Beyond Bulls & Bears

Category: Wealth Planning

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® |
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.

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® |
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.

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® |
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.

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® |
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.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
Year-end estate planning: Strategies for maximizing tax benefits and legacy planning
Wealth Planning

Year-end estate planning: Strategies for maximizing tax benefits and legacy planning

With year-end looming, consider taking action now to determine if annual gifts make sense. Our Bill Cass shares useful strategies to consider for estate planning.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |
By the numbers: Changes set for Social Security and Medicare in 2025
Wealth Planning

By the numbers: Changes set for Social Security and Medicare in 2025

In 2025, Social Security will see a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment. At the same time, Medicare Part B premiums and the annual deductible will increase. Our Bill Cass explains the key changes planned for Medicare and Social Security.

Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® |