Now, I’ve mentioned before that I’m not a fan of large tax refunds (see March 1 blog). In fact, if you are consistently getting a large tax refund, you should probably adjust your withholdings so you can dedicate that money to your financial why’s every paycheck. After all, allowing the IRS to hold your money is a bad investment. If you should find yourself receiving one, though, you may be wondering how best ways to use it. It’s only normal to be tempted to do some retail therapy or splurge on a fun experience. However, it’s best to see how you can get your money to work for you before giving in to that temptation.
The very first thing to consider is how much debt you have. Large amounts of debt, whether it be student loans, credit cards or other outstanding financial obligations, can cripple you from saving for your goals. Using your tax refund to pay down debt might be the very thing to get you closer to saving for your goals.
You also want to make sure to bulk up your emergency fund. An unplanned repair, medical expense or job termination can all cost a pretty penny. Without an emergency fund, we may feel tempted to use our credit cards to cover the unexpected expense. As I just mentioned earlier, this simply takes us farther from our goals. Ensuring that we have an adequate emergency fund can make sure that we stay on target regardless of what life may throw at us.
Your tax refund can also be used to work towards your financial independence. Maximize your contributions. If you don’t have a plan, establish one. A little money can go a long way with the help of time and compound interest. Remember: there is no do-over when it comes to saving for retirement, so be sure to do as much as you can now because that time will be here before you know it.
I understand that using your tax refund check to indulge in something today can be quite tempting. More often than not, though, these distractions simply take you off your path to financial independence. You need to make sure that you’re making the money you receive today work to build the life you want to live tomorrow.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
Estate planning is an essential step to help protect the wealth that you've spent your life building. Meeting with an estate planner will help to create a comprehensive plan that will allow your assets to effectively pass to your assigned beneficiaries. Creating this initial plan can feel overwhelming, and we are here to help you prepare.
Here are five important questions you can expect to discuss with your estate advisor as you start to plan for your future.
How Would You Like Your Wealth to Pass to Your Heirs or Elsewhere?
The basis of your estate plan is where you want to direct your wealth and how you'd like that to happen. No matter how large or small your estate is, you'll need to decide how it should be distributed among children, grandchildren, other family members or favorite charity organizations. For example, this could mean leaving different parties a percentage of your total assets, or leaving one child your business and another child your vacation home.
It’s important to also think about whether you want your beneficiaries to receive their inheritance all at once or not. If you have a disabled child requiring lifelong care on your list, or someone who needs a little extra help managing their money, you may want a trust or annuity structure in place to pay out the inheritance in increments.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Costs and Conflicts for Your Heirs?
Costs for your beneficiaries are most likely to come up if your estate needs to go through probate, which is the process by which a court distributes your assets. In addition to financial costs, there are other reasons to avoid probate. Probate can be a long and exhausting process – meaning, your heirs will not be able to access your estate right away. If you have dependents who will rely on the money in your estate, this can be an especially serious concern. In addition, probate adds your estate information to the public record, which you may want to avoid. There are several strategies your financial advisor might recommend to avoid probate. These include placing assets in a trust and moving funds into joint accounts with your beneficiaries.
Conflict among heirs is another common concern, especially in families where conflict already exists. While the legal documents included in your estate should help minimize disagreements and make it more difficult for someone to contest your wishes, communication during your lifetime is important as well. Disagreements often surround specific items like jewelry or sentimental pieces rather than your financial assets. Labeling these items, writing a letter of instruction and starting to pass on these things during your lifetime can all help make your intentions clear.
How Can You Reduce Your Tax Burden?
After a lifetime of working to earn your money, you likely want to direct your wealth to your loved ones rather than the government. In 2023, only estates valued at $12.92 million (or $25.84 million for some married couples) or more may be subject to the federal estate tax. If, upon your death, the total value of your estate is less than the applicable exclusion amount, no federal estate taxes will be due.
Depending on the state you live in, your heirs or your estate might also be subject to state estate or inheritance taxes. If taxes are a concern for your estate, there are several ways to reduce your tax burden.
One simple option is to start passing money along during your lifetime. Based on the 2022 gift tax exemption limit, individuals can give up to $16,000 per recipient per year. This lets you give money directly to your children or grandchildren while reducing the value of your estate, which will reduce your tax bill. Other options include a marital trust, which allows one spouse to place assets in trust for the other spouse, and an irrevocable life insurance trust, which can pay for life insurance premiums with tax-deductible funds and then avoid estate taxes later on.
Are You Already Working with Financial Professionals?
If you're already working with an estate attorney, a financial planner or a tax professional, it's important for your estate planner to understand the strategies your existing financial team has recommended. You'll want to make sure that all of these members of your team are working together so you aren't paying for duplicated efforts or conflicting suggestions.
If you aren't already working with a financial team, your estate planner may recommend that you do so depending on the details of your estate plan. If you have complex tax concerns, you might need to talk to a tax expert. Depending on the type of trust that you wish to establish, you may need an estate attorney to set it up.
