The “Smartest” Investor in the World is ….

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Did you know there is a debate raging in your portfolio right now?  It is the classic debate over which market is sending the right “signals” to investors, the bond market or the stock market?  Which investment market or expert is right?  Actually its easy.  Its Jack Lew, the Treasury Secretary.  His portfolio, dominated by the same ETFs that Alliance Trust uses, saves him thousands of dollars a year in fees. Instead of paying hidden mutual fund fees, with ETFs he builds his own nest egg for retirement faster.  If you are not the Treasury Secretary, and need help designed your own cost-effective portfolio, call Alliance Trust at 775-297-4684.  Now Jack, can we talk about that signature of yours?

How the Wealthy Invest in a World of Super Computers

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Two interesting articles recently appeared in the Wall Street Journal, detailing how difficult it is to compete in a trading world dominated by super computer algorithms and how even the very affluent make many similar mistakes as smaller investors in this new world.  The conclusion? Design, manage and rebalance cost-effective portfolios with a patient eye towards long-run return patterns – exactly what Alliance Trust has been doing for years.

Beneficiary Designations and Estate Planning in Nevada

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There are some assets that require individuals to specify a beneficiary. These include life insurance policies, IRAs, and retirement plans. When you die, these assets are designed to be paid directly to the individuals you have named as beneficiary. Sounds simple, right? But as this article from estateplanning.com explains: naming beneficiaries may be simple, but not always effective.

Beneficiary designations can be quite useful, but they need to be considered as part of your overall estate plan. Naming a trust as beneficiary will often prevent the problems described in the article, and by bringing all of your assets together under one plan, you can be sure that each beneficiary will receive the amount you want them to have. An experienced estate planning attorney will be able to provide valuable guidance and make sure your plan will work the way you want.

Just Released – Nevada, #1 in the USA for Asset Protection Trusts

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The 4th Annual Ranking of Domestic Asset Protections Trust jurisdictions was released today, and it has Nevada as the best in the United States.  Other states compete with Nevada, but have yet to match the favorable statutes in the Silver State.  The rankings chart lists the key criteria and factors used to determine the rankings.  If you are establishing a trust, you need to consider Nevada.  Call 775-297-4684 for more information. 

Can’t move to Nevada to save taxes? Use a Nevada Trust!

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If you live in a high-income tax state, but cannot physically relocate to Nevada, this is an excellent strategy to save on state and city-level income taxes.  The recent IRS letter ruling has just increased the visibility and popularity of this strategy.  Our friends in California, Oregon, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey have already started using these strategies.  If you’d like more information, please call Alliance Trust Company at 775-297-4684.

Presidential Budget Proposal Rolls Back Estate Tax Exemption and Tax Amounts to 2009 Levels

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The proposed budget from the administration is out, and what has been rumored for a period of time is in print.  The proposal includes rolling back the estate tax exemption levels to 2009 rates in 2018.  This means that the estate tax exemption would drop from $5 million to $3.5 million, and the tax rate on taxable estates would increase from 40% to 45%.  Limits on retirement account levels, often used as an estate planning strategy would also be implemented. 

 

Advisors, Help Your Clients Beat the Odds

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Failure in an estate or asset transfer plan primarily results from poor communication, unobtainable goals or lack of trust by all the parties involved. As this Trust Advisor Blog explains, working with a qualified team of advisors can ensure that a families wishes are fully executed. A thoughtful team approach that includes an estate planner, independent trustee, CPA and financial advisor not only provides a complete service for your clients but ensures trust and loyalty for generations.

Jobs Report Hits Fed in the Jawbone

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One of the most remarkable aspects of the recession and recovery which has played out over the past 5 years in the United States is the role that the Federal Reserve has played.  It continues to be the  most influential forces in the markets today, and its role was further complicated by today’s weak job report

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Obama Budget May Limit Estate Planning Options

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As this article accurately states, nothing is certain when it comes to estate planning and estate tax law.  The proposed federal budget limits many techniques which can greatly benefit families. Contact Alliance Trust now to take full advantage of the laws as they currently stand.  We are in Reno, Nevada at 775-297-4000.

Wealthy Pay Highest Taxes in Three Decades

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With taxes on the wealthy increasing rapidly this year, there are strategies which can provide immediate and future tax-relief.  These steps can also address important family estate issues which are often neglected until there is a family emergency or in the worst cases, it is too late to address.