Those injured at the finish line of The Boston Marathon last week never anticipated that two bombs would explode killing three and injuring and maiming another 200 people. A physician from Sylva, North Carolina, just west of Asheville, was at the finish line with his wife cheering on a friend. After the explosions, the first... [Read More]
Category: Continuing Education
North Korea, Kidnapping and Estate Planning
As North Korea declares a state of war on the United States and South Korea, and a leading news story shows by security camera a couple being kidnapped in broad daylight in Manhattan Sunday, we think about the “Worse Case Scenario”. We want to make sure that we have planned in advance in case we... [Read More]
What about heirlooms?
What about heirlooms? You can make specific provisions for family heirlooms and specialty items in your Estate Plan. Many times the family heirlooms or special personal items are considered the most important or emotionally valuable part of any Estate. In other words, your Grandfather’s watch that he wore every day may be more important to... [Read More]
Estate Planning is not really about taxes.
Estate Planning is really about the family and not about taxes. When I have asked my clients what their primary concerns are, their first answer is they want to protect themselves in the event of physical and mental disability and protect the surviving spouse in the event of physical or mental disability and in the... [Read More]
President Trying to Raise Taxes Again
I told you so! Most thought that the tax raises that went into effect in the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 would be the end of the raised taxes. The Republicans agreed to raise taxes without receiving any concessions in spending from the White House in negotiating over the American Taxpayer Relief Act of... [Read More]
2013 ESTATE TAX RATES
Under the 2012 Tax Law, the Federal Estate Tax Exemption remains high for 2013. For 2013, the Federal Estate Tax is not due until the total value of the Estate is over $5.25 million. Last year the number was $5.12 million, but has gone up with the Cost of Living Inflation Index. The top Estate... [Read More]
2013 INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX RATES
2013 Tax Rates have moved based upon the 2012 Tax Law. Individuals earning over $400,000 will pay at a rate of 39.6%. They will pay a higher Capital Gains and Dividend Tax of 20%. The payroll Medicaid Tax on Income and Dividends (Obama Care Tax) is 3.8% on individuals with a net investment income of... [Read More]
Special Needs Class Well Received
Steve’s continuing education class for professionals on special needs planning was well received by the CPAs, Insurance and Financial Professionals in attendance. Some of the information received that was most meaningful to the attendees included: “The ability to keep the challenged child on SSI and Medicaid if properly done.” “Special Needs Trusts clarification.” “The relationship... [Read More]
Overlooked Uses of Life Insurance in Estate Planning Class Tomorrow
Steve will teach a one hour Continuing Education class to CPAs, Accountants, Financial Advisors, and Insurance Professionals on needed uses of Life Insurance in Estate Planning that are often overlooked. This one hour class will offered at One North Pack Square, the Biltmore Building, Asheville, N.C., at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 26, 2012. Contact... [Read More]
Continuing Education Class – Overlooked Uses of Life Insurance
The Professional Education Class on Overlooked Uses of Life Insurance will be held on Wednesday, September 26, 2012, beginning at 8:00 a.m. in the Biltmore Building located at One North Pack Square, Asheville, N.C. Steve will teach this one hour continuing education class. Topics include: Why Life Insurance is often the most obvious, logical, and needed... [Read More]