It is not unusual here in Silicon Valley for employers to offer their employees the opportunity to acquire company stock as an investment alternative in their 401(k) plans. Employees may acquire equity shares using pre-tax dollars, or even better, at no cost when shares are granted as a matching contribution. But eventually, whether because of … Continued
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) Plans are a benefit often offered by corporations to high ranking executives, usually Directors and above. They are distinctly different from qualified retirement plans such as pensions or 401(k)s, and since NQDC plans are not widely offered, the pros and cons of participating are not widely understood. Whether to participate is … Continued
With Republicans controlling both the White House and Congress, there is an increased likelihood of tax reform legislation hitting the debate floor. Proposals by President Trump and the House Ways and Means Committee appear to support the reduction of marginal tax rates and modification of itemized deductions which will mute the taxable benefits of gifting … Continued
The decision to move into a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a major life event that warrants careful planning to ensure long term financial sustainability. Certainly, there are personal and emotional considerations to explore when facing this major decision; however, as you get to the point of considering a specific CCRC you will need … Continued
There has been great controversy lately about regulatory changes impacting the financial industry. One set of new rules in particular – the Department of Labor’s extension of the fiduciary standard to all those companies and agents providing services and advice to investors on their retirement assets – has generated both action and debate. DOL became … Continued
School will be starting up again soon. Perhaps some of you are sending your kindergartner off to school for the very first time with a shiny new backpack and lunch box in hand. Or perhaps some of you are sending your youngest child off for their last year of college, the last to leave the … Continued
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” –Antoine de Saint-Exupery Change is coming for all of us- no one is immune to it. Life itself is one big transition felt through various life experiences that range in their significance and pleasantness over the course of a lifetime. The best way to prepare for … Continued
The State of California holds more than $8 billion in unclaimed funds on its books. States all over the country are running massive surpluses of orphaned accounts. These funds are the result of bank and investment accounts being left behind or dividend and interest, even tax refund checks or insurance proceeds, never cashed. As the … Continued
Utilizing Home Equity to Meet Long-Term Needs and Objectives The term downsizing typically connotes difficult decisions, often conjuring up images of harsh corporate layoffs. But downsizing also commonly describes the sensible and often rewarding —even cathartic — act of moving from a large house into a smaller and more manageable living arrangement. Of course, … Continued
“He who will not economize will have to agonize.” – Confucius (551 BC – 479 BC) For thousands of years people have been told to adhere to a budget, and today the thought seems as daunting as ever. This can be especially true for those who live in a high cost area such as San … Continued