Right now, you may be in the throes of gathering your tax documents for 2017 and preparing for the annual ritual of filing online or with your accountant. But it’s worth noting that substantial changes are on the horizon for …
Market Update: 2017 Year in Review
2017 was a strong year for the markets around the globe. Here is a brief review of performance and key themes for the year.
Equities
- Domestic Stocks:
Improving economic performance and the signing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs …
Five Easy Financial Resolutions
It’s a New Year, and many of us are still in goal-setting mode. While some years are more successful than others, I still love the process of setting goals and the feeling of achievement when I reach them.
I find …
Your Taxes and Foreign Financial Assets
By Mark A. Josephson, Esq., CPA, CFP, CFE, CGMA
(Note from Sara: New York is an international city and several people have asked what they are supposed to be doing with accounts they have either left behind overseas or inherited. …
What Happens if You Don’t Get Health Insurance?
Health insurance is easier to get these days, and more Americans are covered now thanks to the Affordable Care Act, known to many as “Obamacare”. But you do have to actually go to the exchange website and sign up, and …
Changes to New York Estate Tax Laws (Good News!)
Until recently, New York residents who died with estates exceeding $1,000,000 in value were subject to the State estate tax. (Note: This is separate from the Federal estate tax exclusion, which is $5.34M for 2014.)
That all changed on …
The Tax Benefits of Owning a Home
This is the seventh post in my “Taxes for Your Family” series.
There is a lot of confusion about the tax benefits of owning a home. But what are they?
Itemize Deductions
There are several deductions available to …
Tax Advantages of Retirement Accounts
This is the sixth post in my “Taxes for Your Family” series.
I’m always surprised when people don’t take advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Don’t they realize it’s the best deal Uncle Sam has going?
Here are four …
Five Questions About 529 Plans
Have you been considering opening a 529 college savings plan?
Contributing to our son’s college education is one of my personal goals. I went to an expensive private university (NYU), and I am still paying down those pesky student loans. …
