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IRS Releases 2024 Tax Brackets, Retirement Contribution Limits
The Internal Revenue Service recently released updated income tax brackets, standard deduction, and retirement contribution limits for the 2024 tax year. While these taxes are not due for some time, it may benefit you to start...
Read More10 Financial Missteps to Avoid During a Divorce
Divorce is one of the most stressful life events. Even the most amicable splits can be complicated and emotionally draining. We likely all know couples who have gone through divorce, and it can be a trying time for everyone involved....
Read MorePreparing for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Sunset at the End of 2025
While we haven’t yet said goodbye to 2023, it’s not too early to begin thinking about any tax changes that may be on the horizon. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was designed to overhaul the federal tax code by...
Read MoreThe Impact of SECURE 2.0 in 2024 and Beyond
SECURE 2.0: Changes Going Into Effect in 2024 Passed in 2019, the SECURE Act was the most substantial retirement legislation in over a decade. It contained important changes designed to help investors save more and be better prepared...
Read MoreA Year-End Financial Checklist
Time to Think About Year-End Financial Strategies As we roll into fall and the fourth quarter, now is a good time to pause and reflect on proactive ways to set up your finances for 2024. Economically speaking, we are now in a much...
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AI's Role in Shaping Our Tomorrow: A Look Ahead
While artificial intelligence (AI) is making headlines today, the concept of "thinking machines" can be traced back to ancient philosophers and mathematicians. The phrase artificial intelligence was first used in the mid-20th century,...
Read MoreTop 10 Questions High Net Worth Individuals Ask About Social Security
Social Security, the program you may have spent a lifetime paying into, is designed to offer stability, supplemental income, and other valuable benefits that can play a role in your overall financial strategy after you retire. We've...
Read MoreUnderstanding the September Effect: What It Is and Why It Happens
If you ask the average investor which month is the most volatile for the stock market, they will probably say October. It's a reasonable answer, but it's incorrect. Despite October's reputation for market-defining events like the...
Read MoreDon't Get Hooked: A Guide to Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing
As financial professionals, we understand how vital it is to safeguard your personal and financial information. Unfortunately, in our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attacks, have become a prevalent...
Read MoreMoney Tips for Parents Sending Children Off to College
You’ve done a great job teaching your children vital life lessons and instilling values that will last a lifetime. As summer ends and a new school year begins, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially for...
Read MoreThe 6 Biggest Mistakes DIY Investors Make and How to Avoid Them
IntroductionOver the last several months, I have met with quite a few self-proclaimed do-it-yourself (DIY) investors who, after struggling with the markets in 2022, approached me asking for a second opinion. Interestingly, almost every...
Read MoreHow the SECURE 2.0 Act Changed 529 Plans
Changes to 529 Plans in the SECURE 2.0 ActThe SECURE Act was initially passed by Congress at the end of 2019 and was intended to improve retirement savings opportunities. It was a big deal at the time and the most significant piece of...
Read MoreHealth Savings Accounts: Pros, Cons, and Retirement Considerations
What if your child needs braces? The cost may be as much as $6,000 for metal braces—more modern versions can run as much as $13,000. Your health insurance may cover only a portion of the cost. If you're well past the braces stage...
Read MoreTop 7 Most Common Estate Strategy Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Getting your affairs in order and outlining what you want done with your estate after you’re gone is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones. However, not preparing for the transfer of your assets can lead to...
Read MoreNavigating the Costs of Senior Care: Tips for Preparing for Long-Term Care
Senior care costs can be overwhelming, particularly when long-term care is required due to illness or medical conditions. With the number of seniors in the U.S. expected to rise exponentially by 2030, it's crucial to be prepared for...
Read MoreLiving Trusts: Understanding the Basics and Key Considerations
Estate management can be a complex and daunting task for many people, but it’s a critical step in helping your assets get managed and distributed according to your wishes.One popular tool that can be used in estate strategies is...
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Consider Selling Your Losers
Tax-loss harvesting means taking capital losses (selling securities for less than what you initially paid for them) to offset any capital gains you may have.While this doesn't get rid of your losses, it can help you manage your tax...
Read MoreTrying to Time a Recession?
Economies move in cycles – always have, always willThe Federal Reserve has been steadily increasing interest rates in an attempt to slow the rate of inflation. Its efforts are yielding some results, although inflation remains...
Read MoreTop Considerations to Help Adult Children Be Better Prepared As You Age
As we get older, it’s important that our adult children are prepared to manage any aging-related situations that may arise. This includes everything from having to make medical and financial decisions to determining assisted...
Read MoreTips for Raising Financially Literate Children
Every parent wants the best for their children and strives to prepare them to lead a happy, healthy, and successful life. But, despite understanding the importance of financial responsibility, only 28 percent of parents speak to their...
Read MoreLimiting Taxes on Wealth Transfers
Taxes can definitely make giving less fun. In a recent article for The Aspen Times, our Brian Littlejohn describes several ways to help minimize them.
