Enrichment
McManus & Associates is committed to keeping clients informed about the latest estate planning strategies, in light of new case law and shifts in the regulatory landscape. Every month, the firm holds a conference call on a timely topic related to issues faced by high-net-worth families. This educational focus series aids participants’ understanding of complex wealth management matters and provides valuable takeaways to guide regular recalibration of one’s estate plan based on changes in family dynamics, net worth and estate taxes.
Review hot topics below that McManus & Associates has recently explored with clients.
WEBINAR: Proposed Tax Law Changes for 2022
For its budget proposal for 2022, the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee proposed amendments to the Internal Revenue Code. Over the past year, McManus & Associates has shared the dangers of this coming tax legislation impacting families’ efforts to transfer their wealth. The tax legislation reflects many of the concerns that we have shared over… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Top 10 Planning Considerations in Anticipation of a Liquidity Event for a Private Business
During a conference call with clients today, McManus & Associates Founding Principal John O. McManus presented a case study to highlight the various planning opportunities that arise when a business has the potential to be acquired. What are the most important planning considerations in anticipation of a liquidity event for a private business? Read on and listen… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Election Updates and How to Approach Estate Planning in 2021
Now that President Biden is inaugurated and the final seats in the Senate have been filled, tax policy will be debated in Congress this year. With additional COVID-19 stimulus pending and various projects of the new administration, such as infrastructure and efforts to slow climate change, greater government spending will be prompted. McManus & Associates… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Top 10 Planning Opportunities to Consider Before 2021
McManus & Associates Founding Principal John O. McManus recently held a conference call with clients to provide timely information on how the new Biden administration may impact estate planning. During the call, McManus highlighted opportunities and offered guidance on how to respond to these possible changes. Listen to the recording and find a list of… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: What Tax and Estate Planning Must You Be Prepared to Implement Before December 31st
It’s important to anticipate potential 2020 Election outcomes as you steer your estate planning. What specific actions should you consider taking before 2021? Listen to McManus & Associates Founding Principal John O. McManus’s recent guidance to clients: 1. How will a change in the administration impact income taxes? Ordinary income and capital gains rates are expected to… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: What you need to know about the SECURE Act
New IRA rules benefit the living, but not so much their survivors. The May 2019 SECURE Act restricts the tax-advantage IRAs that were benefiting spouses, children, and even grandchildren. In a conference call today with McManus & Associates clients, the firm’s Founding Principal John O. McManus educates on the Act’s changes to IRAs and how… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Five Estate Planning Additions to Your New Year’s Resolutions
Regardless of your personal political leanings, the 2020 Election results will likely impact estate planning as we know it today. Certain estate planning strategies will likely evaporate if there is a Democratic sweep in Congress and the presidency. Take advantage of current estate planning opportunities and strategies since there is no certainty that they will… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Top 10 Estate and Tax Planning Issues in the News
There are several tax and estate planning strategies that high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) should consider seizing upon before year-end. In a conference call with clients today, John O. McManus, founding principal of McManus & Associates, weighed in on timely topics for the benefit of clients, from legislative initiatives that may impact estate planning to why an… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Top 10 Planning Issues for Families with Multinational Interests
Having cross-border ties is enriching for families, but also creates unique challenges, from special asset-reporting requirements to obstacles related to the appointment of guardians for your children. John O. McManus, founding principal of McManus & Associates, today shared insight with clients on 10 important considerations for families with multinational interests. Click play below to listen… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Top 10 Planning Considerations for Real Estate Investors
For years, real estate has been in the doldrums following The Great Recession, but this is beginning to change. McManus & Associates Founding Principal John O. McManus today discussed considerations for real estate investors, from basic to sophisticated, during a conference call with clients. Below, press play to listen to the call recording and read… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Top 10 Income Tax Considerations for Estate Planning in 2019
Income tax planning should go hand-in-hand with efforts to preserve and compound your estate. John O. McManus today discussed with clients key opportunities to maximize income tax savings. Listen to the discussion and review important points below: Review Your Plan: Given the significant tax law changes on the State and Federal level over the past… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: 11 Financial Tasks to Kickstart Your Wealth Building in 2019
When the calendar turns to January, the clock is reset for many estate planning opportunities. McManus & Associates Founding Principal and AV-rated Attorney John O. McManus recently shared his recommended estate planning checklist for January to maximize the value of your assets, cover your financial bases, take advantage of current exemption levels, and get a… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: 10 Tax Planning To-Dos to Check Off Your List before the End of 2018
