Wealth Management Center
Preserving and enhancing wealth for the future with financial-planning experts Bill Cass and Chris Hennessey
Tax reform enhances college savings plans
December 11, 2018
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act resulted in the largest overhaul to the tax system in 30 years, including some key changes to 529 college savings plans.
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November 14, 2018
Year-end planning strategies under tax reform
William D. Cass, CFP®, CPWA®, Director Wealth Management Programs at Putnam
Christopher P. Hennessey, Lawyer, CPA, Member, Putnam Business Advisory Group
Charitable IRA rollovers may gain traction under tax reform
With new limits on itemized deductions set by tax reform, senior investors may consider using a charitable IRA rollover provision to donate to charity.
Five estate planning considerations for year-end
Estate planning remains critical as investors seek to manage the distribution of assets as well as meet any state tax requirements.
Year-end considerations for smart income-tax planning
The tax reform law created a new tax landscape that could have a significant impact on year-end income-tax planning.
Three retirement planning topics for year-end meetings with investors
As year-end nears, retirement planning becomes a focus for investors, especially retirees who have year-end deadlines for retirement income distributions.
Tax law creates benefits for taxpayers to invest in Opportunity Zones
Tax reform has created an opportunity for investors to defer taxes on capital gains if they invest in so-called “Opportunity Zones”
Gift while living or transfer assets to heirs at death?
Individuals can choose to make a gift while they are living, or include it in their estate plan for distribution upon death.
Rules for NOLs change under tax reform
Business owners may want to review their tax filing strategies as tax reform made some significant changes to the rules for managing net operating losses (NOLs).
What is down the road for tax reform?
A new tax reform package recently passed the House, but its future in the Senate is uncertain.
Investors should consider umbrella coverage when crafting a financial plan
Investors may overlook a serious risk to their net worth — creditor risk — and as a result not carry excess coverage such as umbrella insurance.
Last chance to undo a Roth conversion
This October marks the last chance that investors can undo – or recharacterize – a 2017 Roth conversion.
Three top financial challenges facing Millennials
Millennials face different financial challenges than previous generations as they set goals for saving for retirement, paying debt, and buying a home.
Five questions to ask your estate planning attorney about the new tax law
Estate planning remains important for investors despite changes under the new tax law.
Ten questions to ask your CPA about the new tax law
The new tax law could have a significant impact on how individuals and small businesses file income taxes and make tax planning decisions.
IRS proposes additional limits for small business tax deduction
While many small businesses are navigating the changes introduced by the TCJA, the IRS is proposing additional limits for the small business tax deduction.
Planning considerations for college-bound high school students and their parents
While college may seem a distant goal for a high school freshman, there are many things students and parents need to do during high school to prepare.
Understanding the paths to securing college financial aid
College financial aid plays a critical role for many families paying tuition and some colleges and universities require two types of aid applications.
A student’s health-care proxy can remove barriers for parents in case of an emergency
Parents may also want to prepare some documents such as a health-care proxy before their child leaves for college in case of an emergency or illness.
Under tax reform, there is no turning back on a Roth conversion
Under tax reform, reduced marginal tax rates are lowering the cost of a Roth conversion, but the ability to reverse the move is eliminated.
Next steps when the first college bill is due
Many parents sending children to college for the first time may need help with financial advice and maximizing their 529 plan when the college bill is due.
Consider these strategies before interest rates climb higher
With many financial plans tied to IRS interest rates, there are several strategies that investors may want to consider before rates move higher.
Number of taxpayers owing AMT to decline under tax law
Fewer taxpayers will have to pay the alternative minimum tax (AMT) because of changes resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
Tax rates lowered, deductions limited in tax law
The tax reform law lowers tax rates and imposes new limits on many deductions.
Many deductions changed in new tax law
The standard deduction doubles while some popular tax deductions are limited or eliminated by tax reform.
Estate planning remains vital
Despite higher exclusion levels for federal estate taxes, estate planning remains vital for taxpayers.
Corporate tax cuts slated for 2018
Corporations will have lower tax rates and new rules for expensing resulting from tax reform.
Tax reform creates new deduction for small businesses
Understanding the new 20% deduction for business income is key for small business owners.
New tax law influences individual planning
Individuals may consider various strategies for charitable giving and financial planning in the new tax environment.
$30T in wealth transfer creates opportunity
Advisors may consider expanding their value proposition and professional network to grow their business.
Top strategies for advisors when heirs inherit wealth
Learning about an investor's family can help advisors connect with the next generation.
Social strategies for meeting the next generation
Start with social media and expand to social events to reach out to the next generation of clients.
Use family meetings for more effective wealth transfer
Hosting a family meeting can help investors and their children focus on values, planning issues, and philanthropy.
College savings plans offer tax advantages
Explore tax-advantaged savings when planning for college.
Chris Hennessey is Professor Emeritus of Law at the Babson College School of Executive Education and member of the Putnam Investments Business Advisory Group. His opinions do not necessarily reflect those of Putnam Investments.