Securities America

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Calculators

Disability Income Insurance

How much Disability Income Insurance do you need?

Home Affordability

Estimate of the maximum amount of financing you can expect to get when you begin house hunting.

Retirement Portfolio Lifespan

How Long Will Your Funds Last?

Financial IQ Test

Take this quick quiz to find out your Financial IQ

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Newsletters

Federal Estate Tax Is Much Lower — For Now

The federal estate tax was repealed in 2010, then reinstated by the 2010 Tax Relief Act with new provisions for 2011 and 2012. This article discusses the temporary provisions, the options for estates of 2010 decedents, and potential changes in future years that could subject many more estates to the federal estate tax than under current law.

HOT TOPIC: The Federal Estate Tax Is Back and May Be Here to Stay

The estate tax has been reinstated after being allowed to lapse in 2010. The new estate tax provisions are the most generous in decades — but they are temporary. A far more stringent estate tax is slated to take effect after 2012. Fortunately, a properly structured trust may help some families reduce their potential exposure to the estate tax.

Getting to Know Your Beneficiaries

Estate conservation issues may be uncomfortable to face, but there's probably no other aspect that is as simple or inexpensive as designating beneficiaries for employer-sponsored retirement plans, IRAs, and life insurance policies.

Why Realistic Expectations May Be Great

Although positive thinking can be powerful, there's a fine line between optimism and unrealistic expectations. There are possible pitfalls when overestimating how a portfolio will perform.

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