Posts by Rachel Cautero:
The term “top 1%” is typically used to refer to people among the top 1% wealthiest Americans, as measured by either annual income or net worth. The income of those in the top 1% is many multiples above that of the average American: According to one study, in 2018 the average person in the top 1% earned an income more than 39 times that of someone in the bottom 90%. In this article we’ll discuss how to know if you fall in the top 1%, how it varies by state, and how the top 1% in the U.S. compares to the top 1% globally. Read more
So you’ve decided that a family member won’t be getting an inheritance, after all. Maybe you have an ungrateful or irresponsible family member you want to cut out of the will. Or maybe there’s someone you’ve decided to favor at the expense of other family members. Here’s what to know about the process of disinheriting an heir, including some legal considerations – such as who may be immune from being disinherited. Read more
A holographic will sounds like something high-tech, but it’s quite the opposite: A will that’s completely written by hand, specifies what property or assets, such as bonds, stocks and fund accounts, are being willed and any circumstances that recipients must meet to receive named assets. Such wills aren’t necessarily recognized in all situations, with the legal status of such wills varying by state. In this article we discuss the requirements for holographic wills, which states recognize them and the potential downfalls. Read more
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted nearly every aspect of the economy, and the government has responded with measures that focus on U.S. businesses and their employees. Individually, Americans… Read more
The global coronavirus pandemic has had a heavy impact on the American economy. With many people laid off and struggling to pay for essentials, the federal government approved the $2 trillion… Read more
The term “set it and forget it” is ubiquitous in the financial world, and with good reason. Regular contributions to your retirement accounts or investment portfolio can help keep you on the right… Read more
The process of divorce can be emotionally and financially draining. It can also be very complicated, as state laws tend to dictate who gets what property, assets and even debt in a split. Equitable… Read more
If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “The more you make, the more you spend,” you’re likely already familiar with the concept of lifestyle inflation. Lifestyle inflation is when you increase your… Read more
South Dakota does not levy either an estate tax or an inheritance tax. However, there are other South Dakota inheritance laws of which residents should be aware, including rules governing intestate… Read more
North Dakota does not levy an estate tax or an inheritance tax. But North Dakota has other inheritance laws of which you should be aware, including rules concerning intestate succession, probate,… Read more
New Hampshire does not charge an inheritance or estate tax. But if you inherit an estate from someone who lived in a state that does have such taxes, you may still have to pay it. In this detailed… Read more
Montana does not charge an inheritance tax, nor does it tax the estates of decedents who were residents of the state (or who owned property within its borders). In this detailed guide of Montana’s… Read more
Hawaii is has no inheritance tax, but it is one of 12 states with an estate tax. In this detailed guide of the Aloha State’s inheritance laws, we examine this estate tax, along with other key… Read more
Like many states, Delaware does not have an inheritance or estate tax. The First State also boasts the sixth-lowest property tax in the U.S., and has no gift tax, making it a relatively tax-friendly… Read more
South Carolina does not levy an inheritance or estate tax, but like all states, it has its own unique set of laws regarding inheritance of estates. In this detailed guide of South Carolina… Read more
Nevada does not charge estate or inheritance taxes. In this detailed guide of Nevada’s inheritance laws, we break down intestate succession, probate, what makes a will valid and more. If you’d like… Read more
Michigan does not have an inheritance or estate tax, but your estate will be subject to the Wolverine State’s inheritance laws. In this detailed guide of Michigan inheritance laws, we break down… Read more
Determining when to retire can be tough. There are various factors to consider, including your financial situation, your health, and the lifestyle you wish to enjoy once you retire. While the… Read more
Missouri inheritance laws are fairly tax-friendly, as the state doesn’t have an inheritance or estate tax. You will, however, be responsible for federal inheritance taxes should the inherited estate… Read more
A wide range of studies shows the value of seniors keeping busy for their physical health, mental acuity and memory. That presents one of the few downsides of retirement: How do you keep busy when… Read more
You know how much you paid for an investment. But do you know how much it’s actually worth? While the value of most assets equates to market value, intrinsic value implies the investor’s perceived… Read more
If you’re a millennial, chances are, you don’t have a financial advisor. In fact, one survey found that just 11% of millennials regularly meet with a financial advisor, while 31% use either a robo… Read more
The term “garden leave” refers to a company’s practice of paying an employee who is leaving to stay away from work and delay seeking employment elsewhere for a period of time. They’re also usually… Read more
Divorce always presents financial issues, and that can be especially true later in life. A gray divorce refers to couples who get divorced late in life – usually after 40 years or more of marriage.… Read more
So you’ve got a few thousand extra dollars in the bank. Maybe you got a bonus at work, or a small inheritance, or a tax refund. Or maybe you’ve just been saving more than you’ve been spending lately.… Read more
