Tax Strategy

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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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AGI vs. Taxable Income vs. MAGI —Why it Matters

When determining your eligibility for a variety of deductions, credits, and retirement plans, you will often come across terms such as AGI, taxable income, and MAGI. Let’s explore what each of these terms mean, how to compute them, and why they matter.

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Idaho

Discover Retirement in Boise, Idaho: Affordable Living, Outdoor Adventures, and a Warm Community

Boise, Idaho is becoming an increasingly popular choice for retirees due to its affordable cost of living, outdoor recreation opportunities, and welcoming community. With a population of just over 230,000, Boise offers a laid-back, small-town feel with all the amenities of a larger city. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Boise a great place to retire, including its recreation activities, culture, and some affordability information.

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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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What is a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust?

A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) is a type of irrevocable trust that can help protect assets from being counted towards an individual’s Medicaid eligibility requirements. A Medicaid asset protection trust can be a useful planning tool to preserve assets from long-term care costs and to avoid probate. Learn more from our Vice President, Estate Strategies, Andrea Gray, Esq.

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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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Saving for a Child… Which Account Type is Right for You?

So, you have decided to help your child or grandchild start saving and investing. That’s fantastic! It’s the first step on their road to financial success. But now you must decide what type of account to use, and you are confronted with a tangled mess of options.

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