Epstein Financial Blog

Investor Sentiment Tested

Spring is often thought of as an uplifting time, marked by growth and renewed hope as we emerge from the long months of winter and look ahead to the rest of the year. Investors saw signs of such renewed hope in recent weeks, especially on the inflation front as several inflation measures showed signs of improvement. We also saw markets stabilize after the surprisingly fast collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. But although it initially appeared that a stable spring would set the markets up for a calm, quiet summer, a flurry of recent activity is testing investor sentiment.

As Volatility Increases, So Does Retirement Worry

Tips to combat banking failures, inflation, rate hikes, and market corrections.

Getting ready for retirement involves more than just calculating how much you will need and the rate you can draw down your savings. The years before you retire is a crucial time to prepare both financially and psychologically.

What To Know Before Drafting A Will

A will is an important document most people don’t want to think about, but it’s crucial to have in place to protect your assets and ensure your loved ones receive what you want them to.

It can be wise to have a lawyer write up the documents in your will to keep everything legally sound and eliminate any confusion. Before approaching a lawyer and putting pen to paper, think through the items below. Keep in mind your will won’t come together in a day because it can take time to make these critical decisions.

A Tough Times Survival Guide for Small Businesses

Small businesses may often find themselves struggling, and there are many situations in which business owners may find themselves weathering a storm and hoping to make it through. While the strength and fortitude of those who run small businesses can be an asset in helping them succeed when times are rough, there are a few strategies that can make survival a little easier.

Reading and Understanding Your Life Insurance Policy

Most people hate the thought of reading a life insurance policy (or any insurance policy, for that matter). However, if you can find the time and muster the patience, it's probably a good idea to read through your policy. If you do, you'll understand your policy better and gain an understanding of your rights and obligations under the contract.

From Riches To Rags In Three Generations: Managing Generational Wealth Checklist

When discussing multigenerational wealth it is common to come across proverbs that acknowledge the fact that generational wealth typically won’t make it past the third generation. In the United States the saying goes, “from shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations.” [i] In China it is said, “rags to rags in three generations.” [ii]

Generational wealth encompasses financial assets with a monetary value. These include investments, real estate, land, cash, collectibles, etc., that are passed from generation to generation.

A Resilient March

The financial markets’ resilient performance during March was striking, despite pockets of uncertainty surrounding the strength of the economy—and not to mention concerns over the durability of the banking system. The ability of the market to navigate nearly two weeks of headline-related risk tested the underlying resolve of the market’s capacity to look ahead.

Minimizing Taxation of Your Social Security Retirement Benefit

Your Social Security retirement benefit may be taxable.

Did you know that you might have to pay federal income tax on your Social Security retirement benefit? If the only income you had during the year was Social Security income, then your benefit usually isn’t taxable. However, if you earned other income during the year or had substantial investment income, then you might have to pay federal income tax on part of your benefit if your total income exceeds a certain base amount.

If you have earned income or investment income over the base amount, you can use certain strategies to minimize (or even eliminate) the amount of tax you have to pay on your Social Security benefit. These strategies include changing your filing status and reducing your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). However, before using these strategies consult your tax advisor for information on your individual situation.

The Tax Benefits of a Backdoor Roth IRA for High Earners

A Backdoor Roth IRA is a strategy that allows individuals who earn too much to directly contribute to a Roth IRA to still contribute to one indirectly. The strategy takes advantage of a loophole in the tax code that allows individuals to convert their traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, regardless of their income level. This type of conversion has become increasingly popular in recent years because of the significant tax benefits that it offers to high earners.

Stocks and Bonds Before and After Taxes

Investing in U.S. stocks and bonds is a popular way for individuals and institutions to grow their wealth and generate income. However, it is important to consider the impact of taxes on these investments before and after making them. In this article, we will discuss the various tax implications of investing in U.S. stocks and bonds, and provide some strategies for managing the impact of taxes on your investment returns.

SVB Collapse

Financial markets were shaken last week as Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the California bank subsidiary of SVB Financial Group (SIVB), fell into FDIC receivership. SVB is the first FDIC-insured institution to fail since 2020 and the largest by assets since Washington Mutual failed in 2008. Prior to the latest distress, the bank held more than $200 billion in assets. SVB’s failure was then followed by another over the weekend, crypto-focused Signature Bank. The news, not surprisingly, caused market participants to speculate if there will be another shoe to drop. For some, these developments have brought back painful memories of the financial crisis 15 years ago.

Building Generational Wealth With Hard

Generational wealth is the idea of building wealth that can last for several generations, allowing you to create a legacy for your family and provide financial independence for future generations. One of the most effective ways to build this type of wealth can be through investing in hard assets that hold their value – and offer long-term growth potential.

Understanding Capital Gains Tax as an Investor

As an investor, you may be impacted by capital gains if you sell your investment – whether at a gain or loss. Understanding capital gains may help with your overall investment strategy and the potential to preserve your wealth. Below are a few insights into capital gains to help you acquire competency on the subject matter in preparation for a consultation with a financial professional to review your portfolio.

A Quick Guide to Estate Planning for Those With High Net Worth

Even if you never thought of yourself as especially wealthy, there may be a fair chance that you fall into the category of "high net worth individuals"—those who have liquid assets of $1 million or more. For many individuals who hope to leave a legacy for their loved ones, estate planning may take on new importance. Here are two estate planning tips every high-net-worth individual should consider.

5 Key Steps To Help Women Strengthen Their Business and Their Retirement

As a female entrepreneur, you may face different challenges than your male counterparts. For example, women were disproportionately affected by the COVID pandemic. 1 They also tend to earn less than their male peers—largely in part because they are still responsible for the majority of the world's unpaid labor.