Wealth PlanningNovember 2, 2020

Designate Trusted Contacts

By Ami S. Aranha
Manager in Wealth Management

Financial crimes are on the rise, and people with diminishing capacity or other vulnerabilities are the biggest targets. Designating a trusted contact today can help your financial advisors protect you from exploitation in the future. more >
Wealth PlanningOctober 1, 2020
Financial Tips for (F)Unemployment - Aspiriant

6 Financial Tips for (F)Unemployment

By Nick Ruzette
Senior Associate in Wealth Management

Unemployment can be a stressful time. But it’s much easier if you plan ahead. Learn what you need to do to take care of yourself financially while you move on to bigger and better things. more >
Wealth PlanningSeptember 24, 2020
2020 Election and Estate Planning - Aspiriant

The 2020 Election and Estate Planning

By Rachel Lee
Associate in Strategic Planning

A change in the presidential administration may result in higher taxes for estates, property transferred at death and capital gains. Learn why it’s important to review your estate plan now. more >
Wealth PlanningAugust 12, 2020
5 Financial Steps for Divorce Planning - Aspiriant Blog

5 Steps for Divorce Planning

By Sandra Conners
Director in Wealth Management, Partner

No matter what stage your marriage is in, it's important to understand your personal financial situation. If it’s starting to look like the marriage is ending, thinking ahead and taking essential steps early can empower you to exit a divorce financially empowered. more >
Wealth PlanningJune 8, 2020
Charitable giving and COVID-19 - Aspiriant

Helping Your Community Heal

By Lisa Colletti
Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner

Many community groups have greater needs as a result of the pandemic, and the CARES Act encourages charitable giving. Learn tips on how to broaden your philanthropy with purpose. more >
Wealth PlanningApril 23, 2020
Aspiriant

When to Say “I Do” to a Prenup

By Melissa Punim
Director in Strategic Planning, Partner

A marital agreement is sometimes a thorny topic for an engaged couple. But setting expectations early can be a healthy way of tackling the often-taboo subject of money — laying the groundwork for a happy marriage. more >
Wealth PlanningApril 2, 2020

CARES Act for Individuals

By Lisa Colletti
Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner

To help us through the coronavirus pandemic, the federal CARES Act brings financial relief in the areas of retirement savings, charitable contributions, direct payments, student loans, unemployment insurance and more. more >
Wealth PlanningMarch 24, 2020

9 Behavioral Risks to Investing

By Sandi Bragar
Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner

During volatile markets, our emotions and biases can lead us to make unwise decisions that jeopardize a well-thought-out financial plan. Learn about common investing behaviors to avoid and how to stay calm. more >
Wealth PlanningMarch 3, 2020
What about a no nup

You’ve Heard of the Prenup. What About a No-Nup?

By Lydia Walz
Associate in Wealth Management

When living with your significant other, financial matters are unavoidable. Equity, fairness and protecting your own personal interests are important areas to discuss. Learn how a cohabitation agreement can help set clear expectations. more >
Wealth PlanningFebruary 13, 2020
SECURE Act

6 Groups Impacted by the SECURE Act

By Matthew Sharp
Senior Associate in Wealth Management

The SECURE Act brings a lot of changes to the retirement landscape and beyond. Read about the special provisions to find out who benefits and who may pay additional taxes. more >
Wealth PlanningJanuary 21, 2020

Relationships When Women Inherit Wealth

By Sandi Bragar
Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner

When a woman receives a large inheritance, it can have a big impact on her marriage. A doctoral candidate in clinical psychology who studied these relationship dynamics shares her findings and how couples with wealth can navigate challenges. more >
Wealth PlanningAugust 15, 2019
What to do with RSUs

What To Do With RSUs

By Lorraine Fox
Director in Wealth Management, Partner

Restricted stock units are a popular way for tech companies and start-ups to compensate employees. Learn how to value them, their tax treatment and the potential consequences of holding too much. more >
Wealth PlanningAugust 1, 2019
How to Avoid the Emotional Investing Trap

How to Escape the Emotional Investing Trap

By Sandi Bragar
Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner

The word “loss” is often used casually and imperfectly in the investment world. But in reality, a limited number of situations actually lead to true investment losses. Here are a few of the most common and ways to avoid them. more >
Wealth PlanningJune 19, 2019
Aspiriant Smart Summer Reading List

Aspiriant’s Smart Summer Reading List

By Aspiriant News
Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm

This summer, read a good book (or listen to a podcast) to discover how money impacts our society, secrets to wealth, or how your emotions play into your financial decisions. Aspiriant advisors offer up 10 top reads. more >
Wealth PlanningMay 10, 2019
Mothers Day Money Tips For Kids

