The Blog at ​​​Wiegand Financial

A big estate tax break is about to shrink

The lifetime exclusion amount determines how much money you can give away or bequeath during your life without incurring taxes.
If you hope to leave behind a large chunk of change after you die, you should know about the lifetime exclusion amount. Read more
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Three great ways to hack your tax savings

the type of account you use for long-term savings can make a big difference to your lifetime tax liability
Even if you can't change much for this year’s taxes, the choices you make today can mean big tax savings in the long run. Read more
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How to invest in an HSA – and why you should

the tax advantages of an HSA make it a great option for retirement saving
Most of us don't think to invest in an HSA and instead treat it as emergency savings. This could be a mistake, however. Read more
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Should you pay off debt with your IRA?

pay off debt with IRA example projection
Ideally you will only use your retirement savings for, well... retirement. But perhaps a ton of high-interest debt is the exception? Read more
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High income tax got you down?

MLPs can be a great way to mitigate the effects of a high income tax bracket
MLPs can be a great source of income for investors who are currently in a high tax bracket but expect to be in a lower one down the road. Read more
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Invest in the Land(s) of Opportunity

opportunity zones can be found throughout the Pacific Northwest
When you think of the "wild west" of investing, Opportunity Zones may not be the first thing to come to mind. But they really can live up to their name. Read more
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How to (possibly) slash your property taxes

An exemption on your real estate taxes can really help to trim expenses, if you're eligible.
A property tax exemption is one of the juiciest tax cuts out there for those who can get it. But how does one get it? Read more
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The most basic – yet confusing – question for retirement planning

The choice between traditional and Roth plans largely comes down to two variables: your time horizon and your expected future tax bracket Read more
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(More Reasons) Why it Sucks to be Rich

more reasons why it sucks to be rich
A deep dive into some of the financial and legal hassles facing America's "mass-affluent," or upper-middle class Read more
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Is a tax deduction or a tax credit better?

tax credits are direct savings, while tax deductions just reduce your taxable income
Tax deductions and tax credits will both save you money... but there is a big difference between the two Read more
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