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The Palm Beach Society spotlights the Play for P.I.N.K Celebrity Golf Classic at Trump International Golf Club.
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There is a substantial gift that you can secure for your child and/or grandchild that they will be able to appreciate and utilize in the future. Give a gift that will last a lifetime with the purchase of whole life insurance.
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As the season winds down, it is a perfect time for a "spring cleaning" of your insurance portfolio with a thorough review by an insurance expert.
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In today’s ever-changing economy and political environment, there are several unique estate planning tools that one can consider. One option to contemplate with some variables is a plan called Private Split Dollar.
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For those who are motivated to make a difference by donating wealth to charity, one valuable giving strategy for individuals to consider is an Enhanced Charitable Lead Annuity Trust (ECLAT).
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There continue to be many questions regarding our nation's health care reform. If you haven't done so already, it is vital for individuals, business owners, & employees to learn how The Affordable Care Act "Obamacare", will affect you now & in the future
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There are numerous characteristics of a successful business. However, one of the most valuable assets of every prosperous business that often goes overlooked, is the employee.
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The passage of the 2012 Tax Act created certain tax exemptions which allow individuals and married couples to make reasonably large gifts to their children or other individuals. This article provides important updates regarding these tax exemptions.
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Richard Bernstein is quoted in the TCPalm in regards to his statements about the impact of Obamacare.
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Regardless if you are married, widowed, single, and/or a business owner, it is crucial for women to be involved in the planning process of their future. Learn more about key strategies that can be beneficial for you and your family.
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From The Palm Beach Daily News - Richard Bernstein is quoted in this article by Michele Dargan about the Civic Association Community Forum on Obamacare.
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When a business has multiple owners, there is a critical issue that too frequently falls of the radar - what happens to the business if one of the owners die? The death of a business owner should be addressed in an insured buy-sell agreement.
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Today, more and more CRT holders are looking at their CRTs and asking whether they are still the best fit for them. They are looking for alternatives, such as a sale of the income interest.
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We spend most of our lives building and acquiring assets in order to provide for ourselves and our families. For affluent families, there are certain steps you can take in order to safeguard your wealth. These steps embody Asset Protection.
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Richard S. Bernstein to be a Panel Member on Obamacare
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When passing on your hard earned assets, there is little room for error. This article gives specific examples of high profile people who could of benefited from proper estate planning.
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From The Palm Beach Daily News - Alexandra Bernstein is interviewed about her experience in Washington at the Inauguration.
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In business, like sports, it can be a nightmare to lose a valuable member of your team. In these situations some business owners plan ahead with the purchase of a 'Key Person' life insurance policy.
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From The Palm Beach Daily News - Alexandra Bernstein, daughter of Richard and Robin Bernstein, has been chosen to participate in the Inaugural Conference in Washington.
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Special to Palm Beach Daily News - From the January 2013 Estate Planning Supplement.
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One of the core components of a successful estate plan is a trust that allows your family to avoid paying gift and estate taxes for generations.
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The "Season of Giving" has ended for another year and, with the New Year, our thoughts turn to the new tax season. In these economic and politically turbulent times, the need for charitable giving is greater than ever.
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Today's retirement is so different from what prior generations experienced. There are a few conservative insurance cash flow program that you should be aware of if you are planning or already in retirement today.
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In times of economic uncertainty, people have many questions about what they should do when it comes to retirement. A benefit-focused plan is a valuable tool that business owners may find useful.
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The end of 2012 is drawing near and with all the focus on the holidays; it can be easy to forget the massive new tax law changes that will go into effect on December 31, 2012.
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With President Obama winning the Presidential Election, the House of Representatives in Republican hands and the Senate in Democratic hands, it is anyone's guess as to what will happen with income taxes, gift, estate and GST taxes next year.
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In the December issue of Newsmax Magazine, Richard S. Bernstein explains different strategies for you to leave behind significant wealth to your children before the current gift tax exemptions expire in January.
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With the current value of assets (stocks, real estate, business income) decreasing and the cost of health care dramatically increasing, it is critical for you to consider long-term care coverage.
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Christmas and Hanukkah are just around the corner. But with all the focus on the holidays, there is now only 1 month left to utilize current law to benefit your spouse, children, grandchildren and favorite charities.
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The Federal Estate Tax Exemption is set to be reduced on January 1, 2013 to only $1 million. This article goes into detail about various trust options that will help you preserve your wealth.
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As 2012 comes to a close, taxpayers are constantly searching for ways in which to utilize their $5.12 million exemption while still retaining the benefits of the gifted property. This article shares a unique opportunity that you should know about.
