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 …
ShankerValleau 360°- Investing through Good Times and Tough Times
In the last few weeks, we’ve witnessed the heartbreaking human toll of Russia’s military assault on Ukraine. We’ve also experienced the deluge of financial and economic analyses on its effects on global markets. As The Wall Street Journal’s executive Washington editor Gerald F. Seib reflected, “Russia’s military incursion deeper into Ukraine is one of those rare events that won’t merely affect the world. It will change the world.” We do not know what the future may hold but, as Dimensional Fund Advisors explored in its timely piece, “Navigating Geopolitical Events,” ample historical precedent illustrates what can happen during times of …
ShankerValleau 360°- Visualizing your Goals and Objectives
What are your hopes for 2022? What are your dreams for the next 10, 20, or 30 years? Do you have a vision for your family beyond your lifetime? While these questions may not seem related to your financial life, they should be at the core of every financial decision you make. At ShankerValleau, we tailor wealth management to your life’s goals and your timeline. When making decisions about your financial life, your goals can be broken down into two categories – short-term and long-term. Short-Term Goals What do you want to accomplish soon? Examples of short-term goals are purchase …
