Beyond Bulls & Bears

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.

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.

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.

Heirs must act on inherited retirement accounts this year
Wealth Planning

Heirs must act on inherited retirement accounts this year

Starting in 2025, many non-spouse beneficiaries of inherited retirement accounts must begin taking annual minimum distributions. Our Bill Cass details several strategies and explains why it’s important to seek advice.

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.

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.

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.

SECURE 2.0: What’s new for 2025?
Wealth Planning

SECURE 2.0: What’s new for 2025?

In 2025, the SECURE 2.0 Act boosts retirement savings with new rules for higher catch-up contributions, auto-enrollment and expanding access to savings plans. Our Bill Cass shares the highlights.

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.

Social Security changes mean higher benefits for certain public workers
Wealth Planning

Social Security changes mean higher benefits for certain public workers

The Social Security Fairness Act is expected to enhance benefits for many starting in 2024. Our Bill Cass explains the significance of the new law.

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.

End-of-year giving tips: Tax savings through charitable contributions
Wealth Planning

End-of-year giving tips: Tax savings through charitable contributions

To maximize tax benefits from year-end charitable giving, you may want to use strategies like lumping contributions, making qualified charitable distributions from IRAs, and gifting appreciated assets. Our Bill Cass shares the key questions to think about when planning.