Jill's blog

With the $5.12 million per person exemption from federal estate tax ($10.24 million for married couples), most of the estate planning “talk” recently has been on the planning opportunities available to affluent families. However, the need for estate planning remains for everyone.

Resolving to get your legal affairs in order is one of the most important things you can do to make sure your family, wishes, and assets are protected.  While many people focus on getting organized for the New Year, myself included, estate planning is an equally important personal finance goal that should make every adult’s to do list.  In Idaho, especially in Ketchum and Sun Va

Finally, some good news on the housing front as we end 2011. TThe Wall Street Journal reports that home sales were up across the nation in November.  Let’s hope that the rise in home sales will continue in 2012 in the major cities and spread into the c

The failure of the Super Committee…now what?  The Wall Street Journal published a good summary of the tax consequences to the individual tax payer entitled “Tax Mess Deepens.” Click here to read it.  What is the bottom line?

The deadline of November 23, 2011 is quickly approaching for the special committee of Congress (the “Super Committee”) to issue a formal proposal containing at least $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction for the full Congress to consider.  There are lots of rumors as to what the Super Committee will recommend for estate and gift tax, especially about whether the $5 million exempti

From the bottom, there is only one way to go, and that is up.  This week's WSJ article "Builders May Be Hitting A Bottom" reports that "[o]verall, builders nationwide say traffic from potential buyers is picking up, leading to inc

What do Sanford and Sons, the Sopranos, and the L.A. Dodgers all have in common?

While aspects of the Cain "9-9-9" Tax Plan appear attractive for several reasons, it is possible or even realistic?  The simplicity of the Plan may be what first draws you in.  But in The Wall Street Journal this week, an article titled "Study Puts Cain Tax Plan Under

While the IRS recently provided some guidance on the new estate tax rules, it is evident the rules will continue to be clarified and are subject to change.  Click here for a good description of the new portability rule and how it can benefit your family if an estate

There are several ways to take advantage of the current low interest rates which will help you save taxes.  The recent article in the Wall Street Journal, "How Low Rates Can Cut Your Tax Bill," discusses, among other ideas, the simple transaction of&nb