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How to Approach the Proposed Tax Changes
It is hard to believe that the days are already growing shorter. Before we know it, the end of the year will be upon us, which means tax planning season is just around the corner. At present, there is much uncertainty surrounding the upcoming tax season. Earlier this year the Biden administration formally proposed several … Continued
Investing in an Inflationary Environment
Most of us notice the rising cost of our grocery bills. We pay more for gas. Anyone undertaking a building project sees that the price of building materials soared. These rising costs lead many to ask, “Is this inflation?” What should I do? Let’s start with a quick primer on inflation itself. Inflation refers to … Continued
News at Means
Pictured Left to Right: John Dudley, David Cust, Paul Means, Susan Dietz, Wendy Porter, and Zach Means The month of May has been a refreshing month here at Means, with much to celebrate. Not only have we had the pleasure of enjoying the joys of spring with the warmer weather, longer days, and beautiful spring … Continued
Estate Planning 101
By: Sarah Ranger and Rachel Trafton, Maine Elder Law Firm As you know, we strongly believe in the importance of estate planning. This month we wanted to share with you some key estate planning information. We hope you enjoy this article, which was provided to us by Sarah Ranger and Rachel Trafton at Maine Elder … Continued
Important Changes to 2021 IRS Deadlines
Earlier in March, the IRS announced a 2020 federal income tax filing deadline extension for individuals to May 17, 2021. Some states, including Maine and South Carolina, also extended their 2020 individual income tax deadline to May 17, 2021. It is important to note that the IRS did not extend the deadline for any estimated … Continued
Investing at All-Time Highs
“I have some extra cash. What should I do with it?” Or, “I don’t want to invest right now. The market is too high. A correction is coming.” As advisors, we’ve heard questions and statements like this a lot lately. With historically low interest rates, most people recognize that it may not make sense to … Continued
7 Questions to Ask Your Accountant This Tax Season
The term “tax season” might make you think about the dreaded task of collecting W-2s, 1099s, donation receipts, mortgage interest statements, and all the other documents needed to complete your tax return. Tax season certainly involves all of that, but it also can be a great opportunity to work with your accountant to obtain key information … Continued
The Odds
By: Zachary Means, CEO “The only value of stock forecasters is to make fortune-tellers look good.” – Warren Buffett. Every year, top firms, analysts, and economists provide projections on the markets’ direction. They offer a year-end price target, indicating where they expect the markets to end the year. “We are in a secular bull market,” … Continued
Perspectives 2020/2021
Check out our Year-End Booklet, Perspectives! Click to view.
Year-End Giving
As the holiday season and end of the year approach, many think about meaningful ways to give. While the primary purpose of giving is to provide support to charities and those in need, there are also some significant tax benefits. Here are a few strategies to consider as you think about year-end giving: 1. Consider … Continued
Presidential Election & the Stock Market: What History Tells Us
By: Zachary Means, CEO Source: DFA Funds It was election day 2016. I’ll never forget watching the news stations read off which candidate, Clinton or Trump, won each state. Massachusetts went to Clinton. Florida went to Trump. It was neck and neck. I flipped from one major news network to another. I was most interested … Continued
Speculation is Not a Plan
With what feels like more headline-worthy events than one can count, 2020 certainly has been a year to remember. As we look toward the fall, it seems that the drama of 2020 will only continue as we face an upcoming presidential election coupled with the threat of a new spike in COVID-19 cases. Some clients … Continued