Street$marts

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Street$marts: 529 College Savings Plans–A Comprehensive Guide 

When it comes to saving for college, parents and guardians often search for tax-advantaged options that offer flexibility and growth potential. One of the most popular vehicles for this purpose is the 529 College Savings Plan. Introduced in 1996, 529 plans provide families with a tax-efficient way to invest money for education expenses. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what 529 plans are, how they are taxed, key strategies to consider, how to change beneficiaries, and how withdrawals are taxed. Personally, I’m a fan of 529 plans. I have three New York 529 plans, one for each of my three boys.

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 A Guide to the 72(q)/72(t) Distribution Method 

In this episode of StreetSmarts, Dylan Potter, Vice President and Wealth Manager at Howe & Rusling, delves into the intricacies of Section 72(q)/72(t) of the tax code, which provides a distribution method that will allow you the flexibility to draw on retirement accounts, penalty-free, before the age of 59 ½.

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Navigating the Roth Conversion Window

In this episode of StreetSmarts, Elizabeth Hutton, Vice President and Financial Planner at Howe & Rusling, delves into the intricacies of Roth Conversions. Discover how high earners can navigate Roth IRA contribution limits, and explore the strategic “Roth Conversion Window” between retirement and required minimum distributions. She will guide you through the criteria for optimal candidates, shed light on critical considerations, and unveil the strategic benefits, from mitigating future tax risks to enhancing estate planning.

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Decoding Finance Industry Designations

If you’re not immersed in the finance industry yourself, it can be confusing to understand what different credentials mean after an advisor’s name. We’re here to break it down for you, and we’re starting with some of the more common designations that are represented at Howe & Rusling: the CFP®, CFA, and CPA. Without getting lost in alphabet soup, these certifications are not only difficult to earn, but they’re very meaningful. Let’s dive in.

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Succession Planning and Kids

Today on StreetSmarts, President and majority owner at Howe & Rusling Craig Cairns focuses on a personal topic—Succession Planning and Kids.  

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