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Whole life insurance is a personal asset that can be one of the cornerstones of your long-term financial success and stability. This article goes into detail about why whole life insurance is an essential tool in your estate planning toolbox.
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The use of a simple formula gift clause, as upheld in the court case of Wandry v. Commissioner, may help avoid unanticipated gift tax exposure.
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When it comes to current estate planning, consider the Proverb "He who hesitates is lost." If leaving a financial legacy and protection for your family are important to you, now is the time to act.
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The opportunity to pass down wealth to your children and grandchildren on a tax-free basis is set to expire at the end of the year. There's only 3 months left. Start planning now; ensure your financial future before it's too late!
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Imagine holding a bake sale to pay for a loved one's funeral. Death is inevitable, and sometimes sudden and unexpected. This article explains how life insurance and pre-planning can take the emotional burden off of family members.
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If you have received a Health Insurance
Rebate, the following explains your
group requirements and options.
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In this article by Laura Green of the
Palm
Beach Post, expert Richard S.
Bernstein
expresses that All Americans should
be
able to get health care, but costs will
have to go up and not down.
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The December 31, 2012 deadline is
fast
approaching to pass down wealth to
your
children and grandchildren tax-free.
This
article will explain how you can
advantage of this tax-saving
program.
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HealthBridge, a Connecticut nursing
home owner is justified in his call for a
criminal probe of the Service
Employee
International Union walkout and
allegations of sabotage of the nursing
home’s elderly residents.
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Yesterday morning, The Affordable Care Act was Upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. In a 5-4 ruling, the high court decided the individual mandate requiring people to have health insurance is valid as a tax. This article will explain how it will affect you
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Richard S. Bernstein & Associates, Inc., has been nominated for the 2012 Top 300 Small Business Leader of the South Award
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The opportunity to pass down wealth to your children and grandchildren on a tax-free basis is set to expire at the end of the year. Start planning now; ensure your financial future before it's too late!
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When it comes to tax, everyone has an opinion about what's best for small businesses. In this article from Forbes, Richard Bernstein is interviewed about his thoughts on tax and economic policy.
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Richard Bernstein is quoted in this Washington Post article by Erik Wemple
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In a time of economic recovery where families have to tighten their budgets, the federal government is costing the American taxpayers well over $1 million dollars for their “conference” in Maui.
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Many businesses in Florida are eligible for the tax credit from the Afforable Care Act. Find out why many of them will not take advantage of it.
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This week I had the honor of listening to our former President, Bill Clinton. I was expecting to hear a very partisan speech, but what I ended up getting was the speech that our current presidential candidates should be giving.
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Just imagine Warren Buffett, one of the great investors and philanthropists of our time, could have died unexpectedly from an easily treatable disease. This article offers a different perspective on President Obama's "Buffett Rule".
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A significant part of tax and estate planning concerns is the handling of tax controversies. This article offers some suggestions learned from experience in the hope that your planning efforts are not undermined by future tax controversies.
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Expanded access to maternity insurance fate, now in the hands of The U.S. Supreme Court.
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As same-sex estate planning becomes more prevalent, the disparities between planning techniques for opposite-sex couples and same-sex couples become magnified.
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We’ve heard both sides. The government and the American people have had their day in court, and for now, the dust has settled.
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When the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law back in March of 2010, we all knew it would be a matter of time before small business felt the pinch of rising health care costs.
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I was asked by Palm Beach Society Magazine to write a one-time column on the value and importance of Health Savings Accounts. Ninety-nine columns later, we have reached the milestone of 100 articles.
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As the United States becomes more focused on presidential primaries,debates, and the latest political attack ad, Americans have lost focus on something that united them greatly: the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare.
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The Obama administration recently released its 2013 budget, including a series of proposed changes to estate planning and gift tax laws.
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For estate planning purposes, there are many factors making a gift of a residence this year more attractive than they may ever be in the future. Real estate values are low. Gifts can be made now with the likely future appreciation escaping tax.
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Yogi Berra once said, "I don't know what type of life insurance is best, but I know none is bad." When it comes to passing on your hard earned assets to your heirs, keep in mind that hope is not a strategy.
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The current $5.12 million federal gift and estate tax exemption presents some unique estate planning opportunities – at least for now. With the exemption scheduled to revert back to $1 million on January 1, 2013. Before it's too late!
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It sounds quite presumptuous, but I stand behind the headline. Whitney Houston didn’t have to die, and having been in the health insurance business for over four decades let me tell you why.
