Grandparents and Others can Contribute More to 529 Plans without Affecting College Financial Aid

Q. My son, Bryan, is entering middle school. His grandfather (my dad) is coming for a barbecue for Father’s Day this weekend, and we are also celebrating Bryan’s birthday. My dad has been contributing to a 529 plan to help pay for … [Read more...]

Giving Gifts to Grandchildren Without Wrecking Your Own Financial Future or Creating a Sense of Entitlement

Q. I have six grandchildren -- three from each of our two daughters. They live close by so I see them often and adore every one of them. I am not getting any younger and have some money I’d like to gift to them now, while I am … [Read more...]

Son Is Liable for Mother’s Nursing Home Expenses

Q. My mother was diagnosed with dementia and will need nursing home care in the not-so-distant future. She recently started giving huge monetary gifts to me and my sister for birthdays and holidays. I told her that what she is … [Read more...]

Gifting and the 2018 Gift and Estate Tax Exclusion Numbers

Q. Our daughter got married a few months ago and she and her husband found the perfect starter home in Springfield. The owners accepted their offer and my daughter and her husband asked me for $20,000 to help with the down … [Read more...]

Charitable Giving: The Risks of Generosity

Q. My granddaughter, Abigail, recently got married and my husband and I would like to give her a gift of $14,000 before the end of the year to put towards a down payment on their first home. To be fair, we also want to give the … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Gift and Estate Tax Exclusion Amounts for 2017

Dear Angel, I noticed you sent out the new key elder law numbers last week, but I did not see anything about gift and estate tax exclusion amounts for 2017. What are the new gift and estate tax exclusion numbers for 2017, and … [Read more...]

Will Christmas Gifts Disqualify Grandma?

Q. My grandmother is really excited about Christmas this year. In the spirit of the season, she is considering making a truly meaningful gift of $5,000 to the local animal shelter, and giving another $5,000 to her church. She also … [Read more...]

Giving Money to Your Children (while you’re still alive)

Janet's granddaughter, Grace, recently got accepted to veterinary school. Janet is thrilled at this huge accomplishment, and would like to give Grace a gift of $40,000 ($10,000 a year), to help her pay for school, so she wouldn't … [Read more...]

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