Logo for SYM Financial Advisors featuring the text "SYM" in large green font and "FINANCIAL ADVISORS" in smaller gray font. There is a graphic of two green, swooping lines beneath "SYM." The background is white.

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A man in a suit, glasses, and a striped tie bends under the heavy weight of three large binders labeled "TAX" stacked on his back. He appears strained as he balances the oversized folders, symbolizing the burden of estate tax mitigation, against a green background.

5 Estate Tax Mitigation Techniques You Should Consider

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act In 2017, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act doubled the amount that someone could pass to their heirs without incurring Federal estate tax. As a result, many families have enjoyed relief from the federal estate tax. In 2023, an individual can pass just under $13 million ($26 million for a couple) to their heirs without getting hit by the 40% federal estate tax. There is an important caveat note,

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A promotional image for "EmpowHER - Financial Prowess for Women," hosted by Michelle Hipskind, CFP. Episode 9 features Lindsay Koler discussing Medicaid planning. The SYM Financial Advisors logo is at the top. Lindsay Koler is smiling and has a shoulder-length blonde hairstyle.

Strategies for Protecting Your Family with Medicaid Featuring Lindsay Koler

This podcast episode discusses Medicaid planning and how it can be used as an asset protection tool rather than just a last resort. Lindsay Koler, an elder law attorney, explains how Medicaid assessments and proper planning can help couples protect their homes and retirement accounts. She emphasizes getting powers of attorney updated and doing Medicaid planning well in advance of needing long-term care.   We look at whether someone needs help with activities of daily

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A promotional graphic for the podcast "EMPOWHER: Financial Prowess for Women," hosted by Michelle Hipskind. The background features a gradient from white to purple with Michelle Hipskind's photo on the right, smiling, wearing a green necklace and a dark blazer. Topics include planning for pets.

Ensuring Your Pets are Cared For After You’re Gone

In this quick but packed full of information episode, Michelle discusses the importance of including plans for your pets in your estate planning. Many households now have companion animals, so it is crucial to consider what will happen to dogs, cats, or other pets if their owners become unable to care for them or pass away. Michelle recommennds speaking with your estate attorney about setting aside funds and establishing guardians for your pets. She also

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A promotional image for the podcast "EmpowHER: Financial Prowess for Women," hosted by SYM Financial Advisors. The episode features Michelle Hipskind discussing the implications of the SECURE Act. Michelle is smiling, wearing a green top and statement necklace, set against a partially blurred background.

Understanding Hidden Nuggets within the SECURE Act

We have a quick tactical nugget for you on this latest episode of the EmpowHER podcast. In this episode, Michelle Hipskind focuses on dissecting the changes brought about by the 2019 SECURE Act, with particular emphasis on the elimination of the “stretch IRA,” which imposes a 10-year limit for withdrawals for those inheriting IRA accounts. However, the podcast also sheds light on exceptions like qualified charitable distributions for beneficiaries close to 70 and a half years old.

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Podcast cover art for "Executive Decisions: A Podcast for Business Leaders" featuring Episode 22 with Dennis McKeever. The background is green with white and gray arrows pointing upward, and a photo of Dennis McKeever is at the bottom right corner.

Insight on Risks, Rewards, and the True Measure of Wealth with Dennis McKeever

Dennis McKeever has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh along with a PhD in physical chemistry from the University of California, Irvine. Dennis retired from Dow Chemical after a thirty-year career where he primarily served as a senior manager in Research and Development.   However, he also had two business management experiences – first as the manager of the Chemicals business for Latin America and subsequently as the VP for the

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