Wealth Management, Finance & Investing Blog

I’ve been approached by many matrimonial attorneys, therapists, and divorce coaches who ask me to help their clients with their finances before, during, and after their divorces. Many people getting divorced, both men and women, may be smart, accomplished, or at their top of their professions, yet were not the ones handling the finances in their marriage. Many of these clients don’t know what they spend, how much their mortgage is, what assets they have. They’re unaware how much debt they have,

Corporate executives, directors, and other key players have access to sensitive information, which also comes with heightened scrutiny over insider trading. An important tool to help navigate the regulatory and legal landscape is the 10b5-1 Plan. Here, we help explain these plans, why they matter, and how 10b5-1 Plans can provide employees with a structured and legally sound way to sell or buy their corporation’s stock without raising red flags. What Is a 10b5-1 Plan? A 10b5-1 Plan is a written

In my wealth management practice, I focus on helping business owners and corporate executives achieve quality of life and financial freedom. For some time now, I have been interested in exit planning for business owners. This interest led me to engage with other advisors and business owners as a Tri-State member of the Exit Planning Exchange and to obtain my CEPA (Certified Exit Planning Advisor) credential from the Exit Planning Institute. As CEPA professionals, we think of exit planning as a

As a couple in your mid-30s, reviewing your tax return is more than just a yearly chore. It’s an opportunity to take control of your finances, identify savings opportunities, and plan for future goals. Here are key areas to focus on to ensure you're optimizing your return while staying compliant with tax laws. 1. Filing Status Your filing status significantly impacts your tax liability. Married couples can choose between Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) or Married Filing Separately (MFS). MFJ: Thi

The 60/40 portfolio – a mix of 60% U.S. Large Cap Stocks and 40% U.S. IT Government Bonds – has long been regarded as a simple and effective investment strategy. The allocation values balance, leveraging equities for capital appreciation and bonds for income and stability. This allocation has historically provided solid risk-adjusted returns while minimizing the impact of market volatility. However, shifting market dynamics have tested its resilience, raising headlines about how well it still h

Losing a loved one is always difficult, and navigating the estate administration process can feel overwhelming. As a beneficiary, you may have questions about when you will receive your inheritance, what to expect during probate, and how estate decisions are made. This guide focuses on estate administration via the probate process. However, it’s important to note that not all assets go through probate. Living trusts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies typically pass directly to na

Collectible cars have long been a favorite among alternative asset investors and automobile enthusiasts alike. As they combine historical allure with potential financial appreciation, collectible cars offer a unique and tangible way to diversify investment portfolios. However, navigating this market requires knowledge of what makes a car valuable, awareness of current investment trends, strategic risk management, and the right insurance coverage. Let’s dive into these aspects to help you make i

Managing finances can be daunting with all the intricacies and uncertainties involved. Even if you feel like you’re successfully tackling some aspects of your finances — such as paying down debt or saving for retirement — you might still feel like you’re not doing enough. Questions may continue to build in your mind like: “Am I saving enough for retirement?” “Are there tax benefits I’m missing out on?” “Should I try to pay down my mortgage more quickly?” “Is there something more or different th

New Filing Deadline and Current Requirements As of February 18, 2025, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is back in effect following the lifting of the last injunction that restrained its enforcement.1 The U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has extended the filing deadline to March 21, 2025, for most reporting companies. This extension aims to provide additional time for entities to comply with the new requirements. Under the CTA, most businesses are requ

Medicare is the Federal health insurance program for people ages 65 and older. The program helps pay for various medical expenses including hospital stays, physicians, prescription drugs, and more. The number of people enrolled in Medicare has more than tripled since 1970, climbing from roughly 20 million to over 68 million today, and is projected to reach almost 93 million by 2050. A common misconception about Medicare is that it is self-financed through premiums paid by current beneficiaries

With the tax season fast approaching, you may have questions about how your trust is taxed, who is responsible for tax filings, or how trust income taxes get paid.

A Revocable Trust – sometimes referred to as a “Living Trust” – is a lifetime trust that can be amended or revoked at any time during the creator’s life. The creator (or “grantor”) of the trust typically also serves as trustee and is also a trust beneficiary during their life. At the grantor’s death, the terms of the Revocable Trust direct how the grantor’s assets are to be distributed, essentially acting as a substitute for the Will. Nonetheless, the grantor still executes a Will. This is beca