Estate Planning Tool-Kit
Where does it come from?
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero, written in 45 BC. This book is a treatise on the theory of ethics, very popular during the Renaissance. The first line of Lorem Ipsum, "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet..", comes from a line in section 1.10.32.
Where can I get some?
There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration in some form, by injected humour, or randomised words which don't look even slightly believable. If you are going to use a passage of Lorem Ipsum, you need to be sure there isn't anything embarrassing hidden in the middle of text. All the Lorem Ipsum generators on the Internet tend to repeat predefined chunks as necessary, making this the first true generator on the Internet. It uses a dictionary of over 200 Latin words, combined with a handful of model sentence structures, to generate Lorem Ipsum which looks reasonable. The generated Lorem Ipsum is therefore always free from repetition, injected humour, or non-characteristic words etc.All the Lorem Ipsum generators on the Internet tend to repeat predefined chunks as necessary, making this the first true generator on the Internet. It uses a dictionary of over 200 Latin words, combined with a handful of model sentence structures, to generate Lorem Ipsum which looks reasonable. The generated Lorem Ipsum is therefore always free from repetition, injected humour, or non-characteristic words etc.All the Lorem Ipsum generators on the Internet tend to repeat predefined chunks as necessary, making this the first true generator on the Internet.
There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration in some form, by injected humour, or randomised words which don't look even slightly believable. If you are going to use a passage of Lorem Ipsum, you need to be sure there isn't anything embarrassing hidden in the middle of text. All the Lorem Ipsum generators on the Internet tend to repeat predefined chunks as necessary, making this the first true generator on the Internet. It uses a dictionary of over 200 Latin words, combined with a handful of model sentence structures, to generate Lorem Ipsum which looks reasonable. The generated Lorem Ipsum is therefore always free from repetition, injected humour, or non-characteristic words etc.All the Lorem Ipsum generators on the Internet tend to repeat predefined chunks as necessary, making this the first true generator on the Internet. It uses a dictionary of over 200 Latin words, combined with a handful of model sentence structures, to generate Lorem Ipsum which looks reasonable.It uses a dictionary of over 200 Latin words, combined with a handful of model sentence structures, to generate Lorem Ipsum which looks reasonable.It uses a dictionary of over 200 Latin words, combined with a handful of model sentence structures, to generate Lorem Ipsum which looks reasonable.
Why do we use it?
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using 'Content here, content here', making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for 'lorem ipsum' will uncover many web sites still in their infancy. Various versions have evolved over the years, sometimes by accident, sometimes on purpose (injected humour and the like).
Where can I get some?
There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration in some form, by injected humour, or randomised words which don't look even slightly believable. If you are going to use a passage of Lorem Ipsum, you need to be sure there isn't anything embarrassing hidden in the middle of text. All the Lorem Ipsum generators on the Internet tend to repeat predefined chunks as necessary, making this the first true generator on the Internet. It uses a dictionary of over 200 Latin words, combined with a handful of model sentence structures, to generate Lorem Ipsum which looks reasonable. The generated Lorem Ipsum is therefore always free from repetition, injected humour, or non-characteristic words etc.
Winter 2022
Winter 2022
What’s Happening At Three Oaks
We are excited to announce the addition of Jim Crocker to our Three Oaks team! Jim has been helping individuals, families, and small businesses make smart decisions about investing, insurance, retirement, and major life transitions since 2006.
New Year, New Planning Opportunities
- Turning 50? You are now eligible for catch-up contributions in 401(k) plans, IRAs, and more.
- Turning 70 and ½? You are now eligible for Qualified Charitable Distributions from your IRAs.
- Regardless of your age, 2022 comes with increased contribution limits for 401(k) and other qualified plans.
College Planning and Application Process
We tapped a pro, Yvonne Ovalle, for some insight into how families and their students should view the nuanced process of approaching college applications and college resume building. There are a number of helpful tips in her College Planning Process 101.
What will the markets do in 2022?
Uncertainty goes hand-in-hand with the markets, especially for short investment horizons.
What will be the best performing asset class:
US Stock
International Stock
Cash
Real Estate
Commodities
Crypto-Currency
Other
Guide to the Markets – Time, Diversification, and the Volatility of Returns
Mark Your Calendars
Important dates you should know:
- February 24th, 6:00 p.m. CST– Three Oaks Town Hall: Estate Planning Updates – Panel Discussion with 3 Attorneys. Register today!
