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When Wealth Goes Wrong
When you pass, you don’t get to take your money with you, so avoiding the common pitfalls of wealth transfer is best. Prepare your heirs, talk openly about money, pass along family values, and don’t be afraid to implement a trust.
Tempus Fugit – Time Flies
The most important thing about college savings was to begin. I do not know about other parents, but for me, one of my first thoughts after regaining my senses was about the cost of college.
Enhanced Child Tax Credit – Do You Qualify?
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) has more than just stimulus payments to offer. If you qualify for the enhanced child tax credit, be on the lookout for the IRS portal rollout in a few months. Many families have benefited from child tax credits in years past, but the enhanced credit differs in several ways.
Grandparent Owned 529 Plans: What You Need to Know
Helping a grandchild with their college expenses by putting money in their 529 is great! But do you know if contributions count as a gift or if the grandchild is a "skip person," or if it can hurt financial aid eligibility?
Does My Child Need Life Insurance?
Evaluating the reasons behind a desire to purchase life insurance on a child can be helpful with the question "does it make sense?" If you are protecting against future un-insurability, it's hard to argue an alternative solution.
Challenges of the Sandwich Generation
According to the Pew Research Center, 15% of middle-aged adults will end up financially supporting a parent and a child at the same time. If you find yourself in that 15%, you’re part of what has become known as the Sandwich Generation. We discuss what you should think about if you find yourself being sandwiched between the two generations.
How to Introduce Your Children to Good Financial Principals
Teaching children financial literacy skills early in life can help set them up for future financial success, but where’s a parent to begin? At Bedel, we encourage parents to teach the three S’s – saving, smart spending, and sharing. Read on for the details on each.
Child Identity Theft: Are Your Children at Risk?
Is your child’s identity at risk? That might sound like a crazy question, but young children are prime targets for identity theft. We’ve outlined how children’s identities can be stolen, warning signs to look for, and what you should do if you find out your child has become a victim.
Inside Scoop on the New Kiddie Tax
Thinking about moving investments into your children’s names to be taxed at a lower rate? Not so fast! The Kiddie Tax was recently restructured by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and it’s important to understand those changes and how it will affect you and your children. We have you covered with all the details.
Teaching Kids about Investing
Most people would likely agree that teaching children about investing is a very important life lesson. However, if you try to have a discussion about stocks and bonds with most children, their eyes will quickly glaze over. How can you get them more involved?
Who will Raise Your Child?
There is nothing better than celebrating the birth of a new baby. If it is the first baby, there are many “first time” experiences to be enjoyed as well as some “first time” decisions to be made. Naming a guardian is one of those.