Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLAT)

February 2023 – By Tom Rueger, J.D., CFP®

Fred and Wilma have done well during their lifetime and accumulated a significant net worth. Now they are looking into their options for estate planning. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act increased the federal lifetime gift and estate tax exemption to $12.92M/$25.84M for 2023, but it is set to expire on 1/1/2026 (and revert back to the prior amount of $5M, adjusted for inflation). Fred and Wilma are concerned that their estate will be liable for significant taxes if the exemption returns to its prior amount in a few years. They want to remove assets from their estate without making current gifts to their children as they are concerned it might affect their future standard of living. A SLAT could be the solution.

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New Year, New Market

Market Memo

January 2023 – By Kyle Rohrwasser

I think everyone is happy to put 2022 behind them. 2023 is here but it will come with some new tax law changes. The Secure ACT 2.0 has made major changes to employee benefits, retirement accounts, and the distribution of them. Below are some of the major changes to be aware of in 2023. All are positive to the American employee and can help with future retirement distribution planning.

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The Fed Outlook

Market Minute

January 2023 – By Scott Rosenquist, CFA®

The calendar has turned but the issues concerning financial markets remain the same.  The Federal Reserve is on track to continue tightening financial conditions through interest rate increases and reducing the size of its balance sheet which became bloated when it stepped in to support the bond market during the pandemic. Inflation remains above the two percent target that the Federal Reserve continues to defend. Recent gauges of the economic activity show services and manufacturing are in contraction as rate hikes take hold to slow the economy. How much longer will the Fed maintain its restrictive policy stance?

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