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How Can a Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT) Help Me Reduce My Estate Taxes?
In estate planning, reducing taxes is a primary concern for many clients with significant wealth, and certain trusts can help achieve this goal. For example, a qualified personal residence trust (QPRT) is an irrevocable trust high-net-worth families may use
Year-End Gift Planning
If you are unfamiliar with various tax planning aspects of gifting money or property and are concerned that receiving or making a gift will produce a taxable event, this article will help you. We will clarify key information for giving or receiving money,
Ann’s Reading List for the Financially Fit and Millionaires in Training
Working with clients over the years, we’ve observed how it’s never too early or too late to learn about effective money practices that can affect various areas of life. Many people never receive a basic introduction to money management, which is why
When Should You Take Social Security?
If you’re nearing retirement, you may be considering your income sources, including Social Security. You have options for when to claim your benefits — so when is the right time? As with most financial planning decisions, the answer will depend on your
Real Estate Considerations for Early Retirement for Apple and Other Tech Employees
As an Apple employee or tech professional, you may have the option to retire early, which is an exciting prospect. Still, deciding whether to do that involves various considerations, including how your home and other real estate investments may impact your
Are Your Cash Reserves or Emergency Fund Ready for the Unexpected?
Sudden emergencies, such as medical bills, home repairs, or layoffs, can quickly constrain your cash flow. If work in tech, such as being an Apple employee, your industry’s volatility and reliance on company stock value may put your finances at further
Quarterly Investment Commentary – Q3 2025
MARKET RETURNS: Prices for most assets continued to rally in the third quarter. Emerging markets led global equity gains with a double-digit return and have now taken the year-to-date lead over their developed market peers, which appreciated nearly 4.8%
Can A 1031 Exchange Apply To My Primary Residence?
We often get asked by homeowners, especially those in high-cost markets like the Bay Area, if they can use a 1031 exchange to sell their primary home. While the process is complex, a 1031 exchange can help defer capital gains taxes on the sale of the primary
Navigating the Markets: A 2025 Recap and Outlook
The year 2025 has been, to say the least, “interesting” for the markets. The Opes Wealth Management team, Erin Whalen, Louis Odette, and Mark Duvall, unpack the complexities, from surprising market performance to the lingering impact of tariffs
How to Diversify a Concentrated Stock Position
Over the past decade, a small number of various technology stocks have outperformed the broader market. While this created value for many investors, it also left some with a concentrated position in just one or two individual stocks. Holding too much of
The Risks of Tech Concentration Across Your Financial Landscape
Working extensively with tech sector employees, we often see how they can default to building their portfolio around what they’re familiar with: the tech industry. However, this approach can quickly lead to an over concentration of tech-related assets,
Can You Use a 1031 Exchange on a Personal Residence?
A 1031 tax-deferred exchange can be appealing to investors because of the opportunity to sell an investment property and reinvest the proceeds into a new property, allowing them to defer capital gains taxes. However, some clients have inquired if they can use
Opes Advantage: What Is It and How Does it Work for Clients?
Opes Advantage is our proprietary software designed to help clients make better long-term decisions by showing the real impact of real estate on their lives. For clients in high-cost regions like the Bay Area, this type of planning isn’t optional — it’s
Quarterly Investment Commentary – Q2 2025
MARKET RETURNS: What a quarter! Global equities ended up posting double-digit gains after an initial sell-off in reaction to “Liberation Day” tariff announcements. The S&P 500 briefly entered bear market[1] territory intraday the following week,
Should You Sell Your Home in Retirement?
As you near retirement, it’s important to consider how real estate fits into your broader financial plan. For example, for many of us, our homes are our most significant asset — but they can also be our biggest liability depending on various factors. So,
Should Apple Employees Participate in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan?
Many businesses offer an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), an incentive that allows employees to buy company stock at a discount from its current fair market value. Here’s what to consider if your employer offers such a plan: Should You Participate in
When Should You Sell Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)?
Restricted stock units (RSUs) have become an increasingly common way to compensate employees across many industries. When these company stock grants vest, recipients face an important decision: sell the shares immediately or hold them for future potential
What Happens to My Apple RSUs If I Leave the Company?
Whether you work for Apple or another tech company, you may have stock compensation, including restricted stock units (RSUs), as part of your total compensation package. What happens to your RSUs if you leave the company? Here are a few scenarios to consider:
Tariff Impact and Market Implications | April 7, 2025
MARKET RETURNS: It’s not lost on us that the market turbulence over the first few trading days of Q2 has rendered Q1 performance commentary outdated. While prices remain volatile, year-to-date through April 7: foreign stocks have been more resilient
2025 Market Outlook
As we move deeper into 2025, investors are watching several key market trends, including AI’s impact on valuations, shifting interest rates, and evolving government policies. In a recent discussion, our team at Opes Wealth examined the market performance of
Remember These 2025 Financial Planning Deadlines
As we settle into 2025, the new year brings fresh opportunities — and deadlines. From healthcare to taxes, we’ve gathered critical deadlines, planning windows, and age milestones to remember so you can proactively prepare for what’s coming next and
3 Compelling Reasons to Invest Globally
The U.S. dollar and stocks have performed strongly in recent years. Still, the principle that “past performance doesn’t guarantee future results” underscores why creating a balanced, diversified investment portfolio is essential in providing resilience
What is a Living Trust, and What Purpose Does It Serve?
