The Gift of College Funding

The Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) and the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) are sometimes called the “granddaddies” of college savings accounts. Both allow parents to establish custodial accounts for a minor child, and a grandparent can… Read More
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International Charitable Giving

One of the most notable trends in philanthropy, according to the 2012 Giving USA Study of charitable giving, is that international giving has steadily grown despite a tumultuous economy. Thinking about going global with your charitable giving? When i… Read More
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A Gift You Cannot Return

The Brooklyn Museum seemed to have garnered a bonanza in 1932 when it received a large bequest from the estate of Col. Michael Friedsam, president of the elegant retail emporium B. Altman. But eight decades later … the museum potentially faces a he… Read More
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Fiscal Cliff Deal Brings New Tax Hikes for Trust Beneficiaries

“It’s hitting where it really shouldn’t,” says Laurie Hall, an estates lawyer and head of the Wealth Management Group at Edwards Wildman in Boston. “These increases weren’t intended to hit people with income below $200,000, and they will.… Read More
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Retirement Possibility: Make a Run for the Border

Among the top retirement spots in the world this year, you’ll find great variety in the cultural offerings, climates and lifestyles. When you hear “make a run for the border,” you may be reminded of Taco Bell’s slogan in the mid-1990s. … Read More
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Safeguarding Your Elders: Is It Time To Take Away the Keys?

What can you do when a strong minded elder should stop driving but refuses to do so? Remember the freedom you felt as a teenager when you learned to drive? If yes, then you can appreciate how difficult it is for elderly loved ones to relinquish that… Read More
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Portability Provision Extended in Fiscal Cliff Deal

Portability makes it unnecessary for spouses to use bypass trusts solely to preserve the federal exemption amount. As with any new process there is a shakeout period, though. The good news has resounded and there is much to celebrate with the passing… Read More
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Business Succession -- It’s Never Too Early to Plan Your Exit

There are myriad ways to begin the exit process from your business without giving up management control.  [Here] are some ideas to structure for an eventual departure, without having to hand over the keys to the business right now. Business succ… Read More
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Creating a Thorough Living Will

Even if a copy of your living will ends up at the hospital with you — that's hardly guaranteed — doctors routinely don't know how to interpret them. They may still leave friends and family confused about what you want. End-of-li… Read More
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Living Overseas Comes with a Taxing Price

So how should Americans working abroad or with a financial life in two countries manage their finances? Traveling abroad can be exhilarating enough, but living abroad comes with a whole other level of excitement … and even some hitches if you aren… Read More
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