Filing Taxes Jointly or Separately - Pros and Cons

Wealth Adviser Diana Linn helps you determine whether filing taxes jointly or separately is best for you and your spouse this tax season. She explains the differences in standard deductions between the two strategies, how this decision affects tax liability and more. Diana also clarifies the rules around this decision, and specifically around tax elections and changing to or from a joint tax filing status. If you have questions for Diana or the Adviser team, please send them to info@adviserinvestments.com.

Mortgage Rates and Inflation—A Dangerous Dynamic?

Senior Research Analyst Liz Laprade looks into U.S mortgage rates—which are at a 20-year high—and elevated rents. She explains the importance these figures (and the housing market at large) have on the broader economy. Liz goes on to discuss the relationship between mortgage rates and homeownership, with individuals often opting to rent if mortgage rates spike too high. Finally, Liz offers her thoughts on expectations for the housing market and the effect on inflation going forward. If you have questions for Liz, please send them to info@adviserinvestments.com.

Sunset for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Part 2

Manager of Financial Planning Andrew Busa provides financial planning solutions in part two of his analysis of the expiring Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). This week, he focuses on three strategies to minimize the sunset’s impact on your estate and income taxes. Andrew's first solution involves protecting your estate tax exemption with a Spousal Limited Access Trust (SLAT). He also encourages considering a Roth conversion—paying taxes early could offset higher tax rates later. Finally, he revisits a core piece of last week's video—the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)—and suggests having a plan for Incentive Stock Options (ISOs). If you have questions for Andrew or the Adviser team, please send them to info@adviserinvestments.com.

The Strength of the U.S. Dollar—And Why It Matters

Senior Research Analyst Liz Laprade takes a look at the relative value of the U.S. dollar with respect to other currencies—and what it tells us about investing and the economy. She uses the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY Index) to describe the manner in which the greenback has appreciated in recent years. Additionally, Liz explains the importance of geographic diversification and the importance of the dollar for global investors and international companies. If you have questions for Liz, please send them to info@adviserinvestments.com.

Sunset for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Manager of Financial Planning Andrew Busa looks down the road to help you prepare for the potential sunsetting of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) at the end of 2025. He explains the estate planning implications of expiration, a lower federal gift and estate tax exemption (the unified credit), and how personal income tax rates could increase to the previous marginal tax bracket for high earners. Finally, he reveals how the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) may affect significantly more people than today. If you have questions for Andrew or the Adviser team, please send them to info@adviserinvestments.com.