February 7, 2008

The Colorado Springs area is home to a wide variety of non-profit organizations. See the article on Strategic Planning for Non-Profits by Bart Rice.

January 10, 2008

The Wall Street Journal, dated January 9, 2008, carried the following within an article on an Upsurge in Anonymous Gifting:

Some Donors who wish to give large amounts to charities seek to remain anonymous to avoid confrontations with jealous realtives who may have other plans for the family's wealth.

A growing discomfort with publicity by Donors who wish to give large amounts to charities has been a boon for "Donor Advised Funds" which allow Donors to give to a charity in the name of the Donor Advised Fund. Moreover, "Donor Advised Funds" come with attractive tax breaks - up to 50% compared to a maximum 30% when giving through a private foundation.

December 7, 2007

As 60% of women outlive their spouses, it is imperative that a couple plans for life after the death of a spouse. Estate planning should be an essential part of that process. If assets are titled correctly, the surviving spouse can reduce the time and cost in probate. In addition, both the husband and the wife can take advantage of all the eligible estate tax credits.

The best way to implement an effective estate planning strategy is with the assistance of an attorney specializing in wills, trusts and estate planning and their financial planner.

November 15, 2007

At a Senate Finance Committee hearing on the estate tax, Warren Buffett, one of the world's richest persons, called for a more progressive tax system in general.

Mr. Buffett urged the committee to ease up on taxing the poor and middle class and "take a little more out of the hides of people like me."

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangle, D-NY, predicted that sweeping tax changes are coming soon after the 2008 election. "There is a code meltdown coming very shortly," said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon.