What's the Smart Way to Give to Charity This Year?
New rules reshaped charitable giving in 2026. Here's how QCDs, donor-advised funds, bunching, and gifts of stock can make a year-end gift go further.
New rules reshaped charitable giving in 2026. Here's how QCDs, donor-advised funds, bunching, and gifts of stock can make a year-end gift go further.
Year-end tax planning works best when it starts in October. Here's how Roth conversions, tax-loss harvesting, and the income thresholds that matter fit into 2026.
Donating appreciated assets like stocks or real estate to charity can maximize both philanthropic impact and tax benefits. This strategy allows donors to potentially claim a full fair market value deduction while avoiding capital gains taxes, especially when assets are gifted directly rather than sold first. Tools like donor-advised funds and timing strategies may further enhance the efficiency and flexibility of charitable giving.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) makes many favorable tax provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, including lower tax rates, higher standard deductions, and expanded credits. It introduces key changes like increased SALT deduction caps, enhanced child and dependent care credits, and new deductions for car loan interest and seniors. Understanding these updates is essential for effective multi-year tax planning to optimize your financial decisions under the new law.
When looking for mutual funds or exchange traded funds with low expense ratios, it helps to first know what you own and know what you want to own. Low expense ratios are important as is good performance and lower risk.
Do you feel like you are paying too much for medical needs? A Biden administration may impact the cost and coverage of your heath insurance and the overall price you pay for medical goods and services. Much will depend on who ultimately controls the Senate and the negotiations the parties make along the way.
A donor advised fund is an underutilized tool for charitable planning. Learn some key tax and non-tax aspects of this charitable strategy.
When receiving an inheritance, you’ll likely experience a flood of emotions. However, you have many options when it comes to being a good steward of your inheritance and you shouldn’t make these big decisions alone.