Wealth Management Center
Preserving and enhancing wealth for the future with financial-planning experts Bill Cass and Chris Hennessey
Planning considerations for college-bound high school students and their parents
August 14, 2018
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).
Will taxpayers pay more or less under the new kiddie tax rules?
Families with assets in custodial accounts for minors are wondering how the new tax law will impact those accounts, as changes were made to the kiddie tax.
LGBT couples may have to navigate unique planning considerations
The path to achieve many financial goals, such as estate planning, may present specific challenges for LGBT couples, particularly those who are not married.
Families with 529 college plans garner more savings
While more families choose a general savings account to save for college, those using 529 college plans are saving more, according to Sallie Mae.
Three ways that tax reform strengthens ABLE accounts
Recent tax reform resulted in changes that allow families to save more in ABLE Accounts for the care of a child with disabilities.
How to use a 401(k) to fund a Roth IRA
Despite income restrictions there may be a way to super-charge your Roth IRA by using a provision for 401(k) plans.
College planning strategies: Engaging children in saving can advance college goals
Build momentum for college saving before your child enters high school, by engaging children in good savings habits and monitoring your saving strategy.
College planning strategies: It’s never too early to start saving
Considering the many responsibilities competing for family savings, it’s never too early to consider college planning strategies.
Will taxpayers owe more or less in their tax bill next year?
After the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, many taxpayers are wondering how the new law will affect next year’s tax bill.
Consider these ways to use your tax refund
With an average tax refund of nearly $3,000 to use this year, many investors may want guidance on how to allocate these assets.
Strategies to maximize the new 20% deduction for small businesses
Small business owners may consider several strategies to maximize the use of the new 20% deduction introduced by tax reform.
Three ways to try to save on taxes before the filing deadline
With the April 17, 2018 tax filing deadline approaching, it’s not too late to consider some strategies that could reduce taxable income.
Home equity loan interest may still be deductible under tax law
The Internal Revenue Service recently confirmed that home equity loan interest (HELOC) may still be deductible under the new tax reform law.
Impact of tax reform on state taxes is unclear
In addition to limits on deductions, tax reform may have a major impact on states that tie their tax system to some elements of the federal tax system.
Enhanced tax credits may balance lost exemption in tax reform
An increase in the child tax credit may help families realize a tax advantage even as the personal exemption is lost.
Tax reform drives change in planning
Individual taxpayers may consider changing their planning strategies due to the shifting tax landscape under the tax reform law.
Retirement planning for the end of the year
The fourth quarter is an opportune time to take inventory of retirement accounts and review actions such as required minimum distributions and planning strategies before year-end.
Prepare clients for year-end planning
Gifting, required retirement distributions, and charitable donations are among many planning actions that need attention by the end of the year.
There's still time to implement tax-smart strategies
Determining an individual's tax bracket will drive which tax-smart strategies to implement, including managing income, capital gains and losses.
Some estate-planning benefits may be lost if not used
Investors may want to explore gifting and other estate-planning strategies to take advantage of tax benefits that may be limited.
Debt ceiling debate and federal budget on Capitol Hill agenda
As Congress faces a December deadline for the federal budget, the debt ceiling debate was moved up sooner than expected.
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.