An interesting discussion on CNBC’s website of what happens when you die with different types of debt. Spring is the perfect time of year to review and update your estate plan. Give me a call or email me if I can help you with the estate planning process this spring.
(c) 2012, Stephen M. Johnson, Esq.
The Wall Street Journal has this story about the latest demographic study of wealth concentration. The WSJ notes that (1) the concentration of multi millionaires mainly tracks the population and (2) the number of high network individuals in a community and their relative concentration within that community may be very different. As always, if we can help with your estate planning or small business needs, call or email us for a convenient appointment.
(c) 2012, Stephen M. Johnson, Esq.
Here’s the first part of the Trusts and Estates annual roundup from the Heckerling Institute in Florida. The Heckerling Institute is America’s premier estate planning seminar for attorneys and other professionals. If we can help you with your family business, gift planning, or other estate planning, call or email us.
(c) 2012, Stephen M. Johnson, Esq.
If you’re a member of the Baby Boomer generation, you would be well advised to read this demographic study regarding investment returns and retirement planning. If we can help you optimize your estate plan for your retirement needs, please give us a call or send us an email, and we look forward to meeting with you.
(c) 2012, Stephen M. Johnson, Esq.
Here’s an interesting Wall Street Journal story regarding a colonial era gift to a Massachusetts school and the meaning of forever as it applies to the donor’s intent. Clearly expressing donor intent in charitable giving or in your estate planning documents is vital. If I can help you clearly express your charitable intent or discuss your estate plan with you, please call or email me to schedule a convenient appointment.
(c) 2012, Stephen M. Johnson, Esq.
The Wall Street Journal has this interesting article on offshore estate planning tactics with reference to Mitt Romney’s IRA. If I can help you with offshore or domestic estate planning issues, please call me at your convenience.
(c) 2012, Stephen M. Johnson, Esq.
CNBC offers this advice to parents whose children want more money. If you need counsel on estate planning or gifting options to your children, give me a call to schedule a convenient appointment.
(c) 2012, Stephen M. Johnson, Esq.
As much as some populists would like us to think that the 1% fit into a mold and are as predictable and uniform as the rising sun each morning, the New York Times provides a more nuanced portrait of the wealthiest 1% of Americans.
(c) 2012, Stephen M. Johnson, Esq.
Estate planning tactics look to become a hot political issue this election cycle. The Daily Mail reports on rumors that former Gov. and Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney may have a small fortune in offshore bank accounts. Of course, affluent Democrats and Republicans alike engage in estate planning, including some controversial tactics. Having an offshore bank account or trust is perfectly legal assuming that the formalities and tax reporting requirements are followed. But in politics, facts often matter less than perceptions, feelings, and opinion. If I can help you with questions about trusts, estate planning, or offshore bank accounts, please call me at your convenience.
(c) 2012, Stephen M. Johnson, Esq.
Robert Frank, of the Wall Street Journal’s Wealth Report blog, offers this reflection on practical problems of a wealth tax. A wealth tax sounds like a variation of a property tax, which has historically been a local or state level levy. Just as various deductions, loopholes, and definitions of “income” have developed in the income tax context, so one would expect similar issues for a wealth tax (including valuation issues discussed in the article by Mr. Frank). A wealth tax is the wrong message to send to entrepreneurs and capitalists – we’re going to punish your success. And economics teaching that tax increases in a down economy are counterproductive. What do you think? Do you support or oppose a wealth tax? Why?
(c) 2012, Stephen M. Johnson, Esq.
Estate Planning, Entrepreneurial, and Entertainment Law
Estate Planning, Entrepreneurial, and Entertainment Law
The KC Estate Planner 