In our last trust newsletter (Click to read Common Financial Scams and How to Avoid Them), we discussed common financial scams and how to avoid them. Due to the importance of recognizing cyber fraud and how pervasive it has become, we decided to provide some additional information on online fraud to help protect you from …
2023 First Quarter Review & Commentary
Both stock and bond markets move significantly higher during the quarter, making up some of their losses posted in 2022. This, despite continued Fed rate hikes and concerns about liquidity in the banking sector. Please enjoy our latest newsletter where FineMark’s CIO, Chris Battifarano, reviews the quarter and our newest investment theme: How artificial intelligence (AI) will impact the economy in the future.
Common Financial Scams and How to Avoid Them
I know what you’re thinking, “I won’t fall for any of those financial scams I hear about because they are so obvious.” While that may have been true in the past, scammers are continually improving their craft and devising more sophisticated scams. Just as social media employs engineers to increase our use of social media, …
How Secure Act 2.0 Could Impact your Retirement Plans and IRAs
FineMark’s Trust Advisor, Read Sawczyn gives a short review on the recent updates to the Secure Act 2.0 and discusses how some of the changes could potentially impact your retirement plans and IRAs.
Insurance Claims Post-Natural Disaster
Florida homeowners devastated by Hurricane Ian now face a difficult road as they work through the insurance process to get their homes and their lives back to normal. Beyond the typical questions regarding claims, this storm has been challenging because for many people it was a flood event, which is likely covered by flood insurance, …
2022 Third Quarter Review & Commentary
The ups and downs of a volatile market have kept investors on their toes throughout 2022. Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer Chris Battifarano explains why staying the course — and resisting the urge to react emotionally — is the best way to deal with erratic market environments.
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401k and Saving For Retirement
Nearly 80% of employers offer 401(K) plans, but less than half of the country’s employees take advantage of the retirement plan. FineMark’s Private Wealth Advisor Read Sawczyn explains why contributing to your 401(K) can be a smart way to save and reach your retirement goals.
SLATisfaction: Hedging your Federal Estate Tax Bets With a SLAT
You have likely seen the headlines about potential changes to the federal estate and gift tax laws in the coming years. While it’s unclear what changes will ultimately be made; the uncertainty has people exploring different tax strategies to take advantage of the current tax exemptions. One such strategy is a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust …
Secure ACT 2.0: Four Key Enhancements Could Help You Save More for Retirement
A new bill, that could become law later this year, may help Americans put more money away for retirement. FineMark Private Wealth Advisor, Dean Borland, shares some of the key highlights in Secure Act 2.0.
Benefits of Florida Domicile
Do you divide your time between Florida and another state? If so, it may be time to consider declaring Florida as your domicile (your “true, fixed permanent home”). Consider these benefits: Florida has no state income or inheritance/estate tax, has a real estate tax exemption of $50,000 annually, and offers Homestead Protection (some restrictions apply).
2021 Fourth Quarter Review & Commentary
If the markets have taught us anything over the past two years, it’s to expect the unexpected. While more of the same may be on the horizon, history can help investors anticipate what can’t be precisely predicted. Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer Chris Battifarano offers FineMark’s perspective on 2021 and shares how looking back at historical performance can provide insight into what lies ahead.
Highlights of New Florida Trust Acts from 2021
On July 1, 2021, two new acts affecting trusts were in enacted in Florida, the Florida Uniform Directed Trust Act and the Florida Community Property Trust Act. While both of these Acts are targeted in nature, they could provide an excellent planning opportunity for those with the right situation. Read the highlights of these new laws in this article.
