Beyond Bulls & Bears

Category: Taxes

Your ship finally came in. Now what?
Wealth Planning

Your ship finally came in. Now what?

Receiving an unexpected gift or inheritance is something that people may dream about. Our Bill Cass discusses some key considerations if that dream becomes reality and you do receive a financial windfall.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Seeking clarity at tax season: Tackling common confusions
Wealth Planning

Seeking clarity at tax season: Tackling common confusions

Navigating tax season can be even more confusing when facing the range of rules around IRA withdrawals, 529 plan distributions, and charitable deductions. Our Bill Cass details some common questions around tax filing.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Tax policy takes center stage: What to watch on Capitol Hill
Wealth Planning

Tax policy takes center stage: What to watch on Capitol Hill

As the debate heats up on Capitol Hill about extending the TCJA, there are several issues to watch including potential SALT cap relief and whether more tax cuts will be added to the final bill. Our Bill Cass highlights the latest on several key issues.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Five estate planning ideas for 2025
Wealth Planning

Five estate planning ideas for 2025

Consider estate planning strategies to minimize the impact of taxes on your estate. Our Bill Cass highlights several key actions including document reviews, naming beneficiaries and the use of 529 college savings plans to enhance tax efficiency.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Key planning ideas to maximize your 2025 tax savings
Wealth Planning

Key planning ideas to maximize your 2025 tax savings

For 2025 tax planning, our Bill Cass shares income tax planning strategies that can help manage current tax bills and prepare for future changes. Here are the highlights.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Early planning can mean smooth sailing for tax season
Wealth Planning

Early planning can mean smooth sailing for tax season

Prepare for 2024 taxes by organizing forms, documenting charitable contributions, maximizing retirement savings and reporting rental income. Our Bill Cass explains how advance preparation can make the tax filing process smoother.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Rebuilding hope: Immediate assistance and financial guidance for wildfire victims
Wealth Planning

Rebuilding hope: Immediate assistance and financial guidance for wildfire victims

State and federal agencies are providing immediate assistance and financial aid for essentials for wildfire victims in California. Our Bill Cass shares some financial strategies to secure emergency funds and plan finances.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Key tax figures for 2025
Wealth Planning

Key tax figures for 2025

A look at the 2025 tax rates and contribution limits means individuals may save or gift more this year. Our Bill Cass shares the updated key tax figures and some planning considerations for the year ahead.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Time is running out: Is a Roth IRA conversion right for you in 2024?
Wealth Planning

Time is running out: Is a Roth IRA conversion right for you in 2024?

Taxpayers may want to consider a Roth IRA conversion for 2024 but need to act before the end of the year to realize income this year. Our Bill Cass explains when a Roth conversion may make sense.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Act before year-end to manage your tax bill
Wealth Planning

Act before year-end to manage your tax bill

Before the year 2024 comes to a close, it's time to optimize your tax strategy. Our Bill Cass shares some tips including timing deductions and harvesting losses.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Turning after-tax plan contributions into tax-free retirement income
Wealth Planning

Turning after-tax plan contributions into tax-free retirement income

Retirement plan savers looking to mitigate the risk of higher taxes in the future may benefit from making after-tax contributions to employer plans, which may be transferred to Roth accounts. Our Bill Cass details a “mega backdoor” Roth strategy.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Get a jumpstart on year-end planning with this useful checklist
Wealth Planning

Get a jumpstart on year-end planning with this useful checklist

Year-end can be an opportune time to review finances, rebalance portfolios, and possibly reduce taxes. Our Bill Cass shares some highlights from a year-end planning checklist.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |