The Realized Team’s Picks
How Does Inflation Increase Investment Risk?
There is no aspect of the economy that’s unaffected by inflation. From consumer spending to employment, investments to interest rates, a sustained rise in cost of goods and price levels reduces purchasing power and erodes the value of investments.
Who Is a Beneficial Owner of Shares?
When investors buy shares of stock, they typically don’t take physical possession of the actual ownership certificates for various reasons, including safety and expedience. Instead, the buyer becomes the beneficial owner of the shares while they remain registered to the brokerage firm that manages the transaction. This status is sometimes referred to as the investor registering the shares in "street name." While seldom acknowledged, beneficial ownership is the most common method of holding shares.
Is Probate Required for Tenants-In-Common (TIC)?
When purchasing real estate, whether for personal use and enjoyment or as an investment, there are several ways to share the ownership with one or more other individuals. For investment purposes, one of the most workable structures is tenancy-in-common. In a TIC ownership arrangement, there are at least two owners, although there can be an unlimited number, and each share can be of a different size. Each owner can dispose of their portion as they desire—at any time. However, each TIC owner has undivided access to the property. That factor makes a TIC agreement crucial, whether the property is for personal use or held as an investment.
What Are the Related Party Rules for a 1031 Exchange?
Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code allows owners of real estate investment properties an important tax break: the ability to defer capital gains and other taxes when they exchange one investment property for a replacement asset.
Can You Change the Beneficiary of a Charitable Remainder Trust?
Trusts have many functions, and there are numerous types of trusts. Many are useful in estate planning, and it’s always wise to seek professional assistance when considering whether and what variety of trust to establish to best pursue your goals.
What Is a Revocable Living Trust and How Does It Work?
A revocable living trust is set up during a person’s lifetime to name their wishes for the distribution of their assets after their death. They can change the terms of the trust at any time.
How Can I Invest In REITs?
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have a singular purpose. Specifically, they allow you, the investor, to invest in real estate without having to buy or finance your own properties. In fact, they were created for that very purpose; in 1960, Pres. Dwight D Eisenhower signed legislation that created REITs, thus opening real estate investment to regular Americans.
How to Dissolve a Charitable Remainder Trust
Investors seeking to provide income for either their lifetime or a beneficiary, plus leave a legacy for a charitable organization, may consider establishing a trust as one means of doing so. There are various types of trusts, one of which is a charitable remainder trust, or CRT.
Can a Minor Be a Contingent Beneficiary?
If you have investment accounts, retirement savings, or a life insurance policy, you have the option of naming beneficiaries. Many parents name their minor children as contingent beneficiaries to ensure financial support. This has the potential to complicate the transfer of assets. Learn if minors should be listed as contingent beneficiaries and what alternative actions are available.
Should I Buy a Rental Property?
The internet abounds with articles and stories about real estate investments and their many advantages. Some articles even go so far as to place real estate investments in the same category as “get-rich-quick” schemes, though fortunately, Google seems to be clamping down on this type of content.