Read MoreTax-Friendly Ways to Help with Education Expenses
Yes, it is possible to help out with a family member's educational expenses and not rack up huge tax bills in the process. Check out Brian Littlejohn’s recent article in the Post Independent, “Four tax-friendly ways to help...
Read MoreWhere to Stash Excess Cash
According to the Investment Company Institute, near the end of 2022, there was more than $4.7 trillion in cash sitting in U.S. money market funds.1,2While cash can play a role in a diversified portfolio, historically, cash has not kept...
Read MoreWhat is the Sequence-of-Return Risk and How Can Retirees Mitigate Its Effects
What Is the Sequence-of-Return Risk and How Can Retirees Mitigate Its Effects?With the possibility of a recession looming, it's natural for those nearing or in retirement to have concerns over their long-term strategies. After decades...
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Divided Government
As the new Congress begins its session, it's interesting to watch how the shifting balance of power in Washington, D.C. may impact your investment, tax, and estate strategies.Although their numbers were not as high as expected, the...
Read More5 YEAR-END CHARITABLE GIVING STRATEGIES
To get the most from your charitable giving, it’s important to understand which strategies have the greatest potential to reduce your tax burden while simultaneously meeting your philanthropic goals. Check out Brian...
Read More2022 YEAR-END FINANCIAL PLANNING CHECKLIST
With year-end quickly approaching, there are valuable financial to-dos to check off your list before January 1 rolls around. Check out Brian Littlejohn’s recent article in the Glenwood Springs Post Independent, “2022...
Read MoreTHE PROS AND CONS OF FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS
Sherwood Wealth Management founder Brian Littlejohn contributed to this Wall Street Journal article by Lori Ioannou. To find out why family limited partnerships (FLPs) are rising in popularity and why they may not be right for everyone...
Read More5 STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR ASSETS BEFORE REMARRYING
To protect your assets before remarrying, consider these fives steps.If you’re considering remarrying after divorce, you’re not alone. In fact, around 58% of adults decide to remarry after their first marriages end in...
Read MoreHOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CPA
Having the right CPA on your team can be critical to your financial success, especially for affluent individuals or families facing high annual tax bills. Yet depending on your circumstances and goals, the top CPA in your area may not...
Read MoreHOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY
Choosing the right estate planning attorney can be important for many reasons. However, knowing who to choose isn’t always very straightforward. The best estate planning attorney in your area might not be the best one for your...
Read MoreIf you don’t have umbrella insurance, it may be time to get it. This is especially true for high-net
If you don’t have umbrella insurance, it may be time to get it. This is especially true for high-net-worth individuals, wealthy families, and sudden inheritors.That’s because umbrella insurance can provide extra liability...
Read MoreSTOCK MARKET VOLATILITY IS SPIKING, BUT DON’T PANIC
Markets are off to a bumpy start so far this year, and many investors are concerned about what this means for their investment portfolios. Indeed, record-high levels of inflation, the likelihood of rising interest rates, and the...
Read MoreHOW WEALTHY COLORADANS CAN PREPARE FOR COLORADO’S UPCOMING TAX LAW CHANGES
Earlier this year, Colorado lawmakers made significant changes to the state tax code. Indeed, the changes are expected to touch most Colorado taxpayers in one way or another. However, certain adjustments are more likely to impact the...
Read MoreDON’T NEED YOUR RMD THIS YEAR? CONSIDER DONATING IT TO CHARITY.
It’s that time of year again. Temperatures are falling, days are getting shorter, and the holidays are just around the corner. And if you’re 72 or older or recently inherited a traditional IRA, it may be your last chance to...
Read MoreBRIAN ANSWERS QUESTIONS ON SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
Our own Brian Littlejohn recently answered a few questions for Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine on Social Security. A transcript of the questions and Brian’s answers are below:REPORTER: SHOULD RETIREES AND...
Read MoreHOW PROPOSED TAX CHANGES MAY IMPACT WEALTHY AMERICANS
Retirement Daily recently featured an article by Sherwood Wealth Management founder Brian Littlejohn. In it, he shares his perspectives on how proposed tax changes may impact wealthy Americans. Click here to read the full article.
Read More5 CYBERSECURITY BEST PRACTICES INVESTORS SHOULD EMBRACE IN 2021
Sherwood Wealth Management founder Brian Littlejohn was recently featured in Retirement Daily for his tips on cybersecurity best practices. Click here to read the full article.
Read MoreUNDERSTANDING FINANCIAL INDUSTRY CREDENTIALS
Brian Littlejohn recently answered several questions on financial industry credentials posed by a reporter at Forbes Magazine. A transcript of the questions and Brian’s answers are below.REPORTER: HOW DOES A CFP® DIFFER FROM...
Read MoreBRIAN LITTLEJOHN IN FORBES MAGAZINE
Sherwood Wealth Management founder Brian Littlejohn discusses the various types of financial advisors in an in-depth Forbes Magazine article. Click here to check it out!
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