Articles

The probate process can be lengthy and complex. There are strategies you can use to help avoid the probate process.

Wills and trusts allow you to spell out how you would like your property distributed, but they also go beyond that.

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different gifting strategies available for planned giving.

If you leave a job or retire, you should consider your options regarding your employer retirement plan assets.

If you do not participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, you might consider a traditional IRA.

An indexed annuity may provide some upside potential and downside protection.

Qualified Roth IRA distributions in retirement are free of federal income tax and aren’t included in gross income.

A Roth 401(k) is funded with after-tax money, and allows for tax- and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings if requirements are met.

There can be a substantial benefit to deferring taxes as long as possible.

Want to keep more of your mutual fund profits? You may be interested in strategies to help lower your tax liability.

It's important to understand tax-exempt vehicles when establishing a comprehensive tax planning strategy.

With traditional IRAs and most employer-sponsored retirement plans, taxes are not payable until funds are withdrawn.

Changes to the tax code have left a few key deductions for itemizers, like medical, dental and some business expenses.

Capital gains are profits realized from the sale of assets; a tax is triggered only when an asset is sold, not held.

Required minimum distribution is the annual amount that must be withdrawn from a qualified retirement plan/account.

The federal gift tax applies to gifts of property or money while the donor is living.

Tax-deferred retirement account withdrawals before age 59½ generally trigger a 10% federal tax penalty.

Everything you own, whatever the form of ownership, is subject to federal, and possibly state, estate taxes.