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The prevailing mentality of our government is to stick someone else with the bill and with a looming gargantuan budget deficit that seems to be the policy in Washington D.C.
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There is a wide divergence when it comes to how families communicate their estate and wealth transfer plans. These subjects may be off limits and never discussed. Sometimes family members may be unable to find the will.
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Life insurance can be like that. It is an essential tool in your estate planning toolbox. Knowing what product to use and how to fund it can make a significant difference in protecting your children's inheritance without reeking havoc on your lifestyle.
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However, there is one remnant of our 2012 jubilee that we can keep: our resolution to keep more of our own money and with a little smart planning maybe even grow your wealth for you and for your heirs.
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As the Supreme Court prepares to decide the fate of the national health care bill, many businesses are taking advantage of a government approved plan that has been in effect since 2004.
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Charities have reported a record drop-off in donations. If you want to help, this is the time. Consider the donation of an insurance policy. It can benefit both you and your charity.
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The only constant in life is change. Everything around us seems to be a little bit different than it was yesterday. The same is true with your long-term health care.
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There are few guarantees in life other than death and taxes. You Should ask: Is my life guaranteed?
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Would you place this money in another short-term product at the end of an investment cycle, or consider diversifying your wealth to buy a product that protects your heirs upon your passing? Wise investors know the answer to the question.
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Americans closing in on or already in retirement are searching for ways to boost monthly income they once envisioned for their Golden Years. Annuities have long been a popular financial vehicle to protect your money, generate income and transfer wealth.
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There are hundreds of types of trusts that one can consider, but this article will limit those discussed to the irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT), gifting trust, qualified personal residence trust (QPRT) and grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT).
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Right now it’s the talk of the town. Donald Trump is scheduled to moderate the December 27 Newsmax debate.
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Everyday, people make their estate plans to benefit their spouses, children, grandchildren and their favorite charities. However, life often throws us curveballs.
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It is sad that in today’s day and age, we have people who support the idea that what you don’t know won’t hurt you. Ignorance is not bliss, and things like cancer tend to get worse, not better, when left to their own vices.
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Many of us would agree that investment performance is not what it used to be. Stock yields are dismal, interest rates inch closer to zero, and consistent capital appreciation seems to be past history. But wait . . . there is some good news!
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In last year's so-called "lame-duck" session after the November elections, Congress passed The Middle Class Tax Relief Act. It addressed expired and expiring tax reduction laws created under the Bush Administration.
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It's amazing that something that sounds so restrictive called a "captive" can be so liberating.
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Under George Steinbrenner's watch, he took the New York Yankees baseball team from a $10 million value (in 1973 when he bought the team) all the way to a $1.6 billion valuation at the time of his death in 2010.
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How can you take advantage of the historically high exemption amount before it expires in 2012?
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When the 'two year' tax window shuts on December 31, 2012, will you be ready?
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You know how easy it is today to get absorbed in running your business. Years slip by. Your family and financial situations change. Suddenly, you realize that you have overlooked something important - keeping your business, family and estate protected.
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This Father's Day, why not turn the tables and provide your family a gift – a gift that will last a lifetime. A financial plan. Consider preparing a financial plan that focuses on protecting and providing for your family and their future.
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Most wealthy families work hard accumulating their assets. So it makes sense that they would protect themselves and their heirs from unforeseeable events. Proper planning can protect, preserve and create wealth.
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While you may never completely replace the contributions of an individual who died or has become disabled, insurance coverage can help protect an image of stability for your company
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This past week I was honored to receive the Palm Beach "Ultimate CEO" award from the South Florida Business Journal along with nine others who have excelled in a myriad of areas.
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Today's headlines are really a harbinger of life. Uncertainty abounds. Tsunamis, nuclear energy plant radiation leaks in Japan, uprisings and civil wars in oil producing nations, including most recently Libya, rattle our daily lives.
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Today's advice for financial security can be described in one word: Diversity. Be it cash, a business, stocks and bonds, real estate or life insurance, no wise and wealthy investor loads his or her portfolio in a single asset.
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For many individuals of financial stature, there has always been a sense of independence and pride in their accomplishment. Yet these same individuals, when it comes to estate planning, do not always use the same acumen.
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To offset their financial indigestion, charities are increasingly coaching supporters to consider life insurance to sustain and stretch cash flows to hospitals, the arts, disease research and houses of worship.
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Insurance takes the worry out of how to invest and what to invest in to meet your goals of passing on your wealth to your children and charities.
