The Lautze & Lautze "Achieving Success in a Turbulent Economy" seminars held in San Francisco on July 16 and in San Jose on July 17 were well received. The speakers captivated the audience with seminar topics "Investing in Turbulent Times, Tax Strategies for 2003 and Beyond and Estate Planning in Uncertain Times."
John Kehoe of SEI Investments presented tips on obtaining the best chance of investment success by dismissing as false many investment myths. John gave sound advice on selecting the right financial investment partner (The L&L Financial Edge LLC) and demonstrated how to strategically diversify allocations in your investment portfolio.
Dan Hoffman of Lautze & Lautze disclosed key tips on taking advantage of the recent new tax legislation. Since dividend and capital gain rates have been cut to 15% for long-term holdings, Dan provided the following information related to re-allocating your investment portfolio:
| Your Retirement Accounts |
Your Taxable Accounts |
| High quality taxable bonds |
Stock index funds |
| High-yield junk bonds |
Tax managed funds |
| Real-estate investment trusts |
Long-term stock holdings |
| High turnover stock funds |
Short-term stock holdings |
Kristin Pace of Fitzgerald, Abbott & Beardsley reminded us that although there have been changes in the estate tax laws, the estate tax has not been repealed (except if you die in 2010!). She emphasized the fact that everyone should review their current estate plan, including those who have completed a living trust in the past. Other tips included were: reviewing your beneficiary designations, reviewing your named trustees and executors, and possibly changing specific bequests to percentages rather than dollar amounts. More advanced planning ideas included:
- Sales to defective grantor trusts (attractive now because of low interest rates)
- Family limited partnerships
- Gifting in 2010 when the top gift tax rate will be 35%
If you have any questions, or would like more information on the topics discussed at the seminar, please contact your Lautze tax advisor or Betsy Strong, CFP of The L&L Financial Edge, LLC at (415) 543-6900 or e-mail Betsy at bstrong@lautze.com.
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