension benefits. Even advisors who...

The last issue of The Wealth Counselor addressed the significant need for clients to plan for the possibility of disability, and how proper disability planning more often than not involves the coordination of financial and legal solutions. This issue addresses a related and often misunderstood topic, Medicaid planning. What is Medicaid?Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) is...

Last month's issue of The Wealth Counselor examined the many benefits of 529 Plans, including the income tax and gift and estate tax benefits of these popular educational savings vehicles. There are, however, several other educational savings vehicles that clients should consider; this issue examines some of these other vehicles - and the advantages and...

The new Pension Protection Act of 2006 (signed into law on August 17, 2006) creates significant planning opportunities for advisors and their clients who understand it. This newsletter focuses on two key provisions: (1) non-spousal rollovers from a qualified plan to an inherited IRA and (2) charitable contributions of IRAs during lifetime. Non-Spousal Rollovers from...

Last month's issue of The Wealth Counselor examined the various educational savings vehicles available to clients, including 529 plans, UGMA/UTMAs, Coverdell Education IRAs and life insurance. Using life insurance as an education savings vehicle prompted several questions about other uses for life insurance. Therefore, this issue of the Wealth Counselor examines some of these other...