Money Tips for Kids

By Aspiriant News
Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm

Children learn best by witnessing people exemplify strong ethics and wise decision-making. That is especially true when it comes to financial management. This Mother’s Day, we asked two Aspiriant wealth managers how they talk to their kids about money. more >
Wealth PlanningApril 30, 2019
To Roth or Not to Roth

To Roth or Not to Roth

By Lorraine Fox
Director in Wealth Management, Partner

By paying taxes on income today, you can have tax-free earnings in retirement with a Roth 401(k). Find out why a Roth 401(k) may be a better savings option for employees with higher income. more >
Wealth PlanningDecember 6, 2018
Young Professional's Guide to Renting vs. Buying

Guide to Renting vs. Buying

By Matthew Sharp
Senior Associate in Wealth Management

Today’s young professionals are giving greater thought before deciding to invest in a home. Learn about current homeownership trends among millennials, as well as the pros and cons of renting and buying. more >
Wealth PlanningNovember 9, 2018
Planning for Long-Term Care

Planning for Long-Term Care

By Gregory P. Fasig
Director in Wealth Management, Partner

As the way we receive care later in life is changing, so are our options for how to pay for it. Learn some of the current trends in financing elderly care and when you and your family should start planning. more >
Wealth PlanningOctober 15, 2018

All About the LLCs

By Kelly Cruz
Director in Strategic Planning, Partner

Limited liability companies offer several advantages to holding and protecting assets. But they require management and have additional costs. Learn about LLC basics, including the benefits and pitfalls of this special structure. more >
Wealth PlanningOctober 3, 2018
Wealth Transfer: The Emotional Side of Money

The Emotional Side of Money

By Sandi Bragar
Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner

When crafting a wealth transfer plan, it’s important to know there are two sides of money: the intellectual side and the emotional side. Learn how tackling the emotional aspects first leads to a more satisfying plan for you and future generations. more >
Wealth PlanningSeptember 11, 2018
Know what type of FA you're hiring

Know What Type of FA You’re Hiring

By Stephen Simon
Senior Associate in Wealth Management

The term “financial advisor” can mean many things. For young professionals who are just starting to plan for the long term, it’s important to know the significant differences between an RIA, broker-dealer and robo-advisor. more >
Wealth PlanningAugust 13, 2018
Tame estate-planning anxiety with a wealth transfer framework

Setting a Wealth Transfer Framework

By Sandi Bragar
Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner

Not having a wealth transfer plan is a plan in and of itself. You’re just allowing the government to implement one for you. Learn how a wealth transfer framework helps you plan with intention. more >
Wealth PlanningJuly 16, 2018
Rising rates make cash more interesting

Rising Rates Make Cash More Interesting

By Randy Rae
Manager in Investment Advisory

With extremely low interest rates, investors were told for a long time to hold as little cash in money market accounts as possible. But as short-term interest rates rise, investors have more options to earn income. Randy Rae describes four cash options. more >
Wealth PlanningJune 28, 2018

Family Foundations

By Dawn Baca
Senior Associate in Strategic Planning

If you’d like your family to support charities in a significant, long-term way, consider a private family foundation. Learn the tax advantages, family benefits and legal requirements of this philanthropic financial structure. more >
Wealth PlanningJune 13, 2018

6 Security Tips for Affluent Households

By Sandi Bragar
Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner

Everyone should be proactive in personal security, but high net worth households have particular, heightened safety concerns. Sandi Bragar follows up on a Wall Street Journal interview with details on how to keep you and your family safer. more >
Wealth PlanningMay 4, 2018
Get your financial planning docs in order

Get Your Financial Planning Docs in Order

By Stephen Simon
Senior Associate in Wealth Management

Spring cleaning your home office may seem overwhelming. It’s easier if you start by organizing these five essential financial documents that help your advisors and family manage your financial affairs. more >
Wealth PlanningApril 12, 2018

Estate Taxes: Gone Today, Here Tomorrow?

