As the 2025 tax season unfolds, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has unveiled its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams. This list highlights the most prevalent scams taxpayers need to be wary of and offers strategies to safeguard against becoming a victim. Additionally, understanding the tax implications of losses incurred from these scams is crucial for those affected. Understanding the Most Dangerous Tax Scams of 2025 Tax scams are at their peak during the filing season, but they persist year-round as fraudsters continually innovate new ways to steal money and personal information. Here are the top scams to watch…

Given the current inflation rate investors are looking for ways to beat inflation, the traditional 60/40 stock-bond portfolio may no longer provide the same level of growth or yield as it did in scenarios with lower inflation. So there is a need to think outside the box and find new investment ideas to help deal with inflation and grow the capital. Real Estate And Infrastructure To Beat Inflation Real Estate Investment, via REITs, DST’s and Reg D offerings:  Real estate often acts as a natural hedge against inflation. Investing in incoming product, which offer income through dividends from property-related income,…

In his book Drive, Daniel Pink introduces a concept that resonates deeply with many individuals approaching or transitioning out of their primary careers: encore careers. This term refers to a new professional chapter after the conclusion of one’s primary career. For those seeking fulfillment, purpose, or a change of pace in their later years, an encore career may be the perfect solution. What Is an Encore Career? An encore career is a second act—a career pursued after retiring or stepping away from one’s primary profession. Importantly, it’s not just a job change within the same field. For example, a doctor…

In an era of increasing scrutiny on offshore accounts, the U.S. government has aggressively pursued individuals who fail to disclose their foreign financial holdings. The recent case of U.S. v. Leeds, (D. Idaho 2025) serves as a reminder of the consequences of noncompliance with the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) requirements. U.S. v. Leeds: A Cautionary Tale Richard Leeds, a U.S. citizen, maintained undisclosed Swiss bank accounts for over three decades, utilizing banking practices designed to conceal assets from U.S. authorities. When the IRS investigated, it found that Leeds had willfully failed to file FBARs for the…

About 70% of U.S. adults don’t have a will or trust, according to various surveys. That doesn’t mean they’re neglecting estate planning. Most people are exempt from estate and gift taxes under current law, so they don’t need a tax avoidance plan. The main goals of estate planning these days are to transfer property to the intended heirs in the most efficient way possible. Avoiding the expensive, time-consuming, and public probate process often is an important way to meet those goals. The title of this article is adapted from what was probably the first book to encourage people to take…

These seven gold stocks keep hitting new highs, a sign of a bullish trend in place and gathering force for the sector. How long that can continue is anyone’s guess but, for now, those trend-following algorithms and their human programmers are not staying away from the “buy” button. 7 NYSE Gold Stocks Hitting New Highs, Again Alamos Gold (NYSE: AGI) The new high on Friday was $25.36 and then the stock pulled back to close at $25.15. The stock’s 50-day moving average has remained above its 200-day moving average on the whole price chart. Both measures are headed up. The…

Last week, the S&P 500 hit correction territory, which is defined as a 10% decline from a previous high. Stocks rebounded on Friday, so the S&P 500 sits a little over 8% below its mid-February high, including the more than 2% decline last week. The Magnificent 7, consisting of Microsoft (MSFT), Meta Platforms (META), Amazon.com (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), NVIDIA (NVDA), Alphabet (GOOGL), and Tesla (TSLA), has faired worse with a drubbing of almost 18% since mid-December. The pressure on stocks seems to come from an economic growth scare, which includes plunging consumer confidence, with additional fuel provided by the policy…

Most people should consider having one or more trusts in their estate plans. To make decisions about trusts you must be aware of trust terminology and basic concepts about the most common types of trusts. Keep in mind that some trusts are given different names in some regions or by different estate planners, but once you know the basic concepts you should be able to identify a trust by its description. A trust is a legal agreement involving at least three parties. The terms of the trust usually are embodied in a written document called a trust agreement. The person…

Recently, PwC highlighted key insights in “President Trump’s Agenda: What to Expect Next.” Under the Tax Policy section, they emphasize modeling various scenarios of potential tax proposals. In today’s climate of uncertainty—locally, nationally, and globally—the role of estate planners as risk managers is more crucial than ever. With the political and economic landscape shifting, including the potential sunset of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), looming recession threats, and the possibility of increased tariffs, clients are faced with unprecedented uncertainties. While traditional estate planning often focuses on short-term tax benefits, adopting a long-term, scenario-based approach is now essential.…

Planning for retirement doesn’t have to be complicated. A straightforward approach can make the process easier: maximize investments and minimize expenses. Maximize Investments The more savings accumulated before retirement, the greater the financial flexibility later. This starts with increasing contributions to retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA. Even small percentage increases over time can significantly impact long-term wealth. Bonuses and unexpected windfalls present another opportunity—rather than spending them, directing a portion into an investment account can accelerate retirement readiness. Beyond traditional retirement accounts, brokerage accounts offer additional growth potential for those looking to further build their nest egg. Another…