How the IRS Values (and Audits) an Inherited Home
Over the coming years, older generations — primarily baby boomers — are expected to pass tens of trillions of dollars to their heirs in what’s colloquially known as the “Great Wealth Transfer.” But cash and stock portfolios aren’t…
How Fee-Only Financial Advisors Put Clients First
When consumers search for a financial advisor, they’re often confronted with a confusing array of titles, credentials, compensation methods and marketing messages. Financial advisors may describe themselves as fiduciaries, wealth managers,…
The Truth About Private Equity Consolidation: Check the Math
Imagine you own a successful dental practice. You built it over 15 years. It supports your family, employs eight people and is worth more than your house. Then one morning you read that dentistry is 35% consolidated, private equity is buying everything,…
Obscure California Law Penalizes Contractor Settlements
Today’s column highlights something that most lawyers have never heard of — I certainly hadn’t. It is especially relevant to consumers and licensed contractors located in California, as well as contractors who do business in the state. What…
Nasdaq Jumps 599 Points to Hit a New High: Stock Market Today
Stocks started the week on a positive note as oil prices continued to slide on hopes that the U.S. and Iran will agree to end hostilities at this week’s United Nations General Assembly. Several mega-cap tech stocks also posted big gains, fueling…
Gen Z Thinks They Need $9.5 Million to Be Successful. Here’s What Healthy Money Habits Actually Look Like
You can drive through a comfortable neighborhood and have no idea which families own their lives and which ones are financially stretched. The house looks the same either way. So do the cars in the driveway and the beach photos from spring break. But…
3 Unexpected Fall Getaways for a Memorable Escape
In the early 1900s, millions of eucalyptus trees were planted in the hills just north of San Diego to supply timber for the Santa Fe Railway, whose holding company had purchased the land. Eucalyptus proved to be poor wood for the purpose, so the company…
Is It Wrong to Ask My Retired Mom for Financial Help?
Dear Wealth Wise: My husband and I are in our 40s with three kids. Life is expensive. We often ask my 72-year-old mom to help with costs like summer camp and after-school care. My dad passed six years ago and they saved a lot — probably a few million if…
3 Ways to Budget Your Money — Which Method Is Right for You?
A personal budget can help you rein in spending, meet saving goals and be smarter with your money, but sticking to a budget can be a real challenge. If you’re struggling to budget, it may be because you’re not using the method that’s best for you. Some…
Why Your 15% Return Isn’t Really 15% — and How Private Market Investments Can Help Fix That
Most investors put all their energy into picking the right investment. Almost none of them stop to calculate what they actually keep after the government takes its cut. That’s the mistake. A 15% return isn’t a 15% return if you hand half of…
