Wealth Management Center
Preserving and enhancing wealth for the future with financial-planning experts Bill Cass and Chris Hennessey
Most recent post
Top tax-planning ideas for 2021
January 20, 2021 | Taxes
The current tax environment and potential for higher tax rates in the future create an opportunity for tax planning strategies to hedge future higher taxes.
Resources
More resources to address all aspects of financial planning
About this blog
Financial-planning experts Bill Cass and Chris Hennessey weigh in each week with a range of insights about complex financial planning needs.
William Cass, CFP®, CPWA®
Director of Wealth Management Programs for Putnam.
Chris Hennessey
Lawyer and CPA, Faculty Director, Babson College School of Executive Education, is a member of the Putnam Business Advisory Group.
Top tax-planning ideas for 2021
The current tax environment and potential for higher tax rates in the future create an opportunity for tax planning strategies to hedge future higher taxes.
Tracking CARES Act tax changes
With a range of temporary tax code changes instituted by the CARES Act in 2020, tracking tax changes that are extended into 2021 can be a challenge.
Figures that taxpayers need to know in 2021
Taxpayers need to know some key figures as they review current tax plans and consider 2021 planning.
Congress seals deal for more pandemic relief
Congress voted today to approve a $900 billion pandemic relief package offering economic aid to individuals and businesses.
529 plan checklist for 2020 year-end
Whether saving for college or making withdrawals, there are many 529 plan considerations that may need attention at year-end.
More tax options for business losses in 2020
The CARES Act provides more ways for business owners to offset losses in tax filings in 2020.
Year-end ideas for gifting and estate plans
For financial planning, year end can be an opportune time to review strategies for gifting and estate plans.
Four tax planning considerations for year-end
While tax rates are historically low, investors may want to review several tax planning considerations before year end.
Year-end planning ideas under the CARES Act
As investors prepare for year-end planning, they may want to consider tax-smart strategies under the CARES Act.
Post-election outlook for taxes, planning: Webcast
Amid uncertainty following the 2020 elections, market volatility is likely to continue: Webcast
Five key changes proposed by Secure Act 2.0
The House last week introduced a bipartisan bill, known as Secure Act 2.0, to expand retirement plan participation and savings.
Retirement savings tax advantages may change under Democratic proposals
Some tax proposals introduced by the Democratic presidential campaign may cause changes to retirement savings accounts.
Change in administration may mean tax changes
With uncertainty around the upcoming elections, it is not clear what types of tax changes may be implemented under a new administration.
Video: Consider a Roth to prepare for future taxes
With the possibility of future higher tax rates, investors may want to consider strategies that can be implemented now such as a Roth IRA conversion.
Video: Tax rates may rise in the future
With the current economic pressures, some investors may be focusing on the tax landscape and the possibility of higher tax rates
Putnam pros discuss taxes in the run-up to the election
Putnam's wealth management professionals share their views on taxes, the markets, fiscal policy, and the November election.
Key changes for charitable giving in 2020
In 2020, more taxpayers may be able to take tax deductions on their charitable giving as a result of provisions in the CARES Act.
Pandemic could reduce Social Security benefits
The pandemic is taking a broad economic toll causing many workers to earn less which could reduce Social Security benefits in the future.
Using a 529 plan when college is remote
Families may consider using funds from a 529 plan to cover qualified expenses even if their child is studying remote this fall.
Strategies during a college gap year
While college students may decide to take a gap year, families can continue to plan for the completion of the college program.
Back-to-school planning during the pandemic
While navigating the changing back-to-school landscape , families can still focus on planning and saving for the future.
Use high school years to implement a road map to college
Consider creating a plan to prepare for college during the high school years.
Tax season planning under the TCJA
A new perspective on tax deductions
Optimize the small-business tax deduction
Estate planning considerations before the law sunsets
New strategies emerge for Roth conversions
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.
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.