By Clay Stevens
Director in Strategic Planning, Partner

The tax reform doubled the amount that a taxpayer can transfer without gift, estate or generation-skipping transfer taxes. But that doesn’t mean you should forget about estate planning. Here are six considerations to discuss with a wealth manager. more >
Wealth PlanningApril 6, 2018
5 common tax myths debunked

5 Common Tax Myths Debunked

By Aspiriant News
Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm

As you finalize your 2017 taxes and prepare for the new federal tax law this year, save time and money by avoiding these common tax misunderstandings, from documentation to state taxes, which our wealth managers clarify. more >
Wealth PlanningApril 4, 2018
How to maximize the QBI deduction

Maximize the QBI Deduction

By Raymond Edwards
National Technical Tax Director, Partner

The new qualified business income (QBI) deduction provides a new reason for small business owners to reconsider how they distribute profits to themselves. Learn why your business structure and compensation method matter. more >
Wealth PlanningMarch 27, 2018
3 questions to define your legacy

3 Questions to Define Your Legacy

By Gregory P. Fasig
Director in Wealth Management, Partner

Leaving a legacy is about more than just giving money. It’s about the influence you have on others. We all leave a legacy to some extent. Find out how to clearly define your legacy so that you can have a lasting, beneficial impact. more >
Wealth PlanningMarch 8, 2018
2018 Tax Planning

2018 Tax Planning: 10 Steps to Take Now

By Tom Tracy
Chief Client Officer, Partner

With the new tax law, year-round holistic tax planning and a sound understanding of your income and deductions can help you identify opportunities and strategies to achieve a more efficient tax result. Here are some planning tips for 2018. more >
Wealth PlanningMarch 1, 2018

Cybersecurity After Equifax

By Greg Schick
Director in Wealth Management, Partner

The combination of big-data techniques and massive data breaches means that all consumers, especially the wealthy, are at risk for targeted and sophisticated attacks on their identity. Learn how the game has changed, which risks you should be most concerned about, and how to protect yourself. more >
Wealth PlanningFebruary 22, 2018

Understanding the QBI Deduction

By Raymond Edwards
National Technical Tax Director, Partner

The new deduction for Qualified Business Income, also known as pass-through income, is one of the most complicated provisions of the tax act. Ray Edwards explains how the new deduction works for certain business owners and investors. more >
Wealth PlanningFebruary 14, 2018
How Do You Know Your Advisor Cares?

How Do You Know Your Advisor Cares?

By Aspiriant News
Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm

There are thousands of wealth managers to choose from. Whether times are good or bad, it’s important to have a trusted financial partner who cares about you, not just your portfolio. Here are six signs to tell when you’ve found the perfect match. more >
Wealth PlanningFebruary 5, 2018
Optimizing Your Mortgage

Tax Reform: Optimizing Your Mortgage

By Sandi Bragar
Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner

The tax act cuts the amount of home loan interest you can deduct from your income taxes. Should you still get a home loan? Wealth manager Sandi Bragar explains the changes in the tax law and why it still might be a good idea to mortgage your home. more >
Wealth PlanningJanuary 22, 2018
Is the current mild market the new normal?

Is the Current Mild Market the New Normal?

By Helen A. Dietz
Managing Director in Total Wealth Management, Partner

Last year was record-breaking for its low volatility, helping investors to see strong returns. While the economic expansion could continue, find out why a market correction is likely at some point, which requires careful risk management. more >
Wealth PlanningJanuary 9, 2018

Grandparents Paying for College

The gift of higher education is one that can have a long-lasting impact on your grandchild’s future. But what’s the best way to go about it? Learn the financial considerations — from gift taxes to financial aid — that should be made in partnership with the parents. more >
Wealth PlanningDecember 21, 2017

Congress Passes Tax Overhaul

By Raymond Edwards
National Technical Tax Director, Partner

Congress moved at a swift pace to deliver a tax overhaul bill to President Donald Trump. The House of Representatives and Senate made a number of amendments to their bills to reach a compromise. Here’s a summary of the final changes. more >
Wealth PlanningDecember 8, 2017

Retiring from the C-Suite

By Lorraine Fox
Director in Wealth Management, Partner

For top executives, thinking about what you will do in your later years is essential to having a sound financial plan and being emotionally prepared for retirement. Read how an Aspiriant client successfully transitioned into a slower-paced lifestyle. more >
Wealth PlanningNovember 28, 2017
Tax reform

Year-End Planning and Tax Reform

By Raymond Edwards
National Technical Tax Director, Partner

Congress is making headway in passing historic tax reform that would dramatically change tax rates and reduce the number of deductions. Find out how the current bills compare and what it means for your 2017 year-end tax planning. more >
Wealth PlanningNovember 21, 2017

The Key to Giving Illiquid Stock

By Helen A. Dietz
Managing Director in Total Wealth Management, Partner

Donating illiquid stock and other assets is a great way to support your favorite charities and save taxes. But it’s more complicated than giving public securities. Wealth managers Helen A. Dietz and Cliff Loh explain why a team approach is the best way to go about it. more >
Wealth PlanningNovember 14, 2017
Insurance: Young Adults and Insurance

