Introducing SECURE Act 2.0
The original SECURE Act was signed into law on December 20th, 2019. Its “sequel,” the SECURE Act 2.0, was similarly enacted at year-end on December 29th, 2022. Both pieces of legislation seek to reform how Americans prepare for retirement while juggling current spending needs. Its guiding goal is right there in the name: Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE). We will dedicate our next several articles to spotlighting key changes brought about by the legislation and breaking down what these changes mean for you and your retirement. Keep in mind, implementation for each SECURE Act 2.0 provision varies …
ShankerValleau 360°- Farewell to 2022
We opened 2022 by introducing ShankerValleau 360°. As you may recall the purpose of our 360° wheel is to provide a holistic view of your financial life. Over the past 12 months we’ve taken a deep dive into Sound investment strategy Informed tax planning Appropriate risk management Strategic retirement planning Estate planning And, planning for more complex goals, such as education and charitable giving Looking Ahead 2023 will present new opportunities and challenges. History has taught us to expect the unexpected, so we do not attempt to predict the future. However, we can help position your financial life to weather …
Charitable Giving – Understanding the Donor-Advised Fund
Many Americans want to give generously to the charities of their choice. We give to support the causes we cherish. We give because we’re grateful for the good fortune we’ve enjoyed. We give because it elevates us too. Good giving feels great – for donor and recipient alike. That said, a tax break can feel good too, and it may help you give more than you otherwise could. Enter the donor-advised fund (DAF) as a potential tool for continuing to give meaningfully and tax-efficiently under the current tax law. In the spirit of giving, ShankerValleau does not charge a fee …
Midterm Elections – What Do They Mean for Markets?
We are pleased to share commentary and research by Dimensional Fund Advisors about the impact of the upcoming Midterm Elections on markets. It’s almost Election Day in the US once again. For those who need a brief civics refresher, every two years the full US House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate are up for reelection. While the outcomes of the elections are uncertain, one thing we can count on is that plenty of opinions and prognostications will be floated in the days to come. In financial circles, this will almost assuredly include any potential for perceived impact …
ShankerValleau 360°- Let the Queen Inspire Your Estate Plan
The recent death of Britain’s beloved Queen Elizabeth II has placed a spotlight on estate planning. Despite emotionally charged crowds of mourners and rumored royal family rifts, the events following the Queen’s death were carried out smoothly. Although we are not royalty, we can learn a final lesson from Britain’s longest reigning monarch and recognize the importance of a well-planned estate. An estate plan is one of the greatest gifts you can bequeath to your loved ones, to reduce their painful stress load during an already stressful time. We’ve assembled the following list of basic estate planning elements with brief …
ShankerValleau 360°- Take Control of Your Retirement At Any Life Stage
Whether you are currently retired, hope to retire very soon, or consider retirement a long-term dream, it may feel uncomfortable to contemplate your retirement in the current economic environment. Inflation, market performance, global conflicts, and pandemics have left many feeling like they are out of the drivers’ seat. But the good news is that every stage of the retirement journey requires you to make decisions and these decisions give you control. For example, you may not have control over annual inflation numbers, but you can choose at what age to begin collecting social security. At ShankerValleau, we enthusiastically embrace the …
Worried About Stocks? Why Long-Term Investing Is Crucial
By David Booth, Executive Chairman and Founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors We are living in a time of extreme uncertainty and the anxiety that comes along with it. Against the backdrop of war, humanitarian crisis, and economic hardship, it’s natural to wonder what effect these world events will have on our long-term investment performance. While these challenges certainly warrant our attention and deep concern, they don’t have to be a reason to panic about markets when you’re focused on long-term investing. Imagine it’s 25 years ago, 1997: J.K. Rowling just published the first Harry Potter book. General Motors is releasing …
ShankerValleau 360°- Protect What You’ve Built with Insurance
The past two years have reminded us just how unpredictable life can be. Pandemics, wars, and political crises have left us asking ourselves and each other, “What could possibly be next?” But the reality is, pandemic or no pandemic, each day is unpredictable. Every morning brings the thrill of the unknown and the discomfort of events beyond our control. As wealth advisors, we cannot predict the future, but we can help position your financial life to weather various storms. Previously we covered investing during uncertain times, safeguarding your wishes, and drafting an estate plan. In the 5th article of our …
ShankerValleau 360°- Build & Preserve Your Wealth with Year-Round Tax Planning
By now you’ve signed your 2021 tax returns (or put them on extension) and breathed a sigh of relief that April 15th is behind you once again. While “tax season” may imply that there is an optimal time to think about your taxes, many taxpayers are best served by a year-round, tax-wise, financial plan. Whether you’re building, preserving, or spending your wealth, intentional tax-planning remains integral every step of the way. ShankerValleau provides a unique and powerful combination of financial planning and tax expertise, with both CFP® professionals and CPAs on our team. Tax planning is best considered an ongoing …