With only one month left in 2018, time is running out to finish your wealth management to-dos. We’ve made your list, but it’s time to check it twice. Today, McManus & Associates held a call with clients to provide guidance on the items below. Click to hear the half-hour discussion led by the firm’s Founding… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: 6 Strategies for Smart Year-End Planning under New Tax Laws
Before we know it, the calendar will turn to 2019. Today, McManus & Associates Founding Principal John O. McManus held a conference call with clients to impart insight on year-end tax strategies, in light of the new tax laws, to implement by December 31st. McManus also covered annual end-of-year essentials. Listen to a recording of… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Top 10 Dangers and Opportunities for Seniors
Unique challenges face us all as we grow older and become “seniors,” but with proper planning, you and your loved ones can be well-prepared to successfully navigate this stage of life. Today, John O. McManus held an educational conference call with clients to discuss the “Top 10 Dangers and Opportunities for Seniors” – whether it’s… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: 5 Estate Planning Action Items that Remain Relevant Regardless of Shifting Political Winds
The political ping-pong commonly seen in the U.S. leads to legislative changes that make it necessary to reevaluate one’s tax strategies every few years. However, there are also important estate planning techniques that are not directly affected by legislation and changes in tax law, but that can still make a big impact on wealth preservation.… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: 10 Questions to Consider When Preparing for the Passing of a Loved One
Death represents a significant and vulnerable point in time for both the individual facing it and his or her loved ones. In the medical field, it is even associated with failure; only five out of 125 medical schools (4%) in the country offer a course on death and dying. This negative stigma means that what… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Year-End Boot Camp
There are a limited number of days left in 2017. McManus & Associates Founding Principal John O. McManus recently discussed imperatives before year-end for the firm’s clients, in light of significant current events, concerns, and considerations, and amidst a changing tax and economic environment. Listen to the call below, as well as review the list of topics that… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: 10 Precautions for Protecting the Benefits of Your Private Foundation
Interested in protecting your estate and maximizing the impact of your charitable giving? Then establishing a Private Foundation is worth your consideration. A Private Foundation provides the ability to retain control over the administration and investment of assets that have been recognized as important for future grant-making. By making gifts from your Foundation to charities… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: 10 Ways to Prevent Affluenza
Affluenza: “An Ounce of Prevention Is Better than a Pound of Cure” According to American author Mignon McLaughlin, “There are a handful of people whom money won’t spoil….” Do you think your children are among them? From over 25 years working with wealthy families, we’ve learned that older generations must be intentional to guard against… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: 10 “Must Do” Estate Planning Strategies While We Wait for Congress to Act
The election of Donald Trump to the presidency and Republican control of both houses of Congress make estate tax reform extremely likely in the next two years. However, given the incoming administration’s other proclaimed priorities, including the repeal of Obamacare, minimization of illegal immigration, increases in defense spending and infrastructure improvements, there are already questions… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Top 10 Ways to Solidify an Estate Plan Post-Execution
Execute and shelve is not an effective approach to estate planning. McManus & Associates, a top-rated estate planning law firm celebrating 25 years of success, today revealed the “Top 10 Ways to Solidify an Estate Plan Post-Execution,” a recent installment in its Educational Focus Series. During a conference call with clients, the firm’s Founding Principal… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: 9 Year-End Charitable Tips for 2016 and Philanthropic Strategies for 2017 and Beyond
Year-end giving allows you to positively impact the greater good by helping charities in need, while reducing your 2016 tax liability. During a new conference call with clients, John O. McManus shares important advice on how to give now to capture the greatest income tax deductions, and he identifies tax-efficient estate planning vehicles to consider… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Top 10 Tax Planning Tasks to Complete before the End of 2016 in Light of President-Elect Trump’s Proposals
In light of Donald Trump’s election and his pre-election platform to reduce marginal income tax rates, there are several planning strategies that should be considered as part of your year-end planning. Today, McManus & Associates Founding Principal John O. McManus held a conference call with clients to discuss the 10 items listed below. LISTEN HERE:… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: The Truth behind ‘Trumped Up, Trickle Down’ and Clinton’s ‘War on the Wealthy’
Presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton presented their tax plans in the first quarter of this year, but both candidates modified their proposals in September. McManus & Associates Founding Principal and AV-rated Attorney John O. McManus offered his thoughts on the impact that each proposal would have on tax planning and wealth management. To hear discussion… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Proposed Treasury Regulations and Discounting
