Retirement: Are You Overlooking a Potentially Powerful Asset?

Most of us imagine our transition to retirement will be filled with both excitement and relief; however many find the transition to have an unexpected emotional impact.  As a way to manage the transition, a growing number of professionals are making a calculated “downshift” into a flexible state of semi-retirement that has both personal and … Continued

There May Be More to Kids’ Movies Than You Think!

In my house we are running either the theme song from The Lego® Movie or the hit ballad from Disney’s Frozen on a continuous dizzying loop. Either my daughters are parading around the kitchen with their princess capes on – “letting it go” – or my son is pumping his fists in the air shouting … Continued

Long-Term Care Insurance: The Basics

For many of our clients approaching their retirement years and beyond, this question is starting to come up more and more: How will I pay for my long-term care if and when I need it?  According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 70% of people turning sixty-five can expect to use some form … Continued

Fiscal Cliff Notes

“This is not a prediction, it is a certainty–there will be serious disruption in the world’s financial services industry…. It’s going to be ugly.” – The Times, London, 1999 (discussing the “Y2K” threat) Years ago in the midst of another date-specific moment in time, the world became obsessed that planes would drop from the sky … Continued

Drop the Baggage and Streamline Your Life

It is becoming a common occurrence to see new clients of Sand Hill arriving with excess baggage in tow. By baggage, I am referring to: 1) Assets held at multiple brokerage firms, 2) in multiple accounts, 3) registered with incorrectly titled names, 4) stock held in certificate form or held directly with transfer agents, and … Continued

Required Distributions: What is Your Plan for 2014?

For those who reached the age of 70 ½ and are required by the IRS to take a mandatory distribution from their tax deferred retirement accounts, the first quarter of the year provides a good planning point to determine the most effective way to satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) in 2014. The most common ways … Continued

Mark Your Calendar

The beginning of any new year is a time for resolutions, like eating well, exercising, and flossing regularly. It is also a good time to think strategically about your financial life and, if necessary, resolve to implement a seasonal planning process that could make you “financially fit” by year end. A good place to start … Continued

Year-End Financial Check Up

Much like the annual visit to the doctor’s office, year end is a good time to review the state of your financial health. Here at Sand Hill Global Advisors, we regularly discuss these topics with clients, as they are important reminders to keep you financially fit. • Year End Tax Planning. Consult your CPA or tax advisor … Continued

Next Stop, Retirement: Are You Ready?

In my 15 years of working with clients at Sand Hill Global Advisors, the topic that comes up more than any other is retirement planning. For many clients, there is excitement surrounding retirement. For others, there is concern as they begin to view their portfolio as a finite pool versus a roaring river.  In order … Continued