Posted by vanderhave in Blog - "Altman Speaks"

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving

As we have mentioned many times in this blog, barring action from a currently deadlocked Congress, the federal Estate Tax exemption is set to drop from $5.12 million to $1 million dollars per person starting in 2013. One manner to utilize this exemption before its expiration is to make a large...

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Posted by vanderhave in Blog - "Altman Speaks"

U.S. Government Awarded Title to Rare Gold Coins Estimated at $80 Million

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has awarded the U.S. Government title to ten rare “Double Eagle” gold coins that date back to the Roosevelt administration.  The coins were produced by the Philadelphia Mint in 1933 and are worth an estimated $80 million...

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Posted by vanderhave in Blog - "Altman Speaks"

Picture Perfect Planning: One Example of Estate Planning Done Right

Recently, a client of mine died.  His wife had passed earlier this year.  This gentleman and his wife became my clients in 2009.  They were in their late 80s and their goals were to protect their assets from estate taxes, shield their assets if they went into a nursing home, and they wanted to...

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Posted by vanderhave in Blog - "Altman Speaks"

Don’t Take the Money and Run: Winning the Lottery or Receiving a Large Inheritance Can Be a Losing Proposition Without Proper Planning

We have all fantasized about what we would do if we were to win the lottery. Most of us have a similar plan: beautiful house, fancy car, and donating enough to become a household name with your favorite charity.  While the odds are indeed slim, jackpots from games like MegaMillions and Powerball...

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Posted by vanderhave in Blog - "Altman Speaks"

Not Your Father’s Record Collection: Passing on Music in a Digital World

My dad was born and grew up in Detroit.   Because of his roots, he has always connected with musicians from Michigan more than others.  In fact, he listened to Bob Seger’s (from the Detroit area) Greatest Hits so many times that he actually wore out his cassette.  So, when my dad eventually...

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