Blog posts by Rodgers & Associates on the subject of estate planning, including topics like planned giving to heirs, passing wealth through generations, and minimizing taxes.
Ask the Adviser: What tax consequences should I consider before retiring in Pennsylvania?
While Pennsylvania has minimal taxes on retirement income, the state does levy an inheritance tax. Here’s what that means for you and your heirs.
Ask the Adviser: How should I use beneficiary designations in my estate plan?
Directing some assets through beneficiaries and others through your will can reduce taxes for your heirs. Here’s what to consider.
Communication: The Key to a Successful Estate Plan
Want to make sure your wealth benefits future generations? Start by having the right conversations today.
Is Your Estate Plan Ready for the Digital Age?
Take this 10-question quiz to learn why taking charge of your digital assets is more important than ever.
Ask the Adviser: Should I add my child as joint owner of my bank account?
While it seems like a simple way to get help managing your finances, it’s worth considering the risks and alternatives.
Family Meetings: Planning for Wealth Transfer and Philanthropy
It takes a lot of planning and conversation to transfer wisdom along with wealth. Here’s how the practice of family meetings can help.
Recapping Market Highlights and Most-Read Articles from 2023
This past year, we covered topics ranging from inflation and legislative changes to RMDs and asset allocation. Here is an overview.
Ask the Adviser: How do I handle the taxes on inheritance from a PA resident?
Whether you’ve inherited property or other assets, here’s what to know about settling the tax bill in Pennsylvania.
Ask the Adviser: How long should I keep my financial documents?
The guidance varies depending on the document. We’ll look at what to consider with bank statements, tax returns, and other common file types.
A 10-Question Pop Quiz to Test Your Tax and Investment IQ
How much do you know about the tax implications of investing? This quiz tests your knowledge and gives you a chance to brush up on the basics.
Ask the Adviser: What can I do to prepare for the estate tax exemption being reduced?
If you have a large estate, these strategies can help you avoid a high estate tax bill when the current exemption expires in a few years.
You missed an RMD—now what?
The rules surrounding Required Minimum Distributions are complicated and missing them can be costly. If you have made an error, follow these steps to amend it and seek a penalty waiver
7 Steps to Take When You Inherit an IRA
When Inheriting an IRA there are complex rules you will need to follow to avoid costly errors.
Are Roth Conversions Right for People Over 73?
Roth IRAs are not subject to RMD rules.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Follow the Rules to Avoid Costly Penalties
Taxpayers reaching age 72 should be aware that a portion of the funds in their retirement accounts starts to become taxable each year—and pitfalls are common.
A Guide to Required Minimum Distribution Rules for IRAs and Employer Plans
RMD rules are similar for both types of accounts, but there are some differences.
Don’t Overlook These Inflation-Related Opportunities
Discover several ways to offset inflation through tax-efficient saving in 2023.
Ask the Adviser: What can I do to offset PA inheritance tax for my heirs?
Pennsylvania is one of only six states that requires inheritance tax. Here, we look at a variety of ways residents can reduce the tax on passed down assets.
More Ways to Lessen the Impact of the SECURE Act
Here, we offer further strategies for heirs of retirement accounts to maximize the after-tax value of their funds.
You Inherited an IRA under the SECURE Act—Now What?
Follow these strategies to design a distribution plan with tax efficiency in mind.
You May Be Able to Reduce the Taxes from Inherited Assets
If you’re the beneficiary of retirement accounts or other inherited assets, it pays to learn about the IRD deduction.
Life Insurance in Retirement: Is it Necessary?
Determining whether you need life insurance in retirement can get complicated—and it depends on your unique situation. Let these questions guide you.
The Importance of Reporting to Credit Agencies After Death
It is the responsibility of the surviving spouse or the estate’s executor to notify lenders on joint accounts, to close out accounts in the deceased’s name, and to notify the three major credit agencies.
Estate Planning Essentials Part 3: Protecting Beneficiaries from Themselves
Studies have shown that some heirs ultimately end up in worse financial shape after receiving an inheritance. This is so common that psychologists call it sudden wealth syndrome, although it is not an actual psychological diagnosis.
Estate Planning Essentials Part 2: Are Trusts Needed for Minor Beneficiaries?
Trusts can be an essential part of your plan—but they are often complex and time-consuming to set up.
Power of Attorney Roadblocks: Can You Answer These Three Questions About Your POA?
You may be shocked to learn that new national and state laws may have prohibited your agent’s power to act.
Estate Planning Essentials Part 1: Take Time to Prepare the Heir
The mechanics of estate planning can be easy enough, but the big picture requires a lot of thought and soul searching.
9 Retirement Decisions You’ll Want To Make With a Specialist
It’s wise to use an adviser whose primary focus is on strategies that maximize the retirement experience.
