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Wealth & Lifestyle

Choosing Your Legacy: Deciphering Per Stirpes Vs. Per Capita in Estate Planning

Choosing Your Legacy: Deciphering Per Stirpes Vs. Per Capita in Estate Planning

Estate planning is a critical aspect of financial management that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away.

Understanding the Terms: All About That Basis

Understanding the Terms: All About That Basis

While you are probably familiar with the term cost basis, it is not likely something you think about very often. In fact, you may only think about cost basis information when asked for it by your Sand Hill Wealth Manager or CPA.

College Bound — Hip, HIPAA, Hooray

College Bound — Hip, HIPAA, Hooray

One important, but frequently overlooked, topic is what to do in case your child becomes incapacitated… now that they are over the age of 18. This whole issue has evolved over time as new rules and regulations have been put in place that are meant to protect privacy, but which—often unintentionally—complicate interactions between loved ones.

Saving Tax Dollars with Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS)

Saving Tax Dollars with Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS)

If you hold qualified small business stock (QSBS) and are thinking of starting or investing in a new venture, consider rolling your capital gain associated with your current QSBS into the new enterprise.

Climate Change and Rising Insurance Premiums: A Necessary Shift

Climate Change and Rising Insurance Premiums: A Necessary Shift

As climate change intensifies, its impact on the insurance industry becomes increasingly apparent. Evan Greenberg, CEO of Chubb, one of the leading insurers in the U.S., recently addressed this issue at the RIMS Risk World conference in San Diego. Greenberg emphasized the rationality behind surging insurance premiums in climate-vulnerable regions and the unsustainable nature of government efforts to suppress these increases.

Inherited Retirement Accounts: A Timely Opportunity

Inherited Retirement Accounts: A Timely Opportunity

In this article, we will explore recent developments surrounding inherited retirement accounts. Understanding the nuances of these regulations can significantly impact your financial strategies, tax planning, and ultimately, your long-term goals.

When Macro Overwhelms the Micro

When Macro Overwhelms the Micro

When allocating to investments, understanding the dynamic relationship between macroeconomic and microeconomic factors is crucial. While microeconomic investing focuses on exposure to individual companies, macroeconomics examines broad economic trends, indicators and events that influence entire markets.

Cyber Risk and How to Mitigate

Cyber Risk and How to Mitigate

Sadly, fraud attempts are becoming much more frequent in our client conversations, and the classic—but rather obvious—example of the ‘Nigerian Prince’ needing money is long outdated. Scammers have become far more sophisticated in their tactics. Part of this is due to everyone being increasingly more comfortable interacting online, especially in the wake of the Covid pandemic. Indeed, the FBI reports a 300% increase in cyberattacks since 2020.

The Advantages of Exit Planning: Secure Your Legacy and Maximize Your Wealth

The Advantages of Exit Planning: Secure Your Legacy and Maximize Your Wealth

As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor™ (CEPA), I am committed to helping my clients navigate the complex world of business transitions and secure their financial legacies. I want to shed light on the pressing need for exit planning by sharing some eye-opening statistics and highlighting the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead. Let’s delve into the numbers and explore the reasons why exit planning is an imperative step in securing your future.

Top 3 Must-Know Updates for Homeowners of Properties Valued at Over $5 Million

Top 3 Must-Know Updates for Homeowners of Properties Valued at Over $5 Million

Owning a home brings unique considerations, especially for some properties valued over $5 million in California. It is important to stay informed about the latest changes in laws and regulations that may impact your financial decisions.

The First 10 Steps to Take When You Receive an Inheritance Lump Sum

The First 10 Steps to Take When You Receive an Inheritance Lump Sum

Inheriting a lump sum can be a life-changing event, and it's essential to approach it with careful consideration and planning. As experienced financial planners, we understand the weight of this situation and the importance of making informed decisions. As a starting point in your decision-making, let’s discuss the first 10 steps to take when you receive an inheritance lump sum that can help you make the most of your newfound wealth.

Flood Insurance: Protecting Your Home and Calculating Costs Amidst Climate Change in California

Flood Insurance: Protecting Your Home and Calculating Costs Amidst Climate Change in California

As experienced financial advisors, we help our clients navigate the ever-changing landscape of risks in their financial lives, which includes risks associated with climate change. In recent years, California has experienced an increase in flooding events due to changing weather patterns. Let’s discuss the importance of flood insurance and the steps you can take to protect your home from potential damage. 

The Importance of Time Horizons in Building a Strong Financial Foundation

The Importance of Time Horizons in Building a Strong Financial Foundation

When it comes to planning finances, people often get lost in the details and overlook the importance of timing. One factor to consider when setting financial goals and planning investments is the time horizon.

Happily Ever After: Keys to Enjoying Your Retirement

Happily Ever After: Keys to Enjoying Your Retirement

With the surge in senior living options available today, it is time to rethink our retirement years. Being retired does not need to mean slowing down. Moving into an independent living facility relieves you of household chores and responsibilities—allowing you more time to spend on activities that you enjoy—and provides an expanded social community.