Category: Wealth Strategy

In my last article, “You Can Stand Under My Umbrella,” on the importance of an umbrella policy, we referenced a few exceptional stories highlighting when chaos happens – and how the appropriate insurance coverage can ‘save the day’ and protect assets during such times.  We have all seen the ads showing when “life happens” and [...]

Halloween overlaps with Medicare open enrollment, which in 2023 is happening between October 15th and December 7th. In the spirit of this festive season filled with ghosts, goblins, and ghouls, we want to warn you of another unwelcomed visitor that may spook you: IRMAA surcharges on your Medicare premiums (queue eerie music)! Read on to [...]

In a world where unforeseen circumstances can swiftly turn the tides of fortune, safeguarding one’s wealth becomes paramount.  For wealthy individuals, protecting their hard-earned assets requires more than the average homeowner’s insurance.  Enter the realm of large umbrella insurance policies, a vital component to protect against the unforeseen and unpredictable. The internet is full of [...]

When Congress passed the SECURE Act four years ago, the rules for most beneficiaries of inherited IRAs underwent a major overhaul. Prior to the SECURE Act, most IRA beneficiaries were able to spread their required minimum distributions (RMDs) over their life expectancy. As part of the SECURE Act, Congress introduced the term eligible designated beneficiary, [...]

The National Financial Education Council estimated that a lack of financial knowledge costs Americans an average of $1,819 annually in 2022.[1] As managing money yourself may be complex and require more time than you can commit, partnering with a financial advisor may be the solution you need to make sound decisions for the present and the [...]

Summer: A time of celebrating independence! The caps and gowns of late June give way to BBQs and 4th of July fireworks. What’s easily forgotten during this Summertime bliss is that for our nation’s Founding Fathers, it was hardly a smooth path to independence. They were metaphorically teenagers fed up with tightening rules and curfews, [...]

When it comes to estate planning, LGBTQ+ individuals may need additional considerations to ensure that their wishes are fully honored and protected. Given the variation in state laws and recognition, same-sex couples must continue to be conscientious and thoughtful when it comes to their estate planning efforts, and are highly encouraged to seek a competent [...]

When we begin working with new families at Coldstream, we see some predictable patterns in their areas of focus. Perhaps their investment portfolio has grown to a size they no longer feel comfortable managing independently, or they have questions about when they can afford to retire, how to diversify out of a concentrated holding, or [...]

Rolling over a 401k to an IRA can be a wise decision, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons before doing so. While a 401k is a retirement plan sponsored by employers that allows employees to save and invest a portion of their paycheck on a tax-deferred basis, an IRA is a [...]