I Just Inherited an IRA From My Parent. Now What?
The new rule for adults who inherit an IRA from their parents in 2020 and beyond is that they must liquidate that account within 10 years.
How Does the SECURE Act Affect Legacy Planning for Large IRAs?
With the passage of the SECURE Act inherited IRAs from those who passed after December 31, 2019 are no longer allowed to stretch the withdrawals over their life expectancy.
Annuity Traps Part 2: Death Benefits
While annuities can be an important way to build wealth, many individuals don’t realize how complicated these insurance products can be. In this article, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about annuity contracts and the five-year-rule.
The Risks of Adding Your Child to Your Home’s Deed
Many people think it is a good idea to put their child’s name on the deed to their home, especially if one of the parents is deceased. Usually the motivation is…
Does Your Estate Plan Still Need a Trust?
Estate tax exemptions are much higher than they once were. As a result, it may be worthwhile to review your estate plan and terminate trusts that are no longer needed.
Should You Name Your Estate as Your IRA Beneficiary?
Why naming your Estate as your IRA Beneficiary may not be a good choice.
Traditional IRAs Are Not Like Other Assets in Your Estate. Here’s Why.
Traditional IRAs are subject to a unique set of complex rules. Here are 6 significant differences between IRAs and other financial assets.
Is a Testamentary, Dynasty, Incentive or Spendthrift Trust Right for Your Family?
Establishing a trust can be a prudent way to pass assets from one generation to the next since it addresses issues that may arise from transferring wealth outright.
In Successful Wealth Transfers, Trust May Be More Important than Trusts
Why do the majority of wealth transfers fail? Learn how to have the right conversations with your heirs now so they can learn how to properly manage their inheritance.
Are Your Heirs Ready? 3 Lessons to Teach Children About Wealth Now
Steps you can take to help ensure that your wealth helps future generations.
Estate Planning for Pets
Do you have a plan to provide for your pets after you’re gone? We’ll cover some estate planning tips for our furry friends on this edition of Project Wealth.
2 Ways to Help Children and Grandchildren Financially…Without Spoiling Them
We all start out life by working for money. The goal should be to put some of the money we work for aside regularly and invest it.
The 4 Estate Planning Documents Everyone Should Have
Read on to learn more about each type of document and why each is important in helping to make sure your estate plan is in order.
Thinking of Helping Out Your Adult Child(ren) Financially? You Might Not be Helping.
A recent study1 conducted for Northwestern Mutual found one in three Baby Boomers (33%), the generation closest to retirement age, have less than $25,000 in retirement savings.
6 Reasons to File an Amended Tax Return
You probably just finished filing your tax return for 2018 and you’re thankful that it’s done for another year. The last thing you want to think about now is amending…
How Do You Measure a Life Well-Lived – And How Will Your Children?
Is a life well-lived measured by how much wealth we acquire or is it measured instead by the condition in which we leave our relationships? Leona Helmsley ran a real estate empire…
How to Deal with the Death of a Spouse From a Financial Perspective
It will come as no surprise that the death of a spouse is consistently listed as one of the most stressful life events a person will face. Death is part of life…
Planning Estates with IRAs
People think that naming heirs in a will is enough. We’ll explain why adding them as beneficiaries on an IRA account is important on this edition of Project Wealth.
Consider all of your alternatives before starting a foundation
The Clinton Foundation has been in the news lately. The former President of the United States, William J. Clinton, started the foundation in 1997. It is the nonprofit corporation used…
Pennsylvania: Good State To Retire In, Bad State To Die In
While the federal estate tax (in its current form) is probably something that very few people will need to worry about, the inheritance tax is really something that all Pennsylvanians need to consider.
Estate Planning: What You Should Know About Asset Titling
I recently met with a couple who had just received a sizable inheritance from the wife’s father. An event like this usually raises questions about the impact on their financial plan, tax…
The Tax Advantages of Charitable Remainder Trusts
What happens when you combine aging baby boomers and a stock market reaching all-time highs? A renewed interest in charitable remainder trusts (CRT). The oldest of America’s 72 million baby boomers are…
Should You Pre-Plan or Pre-Pay Your Funeral?
Here are points to consider.
Estate Planning Options for Parents of Minor Children
Parents of minor children face the question of what to do with their assets through their will. Assets can be left outright in a trust until the child reaches the age…
Teach Your Children Well – Or They Are Likely to Waste Their Inheritance
Studies estimate the baby boom generation is set to inherit $11.6 trillion over the next 20 years from their parents. The baby boomers are expected to pass on as much…
Estate Planning Considerations — Spendthrift and IRA Trusts — Part 3 of 3
Previous posts in this series: Part 1, Part 2 I want to wrap up my series on leaving wealth to your heirs by looking at two more types of trusts. Leaving…