Proposed IRS regulations were recently issued that would eliminate discounting of transfers of family business interests. Valuation discounting is now time-sensitive, as this opportunity is scheduled to be eliminated, possibly by the end of the year. Partnerships are sophisticated vehicles for unifying family investments, providing for the orderly transfer of assets, delivering asset protection, and… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Beyond Our Borders – Top 10 Multinational Issues in Estate Planning
We live in an increasingly global world. Today, many people travel regularly for work and pleasure, and have investments and loved ones abroad. From different law codes to increasing scrutiny from world governments, the complexities of estate and tax planning on an international scale are ready to ensnare the uninitiated. Whether you are a U.S.… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Tax and Estate Planning Considerations for Same-Sex Couples
Nearly a year ago, on June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges, delivering a historic decision in favor of State recognition for same-sex marriage. Exactly two years prior to this decision, in United States v. Windsor, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the constitutionality of Section 3 of the Defense… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Foreign Bank Account Reporting Missteps
To address our clients’ burgeoning international interests, from investments to regular travel, inheritances, and family members overseas, McManus & Associates created an International Practice Group. These professionals are devoted to keeping our clients compliant by meeting proper filing requirements, including those outlined under the Bank Secrecy Act. The Bank Secrecy Act gave the Department of… READ MORE ⟩
Educational Focus Series: Top 10 Possibilities of Portability
A significant opportunity presented by Uncle Sam, portability was first introduced as part of Tax Relief Unemployment Reauthorization and the Job Creation Act of 2010. It was scheduled to sunset on December 31, 2012 but was made permanent with passage of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. McManus & Associates, a top-rated estate planning… READ MORE ⟩
CAPITAL GAINS TAX: The Top 10 Current Issues and Planning Opportunities
The rise in capital gains tax rates and the higher federal estate tax exemption have shifted the estate planning paradigm. Across the nation, long-term capital gains tax rates now range from 25% to 33%, with the combination of the top federal, state and local rates, along with the Medicare surtax. This demands a fresh look… READ MORE ⟩
The Art of Gifting: Top 10 Issues with Owning and Gifting Artwork
Owning artwork is not only a cultural indulgence, but the sophisticated (and the lucky) possess artwork as an investment that can provide a handsome return. Auction houses, most recently Christie’s, have seen record-setting bids as fine art wrestles to take its position as an asset class equal to equities, commodities, and other hard assets. In… READ MORE ⟩
Top 10 “Non-Run-of-the-Mill” Ideas as You Prepare to See Your Child Off to College
“YIKES! My child is leaving for college in two months.” The summer before a child enters his or her freshman year of college is filled with excitement and consternation, happiness and remorse, confidence and concern. McGraw Hill Education notes that 25 percent of college students drop out of their first year due to not being… READ MORE ⟩
Firm’s Tax Experts Hold Conference Call on Income Tax Preparation
McManus & Associates can prepare your Income Tax Returns. For many years, the firm has been completing tax returns for clients and has learned that keeping income tax planning under the same roof enables a more refined level of specificity in estate planning for your family. Want to hear more about how you can benefit… READ MORE ⟩
Top 9 Estate Planning Tasks to Complete before Year-End
The holiday season represents a window of opportunity for growing and preserving wealth. McManus & Associates today outlined the “Top 9 Estate Planning Tasks to Complete before Year-End”. As part of the firm’s educational focus series, Founding Principal and top AV-rated Attorney John O. McManus recently discussed time-sensitive recommendations for building your nest egg and… READ MORE ⟩
Top 10 Ways to Protect Children Under 18 and Over 18, Stateside and Abroad
Even for children who have newly become legal adults, parents need to be empowered to make decisions to help protect them in times of need. Laying out important considerations for families to discuss before and after children turn 18, McManus & Associates – top-rated, Tri-State-Area-based trusts and estates law firm – today released the newest… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: “Top 10 Signposts to Guide Planning for Estates under $10MM”
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) delivered transfer tax certainty, large indexed transfer tax exemptions, and portability. Taking into account new norms, McManus & Associates, an estate planning law firm based in the Tri-State Area, today released a new installment in its free Educational Focus Series, “Top 10 Signposts to Guide Planning for… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: “Top 10 Estate Planning Considerations to Complete Before Year-End”
Yesterday, McManus & Associates held a client conference call reviewing several immediate strategies that clients should consider employing before year-end. With the proposed tax reforms listed in President Obama’s budget, certain planning strategies are in the crosshairs and may not be around for long. Although legislation next year could be made retroactive to January 1,… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Top 10 Considerations for Estate Planning with Life Insurance
Whether as a wealth replacement strategy combined with philanthropic giving or as a safeguard to cover expenses and taxes, use of life insurance in your estate plan can provide significant protection to your loved ones. This useful planning tool has several unique benefits, which should be considered in every wealth transfer plan. John O. McManus,… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Top 10 Considerations for Domestic Asset Protection Dynasty Trusts
