Over the next two decades, Baby Boomers are expected to pass down more than $84 trillion, making it the largest wealth transfer in U.S. history. For many families, this inheritance represents a life-changing opportunity, but it also comes with important financial challenges. Navigating an Inheritance: What to Do First Before making any decisions, take time to process your loss. Once you’re ready, gather all key legal and financial documents such as wills, trusts, account statements, and property titles. Not all assets are taxed or distributed the same, so understanding what you’ve inherited is essential. For example, an inherited IRA from a non-spouse falls under the SECURE Act and must be emptied within 10 years of the original owner’s death. If a trust is named a beneficiary, the tax bill can hit faster, so it’s important to establish that quickly. A taxable brokerage account is simpler because you get a step-up in basis to the date-of-death value, meaning little or no capital-gains tax if you sell soon. Non-qualified annuities are trickier. Earnings come out first and are taxed as ordinary income, and most contracts force you to cash out within five years or start lifetime payouts. Common Inheritance Mistakes to Avoid Without careful estate planning, it’s easy to make costly mistakes. One example is naming a trust as a contingent IRA beneficiary without understanding the tax implications. Another is leaving an IRA to one person and expe
Divorce is a complex journey that requires thoughtful attention to legal, financial, and tax aspects, helping to shape a future aligned with your personal aspirations. Here are some essential factors to keep in mind: Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements play a crucial role in shaping the rights and responsibilities of spouses during a divorce. The prenuptial is created before the wedding, while the postnuptial comes into play afterward. They are especially valuable for couples with unique or complex assets, like collectibles or family business interests. These agreements not only help in valuing and dividing those assets fairly but also promote transparency and a sense of security for both partners as they navigate their future together. Cash flow and budgeting You’ll want to gain a clear picture of your personal and shared financial to help ease the transition. It's important to evaluate your spending, personal budget, additional costs, and income. If you foresee a shortfall, consider options such as adjusting investments, cutting expenses, or rethinking living arrangements to make transitions between homes smoother and more manageable. Tax implications During a divorce, you’ll need to consider how to split your existing assets, like in a property settlement, and any ongoing commitments to or from an ex-spouse, such as alimony or spousal support. Each is different and each may have tax implications. It's essen