SML Planning Minute
SML Planning Minute podcasts provide timely and thought-provoking financial ideas and concepts for individuals, families and business owners. Be sure to listen in! Simply click on a topic below to access a podcast. You can also subscribe to one of the many service providers to listen on the go.

No Step-Up in Basis for Assets in a Grantor Trust
Episode 231 – The IRS released Revenue Ruling 2023-2 stating that assets held in a grantor trust do not receive a step-up in basis upon the grantor’s death. What does that mean? Continue Reading No Step-Up in Basis for Assets in a Grantor Trust

Planning for Families Without Children
Episode 230 – A lot has been written about planning for families with children, but approximately 44 percent of non-parents under age 50 say they are unlikely to have kids. What about them? In this episode we suggest some ideas for an underserved group of people. Continue Reading Planning for Families Without Children

Charities Need Your Help and We Can Help You
Episode 229 – Individuals and charities have been adversely affected by post-pandemic circumstances. We can help charitably inclined individuals meet philanthropic goals without sacrificing personal financial security. Continue Reading Charities Need Your Help and We Can Help You

Social Security Trustees Report 2023: Here We Go Again
Episode 228 – The new Social Security Trustees report has both good news and bad news. The question is: where do we go from here? Continue Reading Social Security Trustees Report 2023: Here We Go Again

The 529 Plan Rollover to a Roth IRA – Is it Worth it?
Episode 227 – The initial promise and excitement of a provision created by SECURE 2.0, to allow 529 Plan account balances to be rolled over to a Roth IRA, has ended in disappointment, but it may still work for you. Continue Reading The 529 Plan Rollover to a Roth IRA – Is it Worth it?

Six Big Mistakes People Make with Their Wills
Episode 226 – Just having a will is not enough. You need to get the details right. Here are 6 big mistakes we see people making when they structure their wills. Continue Reading Six Big Mistakes People Make with Their Wills

The Importance of FDIC Insurance
Episode 225 – Recent financial turmoil involving several large banks provides an important lesson and opportunity to revisit the general FDIC-insurance rules and limitations. Continue Reading The Importance of FDIC Insurance

The Sad Case of Lisa Marie Presley
Episode 224 – Lisa Marie Presley’s death in January of this year came as a shock to many. But it’s just the beginning of the story. Continue Reading The Sad Case of Lisa Marie Presley

IRS Provides Guidance on Required Minimum Distributions for 2023
Episode 223 – Confusion for IRA owners turning age 72 in 2023? The IRS provides clarification and reminds IRA owners that individuals turning age 72 in 2023 are not required to take required minimum distributions. Continue Reading IRS Provides Guidance on Required Minimum Distributions for 2023

Why Giving Cash to Your Children May Not be a Good Idea
Episode 222 – Most parents are naturally inclined to provide financial assistance to their adult children. But be careful: it may do more harm than good. Continue Reading Why Giving Cash to Your Children May Not be a Good Idea

Beware of State Efforts to Tax the Wealthy
Episode 221 – Several states are seeking to do what the federal government has failed to do thus far, and that is to increase taxes on the wealthy and high-income earners. Continue Reading Beware of State Efforts to Tax the Wealthy

Biggest Fear in Retirement – Running Out of Money Revisited
Episode 220 - In today's episode we revisit the question, what’s the biggest fear people have in retirement? According to the Journal of Accountancy®, Americans’ biggest retirement fear is running out of money. In this episode we take an in-depth look at...

What to Expect When You’re Expecting an Inheritance
Episode 219 – What do you do if you’ve just been notified that you’re about to receive an inheritance? Do you know what comes next? Here are some things that you might expect. Continue Reading What to Expect When You’re Expecting an Inheritance

Five Strategies for a More Financially Sound 2023
Episode 218 – New Year’s resolutions rarely work out. Instead, how about making some small changes in your financial habits? Here are five simple things you can try. Continue Reading Five Strategies for a More Financially Sound 2023

Do Seniors Need Life Insurance?
Episode 217 – You’re nearing or in retirement and the kids have graduated from college, out of the house, or are, at least, gainfully employed. You don’t need life insurance anymore, right? Think again! Continue Reading Do Seniors Need Life Insurance?

Six Common Life Insurance Mistakes – Part Two
Episode 216 – Most people don’t like thinking about life insurance but understand its importance to providing financial protection to their family or business. That conflict causes many to make mistakes with life insurance. Continue Reading Six Common Life Insurance Mistakes – Part Two

Six Common Life Insurance Mistakes – Part One
Episode 215 – Most people don’t like thinking about life insurance but understand its importance to providing financial protection to their family or business. That conflict causes many to make mistakes with life insurance. Continue Reading Six Common Life Insurance Mistakes – Part One

Estate Planning After Divorce or the Death of a Spouse
Episode 214 – Every year a substantial number of people go from married to single, either through divorce or death. A recent article looked at some of the estate planning steps you may need to take if it happens to you. Continue Reading Estate Planning After Divorce or the Death of a Spouse

SECURE 2.0 is Now Law. How Does That Impact Retirement Planning? Part Two
Episode 213 – Part Two: SECURE 2.0 is now law. What does it mean for your individual retirement planning goals? What does it mean for your business and your employer-sponsored retirement plan? Continue Reading SECURE 2.0 is Now Law. How Does That Impact Retirement Planning? Part Two

SECURE 2.0 is Now Law. How Does That Impact Retirement Planning? Part One
Episode 212 – Part One: SECURE 2.0 is now law. What does it mean for your individual retirement planning goals? What does it mean for your business and your employer-sponsored retirement plan? Continue Reading SECURE 2.0 is Now Law. How Does That Impact Retirement Planning? Part One