In this blog we cover the basics of how step up in basis works in a community property state such as California, and what the common mistakes are that people make (that should be avoided).
Read MoreProp 19 has significant impact for residents of the state of California who are looking to pass on property as an inheritance.
Read MoreIn the face of a global pandemic, stock and bond markets performed surprisingly well in 2020.
Last year investors experienced one of the swiftest drops and subsequent full recoveries in stock market history.
We took advantage of the correction and rebalanced portfolios in March when the market was low. We also took advantage of market lows by executing tax-saving tax swap trades.
Equity markets around the globe posted positive returns in the fourth quarter. Looking at broad market indices, emerging markets outperformed non-US developed markets and US equities.
REIT indices underperformed equity market indices in both the US and non-US developed markets.
The Bloomberg Commodity Index Total Return returned 10.19% for the fourth quarter of 2020.
Business owners in the state of California who have been hit hard by the pandemic may avail themselves of the resources that the government has made available to them. In this blog we will discuss the major California relief programs available for small businesses.
Read MoreIn this blog, we are going to discuss what California residents need to know about step-up in cost basis.
Read MoreIn the wake of the recent election and the emotional unrest that has ensued, it is beneficial to recall our past writings on this subject.
Read MoreDo you plan for your child to inherit a home in California? If so, pay attention to recent developments related to Prop 19 and the impact it is likely to have on your property taxes.
Read MoreTax code changes often take place after major elections in which one party replaces the other.
The Biden tax plan has pledged not to increase taxes on taxpayers earning less than $400,000 a year.
It proposes to eliminate the step-up in cost basis on assets at death.
It is important to be familiar with the current tax code and any changes that may be enacted so you can plan accordingly.
Equity markets around the globe posted positive returns in the third quarter. Looking at broad market indices, emerging markets equities outperformed US and non-US developed markets for the quarter.
Value underperformed growth across regions. Small caps outperformed large caps in non-US developed and emerging markets but underperformed in the US.
REIT indices underperformed equity market indices in both the US and non-US developed markets.
Every four years, during the Presidential election cycle, some clients get nervous about the election and how the outcome will affect their investments. Normally there is a fear that if their favored candidate loses, the stock market will tank.
Read MoreIn this article we outline several important facets of historical market performance. This has great relevance to investors who are looking to make successful decisions about how to over or underweight their portfolio positions to maximize performance over the long term.
Read MoreThe quarter ending March 31st was the 9th worst quarter of stock market performance; and the quarter ending June 30th was the 9th best.
Investors who swapped from stocks to cash after the steep drop in March missed the subsequent rebound.
We took measures in light of the situation by rebalancing client portfolios and executing tax swaps.
We are living through an unprecedented period of history and we expect markets to remain uncertain for some time to come.
Equity markets around the globe posted positive returns in the second quarter.
Looking at broad market indices, US equities outperformed non-US developed markets and emerging markets.
Value stocks underperformed growth stocks, and small caps outperformed large caps.
REIT indices underperformed equity market indices in both the US and non-US developed markets.
Most people think of Social Security as a benefit that will come into play in retirement. But have you ever considered the scenarios in which you may need it before that?
Read MoreAs the pandemic has spread, many small businesses have been impacted by the social distancing and stay-at-home orders. If your business has taken a hit, it’s good to know your options under the Stimulus Package. Here is a quick summary of the basics.
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Equity markets around the globe posted negative returns in the first quarter.
Looking at broad market indices, US equities outperformed non-US developed markets and emerging markets.
Value stocks underperformed growth stocks in all regions. Small caps also underperformed large caps in all regions.
REIT indices underperformed equity market indices in both the US and non-US developed markets.
Under CARES Act, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are not required in 2020.
Also, qualifying individuals can withdraw up to $100,000 from a retirement plan without the applicable 10% penalty.
Vanguard is forecasting a sharp contraction in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the coming quarter of nearly 17% on an annualized basis followed by a sharp upswing.
There is no proven way to successfully time the market. Missing only a few days of strong returns can drastically impact overall performance.