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Richard S. Bernstein, of Richard S. Bernstein & Associates, Inc., was recently selected on March 4, 2011 by South Florida Business Journal as one of their Palm Beach County Ultimate CEO's
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As tempting as the now $5 million gift exemption sounds, free of all forms of tax through 2012, you and your children may be better off if you use a trust that can protect your lifestyle or future generations such as grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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Congress has provided a remarkable two-year window of opportunity to pass gifts of up to $5 million to children or charities before taxes ensue - gifts that could be embellished by life insurance and enveloped with trusts.
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When it comes to current estate planning, consider the Proverb "He who hesitates is lost," because certainly there are times where one can over think - and miss - a really good, long-term financial opportunity. And one of those windows is currently open.
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here are three top estate planning strategies to consider in 2011 to reduce or even eliminate your remaining assets from the taxable estate at death
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While some banks have been slammed for loose lending practices, you might be surprised to learn many banks often choose to make life insurance a significant percentage of their "top-tier" capital.
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On December 17, President Obama signed legislation that provides for very generous exemptions and unprecedented opportunities in multi-generational estate planning.
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Whitney had accurately predicted record breaking bank failures in 2010, and let loose with yet another end-of-year bombshell projection for 2011: Municipal Bonds were no longer an irrefutably safe investment instrument.
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In these difficult economic times, the need for charitable giving is greater than ever.
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After months of conjecture and debate, the House and Senate passed a law that will, in essence, keep income tax rates the same for the next two years.
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Most of our lives are spent building and acquiring every kind of asset; however, rarely do we stop to think about how those assets will help achieve our long-term financial goals.
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During the Depression, Penney kept J.C. Penney afloat by borrowing against his cash value life insurance policy.
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Less than a year after its passage, America's new health care reform bill may be in trouble.
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Life insurance has always provided a sound method of protecting heirs from estate taxes..
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There are very few "sure things" in life as the saying goes - with Death and Taxes being the prime examples. But here is a third one that ties back to the first two - life insurance
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But the Use Megatrust goes even further: it permits the trustee to buy assets for the beneficiary's personal use.
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Studies show that 70 percent of people over age 65 will require some long-term care services at some point in their lives.
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Expect dramatic changes in estate tax laws in the new year. Richard S. Bernstein offers four tips for dealing with the tax's impact.
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The Economic Growth & Tax Relief Act of 2001 was signed into law on June 7, 2001.
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On January 1, the estate tax is making a comeback
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Annuities have long been one of the most popular financial vehicles offered by life insurance companies
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Act Now To Take Advantage Of The Lowest Interest Rates In Years
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On Tuesday, July 27, 2010 Richard S. Bernstein was the Kiwanis Club's special guest speaker at The Breakers on Palm Beach.
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Knowing what product to use and how to fund it can make a significant difference in protecting your children's inheritance without reeking havoc on your lifestyle.
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It is almost certain that there will be an estate tax in 2011, even if Congress does nothing.
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Local businesswoman Robin Bernstein in Jose Lambiet's PAGE TWO.
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Longevity Insurance Is An Option Worth Considering
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Another Mega Idea For Your Family
(Co-Authored with Jonathan G. Blattmachr, Esq.)
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A Mega Idea For Your Family
(Co-Authored with Jonathan G. Blattmachr, Esq.)
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A Year Without Estate Tax & No Step Up in Income Tax Basis for Inherited Property
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There are CRITICAL issues confronting America's wealthiest citizens today. This article contains a sampling of URGENT estate planning topics that you need to know.
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Life Insurance Offers Certainty For Protecting Your Heirs
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Breaking news on Health Care Bill quotes insurance expert Richard Bernstein.
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Life Insurance Offers Investment Protection to Cover Taxes
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Trading Insurance Policies Can Be Good -- If Handled Properly
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Income Annuities Offer An Alternative Option For Retirement
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Death Benefits, Return Of Premiums Possible
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Don't Pitch Your Life Insurance Policy -- It Can Be Valuable
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Stories Abound Coast To Coast On The Impact Of What Didn't Happen
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Annuity Funded Insurance Is Safe Bet To Protect Your Heirs -- DOUBLE THE CASH ASSETS -- TRIPLE THE INCOME
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Congress is expected to reinstate the federal estate tax and GST taxes in 2010, but the timing is unknown.
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'Guaranteed' Life Insurance A Worthy Investment
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Recapturing Money Lost
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A strategic insurance plan can provide tax-free dollars to your grandchildren or great-grandchildren that far exceed the premiums you pay.