Making It On Your Own: Insurance

By Aspiriant News
Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm

Even when you have it all figured out, life can throw you a curveball. That’s why insurance is important to minimize the impact of the unexpected and help you get back on sound financial ground. Read about the basic coverages you need in the final chapter of our educational series for young adults. more >
Wealth PlanningOctober 16, 2017

Freeze Your Assets Before a Liquidity Event

By Dawn Baca
Senior Associate in Strategic Planning

Planning before acting often results in many benefits. This can be especially true when you’re facing a liquidity event like the sale of a business. Dawn Baca explains two strategies that can help reduce estate taxes. more >
Wealth PlanningOctober 2, 2017

Making It On Your Own: Investing

By Aspiriant News
Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm

When you’re young, you’ve got amazing dynamics on your side to start investing for retirement or longer-term goals. Get empowered to invest by learning the basics in this chapter of our financial education series for young adults. more >
Wealth PlanningSeptember 22, 2017

Avoid Liquidity Event Tax Traps

By Raymond Edwards
National Technical Tax Director, Partner

Frequently, new clients come to us asking for help managing their money after they’ve received a huge payout from a liquidity event at work. If they had come to us before the event, we could have helped them keep more of their hard earnings. more >
Wealth PlanningAugust 28, 2017

Making It On Your Own: Credit

By Aspiriant News
Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm

Credit is a fact of life in America. It’s easy to get and easy to use. But how you use credit will impact your finances throughout your lifetime. Learn how to establish healthy credit habits in the latest chapter of our financial literacy series for young adults. more >
Wealth PlanningAugust 7, 2017

Estate Planning Checkup

By Melissa Punim
Director in Strategic Planning, Partner

Think you have a solid estate plan in place for your heirs? If it’s been a while since you established it, it’s probably time for a review. Melissa Punim details key estate planning considerations you should review each year. more >
Wealth PlanningJuly 21, 2017
Making it on your own banner: saving

Making It On Your Own: Saving

By Aspiriant News
Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm

When you’re first starting out, your financial stability and future wealth depend on good saving habits. Learn about the three buckets of savings in the third post of our financial education series for young adults. more >
Wealth PlanningJune 13, 2017
Young Adults and Taxes

Making It On Your Own: Taxes

By Aspiriant News
Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm

For first-time filers, taxes may seem daunting at first. But they're actually pretty easy. Aspiriant wealth managers explain the basics in the second post of our financial education series for young adults. more >
Wealth PlanningMarch 24, 2017
Incentive Stock Options

When Tech Deals Go Well

By Lorraine Fox
Director in Wealth Management, Partner

Incentive stock options, or ISOs, can make a huge impact on reaching one’s life goals. But success requires careful financial planning until that big liquidity event. Here’s one example. more >
Wealth PlanningFebruary 23, 2017
woman walking on garden of a private house

Reverse Mortgage Strategies

By Talia Pierluissi
Director in Wealth Management, Partner

A reverse mortgage can be a good way to supplement retirement income. Talia Pierluissi explains reverse mortgages and describes strategies to potentially help retirees reduce the risk of running out of money too soon. more >
Wealth PlanningFebruary 6, 2017
Disabled Father play with his little son and daughter

Divorce Disability Insurance

By David Muchow
Director in Wealth Management, Partner

When working through a divorce settlement, it’s important to factor in the possibility of a permanent disability impacting support payments. Special divorce disability insurance may help assure continuity and peace of mind. more >
Wealth PlanningJanuary 20, 2017
Credit report with score

10 Common Credit Traps of the Wealthy

By Sandi Bragar
Managing Director in Planning Strategy & Research, Partner

If you’re wealthy, you don’t need to worry about your credit profile, right? Sandi explains why that’s not true and offers tips on how to maintain a great credit score and use credit to your advantage. more >
Wealth PlanningDecember 16, 2016
Income tax return form

Year-End Income Tax Planning

By Raymond Edwards
National Technical Tax Director, Partner

Republican income tax proposals to reduce rates at the top end and cap itemized deductions make year-end tax planning as important as ever. Ray Edwards details strategies to potentially minimize your tax bill. more >
Wealth PlanningDecember 6, 2016

The End of Estate Taxes?

By Clay Stevens
Director in Strategic Planning, Partner

Even if the new Republican-held White House and Congress repeal the estate tax, the question of how long it will last and other uncertainties still make estate planning a good idea. Clay Stevens explains why. more >
Wealth PlanningMay 27, 2016

Struck Money? Here’s What To Do Next

By Aspiriant News
Leading Independent Wealth Management Firm

While becoming a self-made millionaire is a dream for many, the reality of sudden wealth can actually bring with it a myriad of challenges that some may not know how to deal with. more >