Individuals with substantial estates require advanced tax planning strategies to help reduce significant tax liabilities during their lifetime and for their heirs after passing. A living trust is one tool high- and ultra-high-net-worth clients can consider.
Opes Wealth Featured on etf.com’s 2024 Top 50 RIA Firms List for Its ETF Expertise
We’re honored Opes has made the Leaders: Top Advisors & Firms list by etf.com. Recognition in the Top 50 RIA Firms category highlights firms with outstanding expertise, growth, and leadership in helping clients navigate the ever-evolving world of
Planning a Move to a New State? Consider These State Income Tax Strategies
Are you, clients, family, or friends planning to relocate from one state to another to help save on living costs? Perhaps you’re considering moving from a state with an income tax, like California, to a state with no income tax, like Washington. We
Wealth Transfers: Using Step-Up in Basis to Mitigate Capital Gains Tax Liability
If you own highly appreciated assets, managing capital gains tax is critical to managing your overall tax burden. Depending on your state, you could over 30% in taxes on gains. Fortunately, by working with your financial advisor and CPA, you can explore
Opes Advantage Software Earns Industry Recognition for Innovation in 2024 ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards
We’re thrilled to share Opes was named a ThinkAdvisor 2024 Luminaries Awards finalist in the innovation category for its proprietary Opes Advantage software. This web-based retirement planning application forecasts potential outcomes of various financial
Refresher on Capital Gains Taxes – Primary Residence Sales
Homeowners might consider selling their homes for many reasons, such as relocating to a better area or downsizing once children have moved out. In addition to the emotional and practical considerations, it’s essential to factor in the potential cost of
Benefits of an After-Tax 401(k) & Mega Backdoor Roth for Tech Employees
As income and equity compensation grow, your financial landscape becomes more complex, presenting unique challenges and opportunities. We’ve helped many tech professionals, including those from Apple, Google, Meta and other tech companies, navigate the
How Will the 2026 Estate Tax Exemption Change Impact You?
Federal estate taxes are a critical concern for clients with large estates, often managed through advanced tax planning strategies like the lifetime estate and gift tax exemption. This exemption allows you to pass a specified amount of assets to your heirs
Donor-Advised Fund
What Are the Benefits of a Donor-Advised Fund for Investors? If you’re a charitably inclined investor, a donor-advised fund (DAF) offers several advantages while helping you achieve your giving goals. Akin to a personal charitable foundation, this type of
Selling Your Home?
How Home Improvements Can Help Reduce Capital Gains Taxes for Qualified Homes Smart tax planning can help you save significant money when you’re ready to sell your home, and leveraging home improvements is one strategy. Here’s how it works: If you’ve
How Real Estate Value is Influenced By the Tech Boom
Live in a technology hotspot like the Bay Area? Learn how the industry's success affects your home’s value and what it means for your financial planning.
Quarterly Investment Commentary – Q1 2024
MARKET RETURNS: Global equity markets extended last year’s run into the first quarter of 2024 and major indexes made new highs. U.S. large company stocks retained their leadership role, with the S&P 500 posting a double-digit gain. Yet some of 2023’s
Markets Discussion Video – Q1 2024
Erin, Mark, and Louis’ are back Q1 Markets Discussions Video considering many factors in including the markets strong year end rally and the potential outcomes of the interest rate increases we’ve seen over the last few years. Touching on
Quarterly Investment Commentary – Q4 2023
MARKET RETURNS: Markets staged a dramatic rally into year-end, bringing all major asset classes comfortably into positive territory for 2023. U.S. stocks posted the strongest returns, with the S&P 500 finishing just shy of an all-time high. These gains
Markets Discussion Video – Q4 2023
Join Erin, Mark, and Louis' discussion in our Q4 Markets Discussion Video! With growing concerns surrounding monetary policy, rising interest rates, and global conflicts, the team navigates the continuously changing market landscape as we move into the
Planning a Move? Know the States with No State Income Tax
PLANNING A MOVE? KNOW THE STATES WITH NO INCOME TAX Are you, clients, family or friends planning to relocate from one state to another? Are there appreciated assets intended for sale in the future that would produce a taxable capital gain? 9
2023 Year End Gift Planning
2023 YEAR-END GIFT PLANNING If you are unfamiliar with various aspects of gifting money or property and are concerned that receiving or making a gift will produce a taxable event, this article will help you. Here we clarify some key information for
Protecting Yourself from Financial Fraud and Scams
These days, it is critical to safeguard your sensitive personal information. Scammers, fraudsters, and other bad actors have developed increasingly sophisticated tactics to obtain your private data and access your finances or steal your identity. Here are
Winning With Credit Scores
REFRESHER: WINNING WITH CREDIT SCORES Are you familiar with what makes up your credit scores? How you manage your credit usage and account history has a huge impact on your scores. The top 3 numbers in the chart have the biggest impact.
