Spark Financial Advisors Articles
Using a Qualified Charitable Distribution to Reduce Taxes
Angel and Bob are in their early 70s and find deep fulfillment through philanthropy. They’ve been donating cash to their favorite charities. Their mortgage is paid off, Angel sold her business, and neither of them are working full-time. They typically withdraw money...
Phantom Stock Plan Taxation for Privately Held Business Executives
As an executive at a closely held or private business, you know just how profitable and valuable a private business can be. You may want to join the ownership ranks of that business but have met resistance in becoming a formal shareholder or the firm may simply be too...
What You Need to Know: 2021 Democratic Tax Proposal
The 2021 Democratic tax proposal that just came out of the House Ways and Means committee has a number of surprises in it but mostly sticks to a theme “tax high income earners and the uber-wealthy.” While the proposal is not law, there are some planning issues you...
The Mega Backdoor Roth IRA
photo by Andrea Piacquadio via pexels.com Rachel is a high earning soloprenuer. While she’s already contributing the maximum to her pre-tax 401(k) plan, she still has a substantial amount that she would like to put towards her retirement but she makes too much...
Align Your Money With Your Values
Does your money reflect what’s important to you? Many people have an uncomfortable relationship with money because their money is not aligned with what they value. Our clients are looking for ways to use their money so they can live a meaningful life and perhaps leave...
The American Rescue Plan: small business owner edition
Photo credit: fauxels via Pexels At Spark we know your time is precious. That’s why we’ve written a condensed version of our larger article on the American Rescue Plan Act just for business owners. We’ve included the pieces of information that may apply specifically...
The American Rescue Plan
Photo credit: Laura Stanley via Pexels The American Rescue Plan was signed into law last week, and you may be wondering what provisions apply to you. We will be covering the third round of stimulus checks, the Child Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSAs, a change to...
What Is the Va 529 Tuition track Portfolio?
Have you heard about the Virginia 529 Tuition Track portfolio and are wondering whether it makes sense for your family? Or perhaps you are looking for an alternative to the Virginia 529 Prepaid tuition program. In this article we’ll explain what the new Tuition Track...
What Is A Fiduciary Financial Advisor And Why You Need One
Most clients think their financial advisor is a fiduciary. That’s not the case. When it comes to your money, you absolutely need to know that your financial advisor is always putting your interests ahead of their own. Learn what it means to be a fiduciary and how to protect yourself.
The #1 Charitable Giving Mistake
Many people are interested in donating to causes that matter to them right now. If you are donating a significant amount to a charity you may want to consider donating appreciated stock, mutual funds, or ETFs instead of cash. Why gift away your capital gain? Unlike...