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Shell-Shocked Investors Looked To Insurance In 2009
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Plan May Help 31 Million...At A 10-Year Cost Of Between $871 Billion And $2.2 Trillion
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Food for Thought
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Life Insurance, Trusts And Asset Shifting Can Protect Heirs
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Life Insurance Policies Proved Very Popular Investment in 2009
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Consider an ECLAT (Enhanced Charitable Lead Annuity Trust)
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A Gift That Keeps On Giving
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Can I afford to purchase life insurance to protect my heirs without adversely impacting my lifestyle? YES!
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When it comes to an investment that never fails, life insurance is one of the best options available.
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Split dollar plans can provide tremendous leverage.
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When it comes to protecting money you wish to pass down to your heirs, those in the know are closely watching the current session of Congress.
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Palm Beach Daily News profiles Richard S. Bernstein, CEO of Richard S. Bernstein & Associates, Inc.
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A Beacon of Certainty During Times of Economic Instability & Mounting Government Debt
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Richard S. Bernstein, a contributing writer to the Star Diamond World, advises how to Protect your Five Star Family and Ensure Your Lifestyle for Generations.
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Letter to the Editor of The Palm Beach Post on Friday, August 28, 2009
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Congress, President Face Mine Field on Cost, Coverage Issues
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Crafting An Independent Group Of Advisors Is Critical To Estate Planning
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Trust Funded Insurance Can Negate Generation Skipping Tax
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Historical Low Interest Rates Provide Opportunity
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Palm Beach Society Special Feature Article
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Before Acting, Assess Your Assets; Communicate With Your Family
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An Ideal Vehicle for Asset and Tax Protection. Part Three in Our Series. Co-written with renowned trusts and estates attorney, lecturer, author, and Professor of Law at NYU School of Law, Jonathan G. Blattmachr.
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Estate Planning Would Be Significantly Affected By Bill. Co-written with renowned trusts and estates attorney, lecturer, author, and Professor of Law at NYU School of Law, Jonathan G. Blattmachr.
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Another Mega Idea for Your Family. Part Two in Our Series. Co-written with renowned trusts and estates attorney, lecturer, author, and Professor of Law at NYU School of Law, Jonathan G. Blattmachr.
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A Mega Idea for Your Family. Part One in a Three Part Series.
Co-written with renowned trusts and estates attorney, lecturer, author, and Professor of Law at NYU School of Law, Jonathan G. Blattmachr.
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"Stars Have Aligned" To Execute New Financial Strategies
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Protect Generations of Your Family From Estate Taxes.
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Protect Yourself From Catastrophic Costs In Your Golden Years.
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Sheltering Your Estate From "Outlaws."
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New Bill Could Eliminate The Discounts For Transfers of Cash, Securities, and Non-Business Assets.
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Will the Obama Administration Take Them Away?
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Vital Information Before You Begin Any Significant Gifting Program.
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2/06/2009 | Special to Palm Beach Society (February 6-12, 2009): AN ILIT STRATEGY FOR LIFE INSURANCE
Protect Your Family Fortune Through Private Financing.
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A Safe Way to Provide Retirement Income and Money For Your Heirs.
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The Safety of Major Life Insurance Companies
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Read about The Pitfalls of Life Insurance Settlements as it appeared in The Palm Beach Daily News (The Shiny Sheet).
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Recover Your Lifestyle With Life Insurance.
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DIVERSIFY! DIVERSIFY! DIVERSIFY!
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Insurance and Annuities Offer Protection -- With Interest -- In Stormy Financial Times.
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Annuities Offer Safe Harbor -- With Interest.
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Selling Your Insurance Policy Can Net Funds to Live On
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PRESERVING WEALTH -- A New Column by Richard S. Bernstein
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How to protect your children from inheritance taxes when traditional life insurance is not an option.
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Letter to the Editor of The Palm Beach Post from Richard S. Bernstein which appeared Saturday, October 4, 2008. This letter explains that purchasers of AIG life insurance policies were not at risk and why.
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With over $5 trillion in assets and a conservative investment and underwriting profile, the life insurance industry is one of America's strongest business sectors. The life insurance industry has an unparalleled record of honoring its obligations.
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Reasons are abundant as to why HSAs are growing in popularity. The HSA model is a win-win situation for employers and employees!
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Savvy companies looking to help their employees with insurance are turning to HSA's to protect themselves from high premiums and to offer employees a creative way to shelter wages.
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You have worked hard for your money. Don't you deserve to shelter it from excessive taxation upon our passing?
Consider these tips for protecting your family fortune through private financing.
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Summaries of recent articles of HSA's from Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report.
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Savvy Businesses Using Health Savings Accounts To Combat Health Insurance Costs.
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