Gilbert Wealth Articles

7 Reasons Your Group Disability Benefit Might Be Less Valuable Than It Seems

Disability insurance is a critical component of a comprehensive financial safety net, providing income protection in the event of an illness or injury that prevents one from working. Group disability insurance policies are a common benefit offered by employers, particularly larger employers.However, these policies often contain limitations and shortfalls that may not fully meet the needs of higher earners or those in upper management. Here, we explore key issues such as benefit caps, tax implications, occupation-specific coverage limitations, income covered, and portability concerns. 1) Benefit Caps Group disability insurance is typically structured as percent of income with the most often…
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How Much You Should Have in an Emergency Fund

Imagine you walk into a party and you see two groups of people deep in conversation. The first group is in a spirited conversation about the latest financial trend or fad that could lead to massive profits. The second group is talking about how much to have in an emergency fund.Which group would you join?If I were to guess, most people would likely choose the first group. But let's be honest, how many times is there a group of people talking about their emergency fund outside of a Dave Ramsey course. Not many.Despite its lack of pizazz, an emergency fund…
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29 Ways to Reduce Expenses without Reducing Lifestyle

Whenever a conversation about reducing expenses comes up, it inevitably leads to discussions around how many lattes you should drink, times you eat out per week, or other ways to reduce expenses by cutting costs. While that part of the conversation can have its place, the first place I like to start when reducing expenses are in those area's that don't impact your lifestyle one bit!Here is a list of 28 ways to reduce your expenses without reducing your lifestyle: Eliminating Junk Expenses 1. Stop Paying for Things You Don't Use!​ Take a look at each charge on your credit…
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Maximizing Your Wealth: The Importance of Understanding Pre-Tax and After-Tax Differences

When crafting a financial strategy, understanding the difference between pre-tax and after-tax net wealth is crucial. This knowledge not only impacts how you plan for retirement but also affects your current financial decision-making and tax planning. This article aims to demystify these concepts for beginners, providing a clear framework for comparing pre-tax and after-tax scenarios and their implications on personal wealth management. Understanding Pre-Tax and After-Tax Net WealthPre-Tax Net Wealth refers to the total value of all financial assets before any taxes are deducted. Taxes are calculated based on the type of asset and the person, or entity, recognizing the income…
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Mastering Tax Brackets for Better Financial Planning: How Progressive Tax Bracket Work

Understanding how the US tax system works is a critical component of providing effective advice as taxes play a notable role in many areas of your financial picture. Tax planning is one of those topics that is interwoven into many other financial planning topics. From understanding the tax implications of various savings strategies to the tax implications of estate distributions, having a solid understanding of how taxes work can help make better decisions.While nearly everyone files taxes every year (yes, there are a few who might not need to), many do not have an understanding of basic, foundational tax concepts. This…
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The Cardinal Rules of Travel Hacking and Other Guidelines

Maximizing the benefits of credits cards, aka Travel Hacking, can be an alluring activity. From the large sign on bonus' to the promises of free flights, free hotel nights, exclusive access to lounges, and more has spawned a generation of those looking to take every last opportunity to maximize the benefits they get through their credit cards. While there are certainly some benefits of travel hacking, it can also be done incorrectly leading to a worse financial situation. Credit cards lead to certain behaviors that, if not controlled, can leave people indebted at high rates jeopardizing their financial futures.  Cardinal Rule…
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When That Tax Document Will Arrive

Here is a quick list of when in the year you will receive certain tax documents:  Form Title Description Source Typically Received By Form W-2 Reports annual wages and taxes withheld from paychecks, including compensation such as bonuses. Employers Jan 31 Form 1099-MISC For reporting payments to freelancers, independent contractors, and other non-employees. Payers who have paid $600 or more Jan 31 Form 1099-INT Form 1099-DIV Form 1099-Composite Documents interest income earned during the year. Banks and other financial institutions Feb 15 Form 1098 Reports mortgage interest (and possibly other mortgage-related expenses) paid during the year. Mortgage lenders Jan 31…
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What to Include in Your Will: Understanding Key and Supplementary Provisions

The drafting of a Last Will and Testament (or just a Will) is a fundamental aspect of estate planning, serving as a guiding document through which a person, known as the testator, delineates the manner in which their estate should be distributed upon their demise. A Will is considered a legal declaration that ensures the testator's wishes are executed in accordance with their precise instructions. To maintain the integrity and enforceability of this document, certain essential components must be incorporated.  This article explores 5 Key Elements of a Will and 5 Optional Elements of a Will that could be included.If you…
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Using a HELOC as an Emergency Fund

Establishing an emergency fund is one of the fundamental steps in building a firm financial foundation. Emergency funds provide you with a buffer for when, not if, but when life throws a curveball your way. Traditionally, such funds are maintained in highly liquid assets, accessible at a moment's notice to cover unforeseen expenses or to provide a financial buffer in times of income disruption. Most emergency funds consist of a checking, savings, or money market fund and perhaps some cash on hand that is easily accessible.A question I often get is should you use equity in a home as an emergency…
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What Happens if You Die Without a Will

So, you've decided to pass without a will. Yep, chosen, because anyone can make one, and if you haven't, it's a choice. It's like saying, "Surprise me with chaos!" Life's full of surprises, so why not add a twist after you're gone? While you've picked the unpredictability of not having a will, let's peek into the world of what happens next. Get ready for a wild ride of legal puzzles, family dramas, and 'who gets what' uncertainties! I'm afraid to tell you... you're intestate. When someone dies intestate, state laws, known as intestacy laws, come into play to determine how…
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