The permanent federal estate-tax exemption levels do not mean that clients with estates of lesser value can avoid planning. Many aspects of estate-planning remain critical to a comprehensive financial plan. Here are five estate-planning strategies to review with clients. 1. … Continue reading
Exclusively for financial advisors, Putnam’s wealth management team leads a call on recent budget proposals and how investors can prepare for this tax season. Topics include: Post-government shutdown update: Where things stand today What’s ahead: Budget Conference Committee proposal, government … Continue reading
It doesn’t matter if you’re rich and famous — even celebrities trip up when it comes to estate planning. The stories of late celebrities James Gandolfini, Sonny Bono, and Elvis Presley offer a lesson. 284625
Interest rates have reached historic lows since the Federal Reserve continued to maintain its quantitative easing program. Given the current environment, high-net-worth clients may want to explore certain strategies that may benefit from lower rates. At the same time, several … Continue reading
Whether your client’s estate is large, small, or somewhere in between, a new law that took effect this year might warrant a closer look. The American Taxpayer Relief Act holds important provisions for investors with estate assets. The law made … Continue reading
With escalating costs, health care has become a critical part of retirement planning. But health expenses are not limited to acute care. Many people may need long-term care, which can quickly reduce or drain household assets if you or your … Continue reading
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 made several estate tax provisions permanent, creating planning opportunities that advisors may review with clients seeking to lessen the tax impact. 1. New exemption amount affects all clients The now-permanent $5 million exemption … Continue reading
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 made permanent changes to the federal estate tax law, including establishing a $5 million exemption, indexed for inflation. The new exemption amount means approximately 4,000 estates could still cross the threshold and be … Continue reading
While estimates may have decreased due to the Great Recession, baby boomers are still likely to inherit trillions of dollars as wealth is transferred from the previous generation. In fact, a 2010 study by MetLife estimated the boomer generation will … Continue reading
The budget debate that has flared off and on for several years is going to get much hotter in the next several weeks. At issue is the fiscal cliff, the combination of higher taxes and spending cuts that is part … Continue reading
Even the rich and famous make estate-planning mistakesClients can learn to avoid some basic estate-planning mistakes by exploring the stories of deceased celebrities, including James Gandolfini, Sonny Bono, and Elvis Presley.
Using LinkedIn to grow your IRA rollover businessChris Hennessey shares several resources to identify companies that are hiring and firing, and explains how to use LinkedIn to network for individuals who may be on the move.
How a Roth conversion can be a tax-smart strategyA Roth IRA conversion can be a smart strategy for clients to hedge against future tax-rate increases and shore up tax diversification strategies in retirement.
Is a Roth conversion right for your clients?
Putnam's Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator is a quick and visual way to see if your client can benefit from a Roth conversion.