State laws vary rather widely regarding the jurisdiction of trusts and trust assets. Certain jurisdictions have laws that are generally more favorable in their treatment of trusts for purposes of asset protection, access to trust-owned assets and creditor protection. As part of McManus & Associates’ Educational Focus Series, Founding Principal John O. McManus shares expert guidance… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Top 10 Challenges to Estate Plans
McManus & Associates today hosted the June installment of its Educational Focus Series. Over the course of the firm’s 25 years in the field of Estate Planning, we’ve seen all manner of challenges to estate plans. From will contests to litigation, we are always aware of areas where even the slightest degree of risk might… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Maintaining and Operating Irrevocable Trusts
With the flurry of trusts created over the past two years that peaked as we approached the “fiscal cliff,” guidance on how to properly maintain and operate these wealth transfer vehicles is useful. Now that they are in motion, who is at the helm? During this 30-minute call, McManus & Associates reviews strategies to ensure… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: ‘These are a few of my favorite things’ – Top 10 Considerations when Planning for Tangible Personal Property
From jewelry to art, cigar collections to fine china, dividing tangible personal property equitably among loved ones after death can be a major challenge for an executor. In order to keep the court from stepping in to divide the pots and pans –a task no judge desires– direction on how to allocate specific items should be… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Post-Fiscal Cliff Estate Planning – Top 10 Next Steps in Light of the Deal
In the early morning hours of January 1, the United States Senate passed legislation to avoid the ‘fiscal cliff.’ Nearly 20 hours later the House followed suit. Several surprising outcomes regarding estate planning emerged as part of this deal, which according to the Wall Street Journal, is “chock full of goodies” for nearly every interest… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Post-election Planning and the ‘Fiscal Cliff’
Now that the elections are over, Congress and the White House have the significant task of directing the country away from the impending “fiscal cliff.” Critical to these negotiations will be tax rates, exemption amounts and political ideologies. During a conference call with clients, McManus & Associates Founding Principal John O. McManus identifies potential issues… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: President Obama’s Green Book — The Future of Estate Planning
As we have emphasized over the last two years, the Estate Tax Exemption Amount and the Lifetime Gift Exemption Amount currently at $5.0 million per person will end December 31st, 2012, and revert to $1.0 million. President Obama has already indicated in his Green Book for the 2013 Budget that the Lifetime Gift Exemption will… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Top 10 Planning Issues for Recently Emancipated Children (over 18) and Minors
The Dog Days of summer are past us and the recent return to school for so many reminds us of the simple task of protecting our young adults and our minor children. McManus & Associates is pleased to share the recording of our “Back to School” edition conference call, which addresses issues associated with the… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Ready to Retire! Top 10 Ideas
John O. McManus, who founded McManus & Associates in 1991, has outlined the most important things that those in retirement, as well as those planning to retire, should carefully consider to protect themselves and their families. During a new conference call — part of a complimentary educational series provided by the firm — John explores… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Top 10 Topics on the $5MM Federal Gift Tax Exemption – Is It All Hype?
There are just a few months left to address what some practitioners are calling the end of the “golden age” in estate planning. During a conference call in August 2012, John O. McManus, trusts and estates planning attorney and founding principal of McManus & Associates, discussed the “Top 10 Topics on the $5MM Federal Gift… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call Recording: “Preserving the Family Retreat: Top 10 Planning Strategies”
This year presents a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of the $5MM exemption (combined $10MM between husband and wife) to move businesses, private equity ownership, stock portfolios, or cash out of your name and into trust for the benefit of loved ones. The chance to transfer real estate into trust is a very popular choice,… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call Recording: Top 10 Estate Planning Issues for Divorcing and Remarrying Individuals
John O. McManus, trusts and estates planning lawyer and founder of McManus & Associates, today held a conference call with clients, during which he discussed the Top 10 Estate Planning Issues for Divorcing and Remarrying Individuals — please see below. You are invited to hear John’s expert guidance, based on more than two decades in… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call Recording: Top 10 Planning Issues for Non-U.S. Citizens Including U.S. Residents With Overseas Assets
John O. McManus, founding principal of McManus & Associates and estate planning lawyer, during a recent client conference call addressed issues pertinent to the growing number of the firm’s non-U.S. citizen clients and clients with property overseas. Surveying the landscape for changes in estate and tax planning, John delivers the newest updates from the Eighth… READ MORE ⟩
Conference Call: Top 10 Ideas to Discuss with Your Financial Advisors Now
Hear firm Principal John O. McManus discuss the valuable estate planning-related items that should be reviewed with one’s financial and insurance advisors now. Click below to hear him share the latest developments related to estate planning predictions, strategies, and dangers. LISTEN: Top 10 Ideas to Discuss with Your Financial Advisors Now Top 10 Ideas to… READ MORE ⟩
Ready to Get Started?
Contact Us ⟩Give us a call or send us an email. We would love to show you how we can help make estate planning easy and effective.
⟩
⟩
⟩
⟩
⟩
⟩