Gilbert Wealth Articles

Rental Property Taxation: The Regular Annual Taxation of Rental Properties

Being a rental property owner can be exciting and financially rewarding, but also challenging. In addition to stress of managing multiple properties, screening tenants, addressing concerns, and juggling the numerous cash inflows and outflows, you have to navigate taxes...Without an understanding of how rental property taxation works, you may be giving up valuable deductions unique to real estate investing and pay more taxes than you should. There are three phases of owning a rental property and each has it's own set of tax rules that you should be aware of. The three phases are:The Start Up Phase: When you obtain a…
Read More

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs: A Comprehensive Comparison

Two popular choices for long-term investing are mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Mutual funds have been around for much longer than ETFs but ETFs have rapidly grown in popularity. Which should you choose? Is there are better option? In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the differences between these two common investment vehicles to help you better understand what you own and the implications of each. The 30,000 Foot View The core function of mutual funds and ETF's are the same: to provide a means by which investors with limited capital can obtain diversification in the markets.  Investment…
Read More

5 Methods of Estate Transfer

Estate transfer is the process of passing on your assets to your heirs or beneficiaries after your death. There are different methods of estate transfer, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we will discuss five common methods of estate transfer and how they can affect your estate planning goals.
Read More

The S&P 500 Index: A View Into the Popular Index

When it comes to investing, market index funds have emerged as a popular and strategic choice for many investors. These funds offer an avenue to gain exposure to a diversified collection of assets while mirroring the performance of a specific market index. When choosing index funds, it is important to understand how the index is constructed as the rules behind the index will impact how the index performs. Before we dive into the intricacies, let's establish what a market index fund is. A market index fund is a type of mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) that is designed to…
Read More

How to Properly Prepare for a Meeting with an Attorney

Estate planning is a powerful way to ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are taken care of when you're no longer around. When the time comes to create your estate plan or consult on other legal matters, meeting with an attorney is a crucial step to ensure your documents are legally sound and comprehensive. To make the most of this important meeting, here's a guide on how to prepare effectively to maximize your time together. Steps to Prepare for a Meeting with an Attorney 1) Define Your Goals An attorney is a wonderful resource to help you…
Read More

Estate Plans: The Basics of What They Do and Why You Should Have Them

"I intend to live forever or die trying." -Groucho MarxThe thought of planning for the end of one's life can be daunting and thinking about ones own demise is not high on most people's list of weekend activities. But planning properly for what happens if you are incapacitated or your death is a critical step to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of and your wishes are honored. Basic estate plans provide a roadmap for managing your assets, healthcare decisions, and more. In this article, we'll delve into the significance of having a basic estate plan and why…
Read More

The Comprehensive Guide to Charitable Strategies

Amidst the complexities of modern life, finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment is a quest that resonates with us all. This comprehensive guide to charitable strategies provides a listing of giving strategies to help you unlock the boundless potential of generosity and the transformative power it holds. Whether you're driven by faith, empathy, social responsibility, or a desire to leave a lasting legacy, this guide will equip you with the insights and best practices to channel your resources strategically and support the causes that you believe in. Prior to employing any of these strategies, it is important to consider how…
Read More

Ways Charitable Giving Enriches Your Life

In my role as a financial planner, I frequently assist clients in optimizing the effectiveness of their charitable contributions through the strategic implementation of tax-efficient giving strategies. By seamlessly integrating enduring philanthropic strategies into a comprehensive financial plan, you can position your assets to not only optimize tax deductions but also enhance the value for yourself, your heirs, and the charitable causes close to your heart. Beyond the financial aspects, charitable giving is a great way to enrich your life beyond your pocketbook. In fact, there are several ways that charitable giving can foster a sense of purpose, connection, and…
Read More

How to Calculate Adjusted Cost Basis for a Rental Property

Investing in a real estate property can be a great source of income and capital appreciation while also providing an owner with a tangible asset to take pride in. As any new owner will soon find out, real estate investing has a number of unique tax benefits and considerations. A key element of this tax planning is determining the Adjusted Cost Basis for a property which impacts the overall taxable gain an owner might have when selling the property.For more on the broader tax implications of selling a real estate property, see Tax Implications of Selling a Rental Property – Gilbert…
Read More

How to Own Investments

To become a better investor, you must understand the basics of investments. If you are a beginner investor, it may be confusing on how to get started with investing. There are three primary decisions to make when investing:What investments should you own?How should you go about buying them?What accounts should the investment be held?This article covers the first two questions, and a later article will cover the third.  What is an Investment An investment is an asset whose purpose is to generate income or appreciation. Income could be in the form of dividends, interest, rent payments received, or business distributions.…
Read More