How Will Changes in Your Life Change Your Estate Plan?
Your estate plan should have the flexibility to adapt to changes in your lifestyle, family structure or life expectancy. Your initial plan will be based on your current circumstances, but you should consider potential future concerns and possible solutions.
Divorce and Remarriage
Divorce and remarriage are common life changes that can affect your estate plan. If you remarry, you may not want your new spouse to manage the inheritance of your children from the first marriage. This can create the need for a new trust to be established. In addition, if you have more children in later marriages, you will again need to update your estate plan.
Life Expectancy and Medical Issues
There are other lifestyle considerations that might change as well. For example, if based on your family history you expect to live into your 90s, you might not want to start giving away assets to avoid estate taxes. And if medical issues arise and your life expectancy changes, you will likely need to adjust your plan.
While you won't need to make any decisions based on hypotheticals, it's a good idea to discuss the possibilities.
How to Get Started?
Your estate plan is a key component of your Life Plan. To create an estate plan that addresses the above questions and any other concerns you may have, you'll need to start by finding the right estate advisor. Talk to the Trilogy Financial team to take control of your finances today while maximizing your future opportunities.
In today's dynamic financial landscape, achieving robust financial growth necessitates more than just earning; it demands smart management of your wealth. Trilogy Financial Services exemplifies this ethos, providing a conduit to “amplify wealth” through professional financial planning.
How Are Financial Strategies Tailored to Individual Needs?
Trilogy's financial planners excel in tailoring strategies to your unique financial objectives. They ensure your money works smarter, not harder, covering areas such as:
401k Retirement Planning
Wealth & Asset Management
Estate Planning Strategies
Investment Strategies
College & Education Planning
Insurance Services
This holistic approach embodies the essence of “amplify wealth management”1.
What Expert Insights Are Offered for Investment Strategies?
Jake Claver, a finance expert, emphasizes the need for simplicity in investment strategies. He suggests having a diverse portfolio to reach long-term financial goals 2.
What Makes the Journey to Amplified Wealth a Collaborative Venture?
The journey to “amplified wealth” is a collaborative venture with skilled advisors.A Visual Capitalist survey reinforces this idea by revealing:
74% of Americans engage in financial planning.
Only 29% work with a professional planner, emphasizing the potential for enhanced wealth management with professional guidance3.
How Does Trilogy Help in Bypassing Investment Pitfalls?
Investing in Trilogy’s expertise means bypassing common DIY investment pitfalls. Andrew Lokenauth, a seasoned financial planner, reinforces the significance of professional guidance in achieving financial security through smart investing4.
How Does Trilogy Contribute to Wealth Preservation and Growth?
With Trilogy, you're not merely preserving wealth; you're propelling it to new heights, embodying the essence of “amplify my wealth.” Did you know the alarming statistic that 42% of Americans have less than $10,000 saved for retirement 5?
What Does the Signature Process and Professional Advisors Offer?
Trilogy's signature process and professional advisors offer:
Independent competitive portfolios
Tax-smart strategies
Real-time portfolio adjustments
Risk mitigation approaches
This tailored guidance fast-tracks your financial independence, allowing your money to work tirelessly towards pursuing your financial objectives1.
What Is the Track Record of Success Among Financial Professionals?
The Forbes/SHOOK Top Wealth Advisors have a strong history of success. Utilizing financial professionals who have trusted advisors can have a big impact on your wealth management. It also highlights the advantages of using professional financial planning services, like those provided by Trilogy Financial Services 6.
How Does Technology Optimize Financial Management?
Technology is important in changing finance, and Trilogy Financial Services uses advanced technology to increase wealth.Trilogy has personalized digital platforms that give you real-time insights on your finances, helping you make quick informed decisions.
Personalized Digital Platforms: Trilogy offers personalized digital platforms that provide real-time insights into your financial portfolio, enabling you to make informed decisions swiftly.
Robust Data Analysis: Utilizing advanced data analytics, Trilogy's financial planners can dissect complex financial data to unearth lucrative investment opportunities and mitigate potential risks.
Secure Digital Transactions: With a focus on security, Trilogy ensures that all your financial transactions are conducted securely, protecting your wealth from potential cyber threats.
Virtual Consultations: In an era where digital interaction is paramount, Trilogy facilitates virtual consultations with financial experts, ensuring that you remain on the right financial track, irrespective of regional constraints.
These technology-driven approaches not only streamline the financial management process but also provide a seamless, interactive experience. By integrating modern technology, Trilogy Financial Services demonstrates a forward-thinking approach in helping clients “amplify their wealth.” Combining financial advice and technology helps people grow their wealth. Trilogy is a great option for investors who want to succeed in today's digital financial world.
How Can You Embark on Your Pathway to Amplified Wealth?
“Amplified wealth” with Trilogy isn’t a distant dream, but a tangible reality awaiting your action. Engage with Trilogy Financial Services and set the cornerstone for a financially secure and affluent future.
