Posts by Rachel Cautero
Pensions & Other Retirement Accounts
Is My Spouse Entitled to My Pension in a Divorce?
A divorce is an unfortunate time in anyone’s life, as it signifies the end of a likely long-term relationship and marriage. However, it’s important to understand the financial ramifications of a divorce as you’re going through one. So if you’re… read more…
Market Insights
When Do People Retire on Average
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 decision of when to retire is personal to you,… read more…
Financial Advisor
Are You in the Top 1%?
The term “top 1%” typically refers 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… read more…
Financial Advisor
How to Disinherit an Heir
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… read more…
Financial Planning
What Is a Holographic Will?
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… read more…
Financial Advisor
Estate Planning During the Coronavirus Pandemic
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 have a role to play, including making sure they have a solid estate plan. Here are four of the most important steps you should cross off your estate planning… read more…
Financial Advisor
How to Spend Your Coronavirus Stimulus Check
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 stimulus package called the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. As part of this new law, most Americans received a stimulus check worth up to $1,200, as… read more…
Financial Advisor
Investing With a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
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 track for your long-term financial goals. A… read more…
Financial Advisor
Equitable Distribution: Definition and State List
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 distribution is a system by which many… read more…
Financial Advisor
How Lifestyle Inflation Hurts Your Finances
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 household spending as your income levels rise. Learn how this… read more…
Tax & Legal
A Guide to South Dakota Inheritance Laws
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 succession, probate, what makes a will valid and more. If you… read more…
Tax & Legal
A Guide to North Dakota Inheritance Laws
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, taxes, what makes a will valid and more. If you… read more…
Tax & Legal
Inheritance Laws in New Hampshire
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 guide of New Hampshire’s inheritance laws, we break down intestate succession, probate, taxes, what makes a will valid and… read more…
Tax & Legal
Montana Inheritance Laws: What You Should Know
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 to Montana’s inheritance laws, we break down intestate… read more…
Financial Planning
What to Know About Hawaii Inheritance Laws
Hawaii has no inheritance tax, but it is one of 12 states with an estate tax. In this detailed guide to the Aloha State’s inheritance laws, we examine this estate tax, along with other key inheritance laws, including rules governing… read more…
Tax & Legal
Delaware Inheritance Laws: What You Should Know
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 state. In this detailed guide of Delaware… read more…
Financial Planning
Inheritance Laws in South Carolina
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 inheritance laws, we break down intestate succession, probate, taxes, what makes a will valid and more. If you’re planning an estate or… read more…
Tax & Legal
Inheritance Laws in Nevada
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 professional guidance with your estate plan, or just need help managing your inheritance, you can use SmartAsset’s free financial advisor matching tool. Does Nevada Have… read more…
Tax & Legal
Inheritance Laws in Michigan
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 state laws concerning intestate succession, probate, taxes, what… read more…
Tax & Legal
Missouri Inheritance Laws: What You Should Know
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 be over a certain threshold. In this guide we’ll take an… read more…
Financial Advisor
What to Do When You Retire to Keep Busy
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 you are suddenly, and permanently, out… read more…
Market Insights
What Is Intrinsic Value?
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 value of an asset. Learn the… read more…
Financial Advisor
Finding a Financial Advisor for Millennials
If you’re a millennial, chances are you that you may already consider working with a financial advisor. In fact, one 2021 survey says that 65% of the millennial investors are likely to begin working with an advisor over the next two… read more…
Financial Planning
How Garden Leave Works
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 asked not to divulge sensitive information… read more…
Financial Advisor
How a ‘Gray Divorce’ Affects Your Finances
Divorce always presents financial issues, and that can be especially true in your older years. A gray divorce refers to couples who get divorced late in life, usually after 40 years or more of marriage. Also called silver or diamond… read more…