Markets Discussion Video – Q3 2023
Erin, Mark, and Louis are back to discuss an overall positive outlook moving forward in our Q3 Markets Discussion Video. Tackling themes such as Artificial Intelligence and Fed perspectives, the team considers potential outcomes as the year comes to a
Quarterly Investment Commentary – Q2 2023
MARKET RETURNS: Stocks extended their rebound through the second quarter, firmly establishing a new bull market. Regional leadership shifted from international developed markets to the United States, as the rally in foreign stocks decelerated. Gains were
RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTION LIMITS FOR 2023
We reached the mid-point of the year! Are you still on track with your retirement goals? Our own Ann Timoney chimes in with a friendly reminder to review your retirement plan and
Markets Discussion Video – Q2 2023
Erin, Louis, and Mark are together again to summarize the events that transpired during Q1 and the themes that we remain vigilant on looking forward into Q2 in our latest Quarterly Markets Discussion!
Quarterly Investment Commentary – Q1 2023
MARKET RETURNS: Stock and bond markets both rallied to start the year in a welcome departure from 2022’s declines. Last year’s relative performance trends continued across global equity regions. International developed markets outperformed thanks to
Markets Discussion Video – Q1 2023
Mark, Erin and Louis are together again to to discuss the persisting elements impacting the Global Markets. With a focus on bond valuations and the inflation dynamic, we consider ways to navigate potential market fluctuations in the coming
Quarterly Investment Commentary – Q4 2022
MARKET RETURNS: Stock and bond markets rallied in the fourth quarter, paring some of their losses from earlier in the year. Yet both asset classes posted double-digit declines for 2022. Inflation and central bank policy response were the main drivers of
Markets Discussion Video – Q4 2022
Mark, Erin and Louis are together again to to discuss the prevailing factors influencing the Global Economy, Financial Markets, and the impacts to individual investors. This quarter, we emphasis the role of inflation, the seismic shift in the interest rate
Quarterly Investment Commentary – Q3 2022
MARKET RETURNS: Global markets continued to sell off in the third quarter as investors incorporated ongoing tightening of financial conditions into asset prices. U.S. dollar appreciation of over 15% year-to-date was reflected in regional equity returns,
Markets Discussion Video – Q3 2022
Mark, Erin and Louis recap market action over the most recent quarter and discuss what could be in store over the next several months.
Quarterly Investment Commentary – Q2 2022
MARKET RETURNS: Global markets extended year-to-date declines during the second quarter as the Federal Reserve signaled it would prioritize fighting inflation over supporting economic growth. Major stock market indexes fell by double-digits, bringing
Markets Discussion Video – Q2 2022
Mark, Erin and Louis review the first quarter of 2022 and discuss potential opportunities and risks
Quarterly Investment Commentary – Q1 2022
MARKET RETURNS: Global equities closed out a volatile first quarter of 2022 with mid-single digit declines, partially retracing 2021’s strong upward move despite recovering a bit from their intra-quarter trough. U.S. large company stocks remained the
Quarterly Investment Commentary – Q4 2021
MARKET RETURNS: Global equities rallied to finish out the year, building upon substantial gains from the first three quarters. This marks the third year in a row that the world stock market has generated return percentages in the high teens or twenties.
The Benefits Of a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
Overview A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a line of credit that is secured by your home. They’re most commonly used to cover the cost of home improvement projects, but they can have financial planning benefits beyond that. Here we’ll look at the
Should I Buy Real Estate with my IRA?
Did you know that it’s possible to buy real estate in an individual retirement account (aka your IRA)? Given that possibility, we’d like to walk through the rules and restrictions, as well as the pros and cons, of this option. The main benefit of
Donor-Advised Funds: An Effective Tool for Charitable Giving
With or without a tax write-off, many Americans want to give to charity. After all, financial incentives aren’t usually the main motivation. We give to support the causes we cherish. We give because we’re grateful for the good fortune we’ve enjoyed. We
10 Security Red Flags to Watch Out For
Protecting Your Personal Information In light of increasing risk for security breaches, we want to share the following tips for protecting your personal information and recognizing potential financial scams on an ongoing basis. Information That You Need To
Financial Best Practices
It’s hard (if not impossible) to get from Point A to Point B without a plan. An actionable financial plan depends on understanding all facets of your financial life and taking effective actions. Here are 10 financial best practices to energize your