- April 18th – Tax Filing Deadline (pushed back from the 15th in observance of Emancipation Day)
Need Something to “Geek Out On”?
Here is what your Three Oaks team is reading:
- Raquel is reading – The Crusades of Cesar Chavez by Miriam Pawel.
- Shawn is reading – Behavioral Investment Counseling by Nick Murray.
Fall 2022
Fall 2022
What’s happening at Three Oaks
The Three Oaks team is proud to announce the addition of Michael Berry II as our newest team member and our first Financial Paraplanner. Michael brings to our team a background in operations and finance and earned his B.A. with a concentration in Finance from Master’s University in Santa Clarita, CA.
Industry Updates
- 2022 Tax Planning – the standard mileage rate increased, the credit on Solar PV systems installed increased (from 26% to 30%), and it’s the last year for 100% bonus depreciation on qualified property. Let’s plan! Please reach out if you want to geek out on year-end tax planning questions.
- Markets Metrics – Stock pricing is moving back into alignment with historic averages according to such valuation metrics as Price/Earnings, Brice/Book, and Price/Cash-Flow.
Mark Your Calendars
Important dates you should know:
- October 1st – FAFSA is out! Submitting it early could help you secure better results.
- Oct. 15 – Dec. 7th – Medicare Open enrollment. Review your current coverage, and if you have questions on whether a change may be warranted, we’re happy to help you evaluate things.
- October 31st – Deadline to apply for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
- December 1st, 5:30pm – Virtual Town Hall: 2022 Year-End Tax Planning Panel Discussion. Register Today!
Need Something to “Geek Out On”?
- Taxes! Taxes! Taxes!
View key threshholds for 2022 Income Tax rates tables, Standard Deduction amounts, Alternative Minimum Tax, Education Credits and Deductions, and more.View Key Figures
Summer 2022
Summer 2022
Three Oaks Summer Playlist
- “Easy” – Lionel Richie/The Commodores (Phillip)
- “Summer Time Rolls” – Jane’s Addiction (Shawn)
- “Right on Time” – Brandi Carlile (David)
- “Brighter Days” – Blessing Offor (Adam)
- “Baby Beluga” – Raffi (Jim)
- “Running Up That Hill”—Kate Bush (Raquel)
Industry Updates
Markets are down, interest rates are rising. What to do…
- Take advantage of higher interest rates with an online savings account. If your savings account is paying less than 1%, check out one of our favorites (Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Barclays, Ally, Capital One 360).
- How long will the bear market last? Are we in a recession, and if so, how long will it last? We don’t have all the answers, but here is some historic data for perspective.
If you’re concerned and need guidance or are feeling optimistic and want to buy into the stock market dip, we’re here to help.
Mark Your Calendars
Important dates you should know:
- August 18th, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Virtual Town Hall with Bryce Gill, Economist with First Trust Advisors – Market and Economic Update: Volatility Has Arrived. Register Today!
- August 31st – Expiration date for the student loan payment pause/0% interest on direct student loans.
- October 17th – Extension deadline for 2021 tax filings
Test Your Knowledge
The first 3 people to email rdeleon@threeoaksag.com with the correct answer to the following question will win a gift card to your choice of Chipotle, Panera Bread, or Pei Wei:
How many National Parks are there in the United States?
Spring 2022
Spring 2022
What’s Happening At Three Oaks
- We don’t always have all our team together in one place, but when we do, there’s fun, service…and maybe a little productivity.
- Our goal for 2022 is to hire two new team members: one dedicated client service associate for our California office and one paraplanner for our Dallas office.
- The results from our Q1 poll on the best performing asset class of 2022 are in!
- U.S. Stock = 50%
- Real Estate = 33.3%
- Crypto-Currency = 16.7%
Industry Updates
- The SECURE Act was passed in 2019 and increased the age for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from 70.5 to 72. The House recently passed version 2.0, which now awaits a vote in the senate. Potential impacts:
- Increase catch-up contributions for those age 62, 63, and 64
- Postpone RMDs to age 73 or later
- Add Roth features to SEP and SIMPLE plans
- Interest rates and inflation are on the rise. What does history tell us about asset class performance against these backdrops?
- Student loans stay at 0% until August.
Mark Your Calendars
Important dates you should know:
- “Summer Study Sessions” – We’ll be working on a few virtual town-hall meetings over the summer months such as 2022 Proactive Tax Planning Tips (CPA Panel Discussion). Stay tuned…
- August 31st – Updated expiration date for the student loan payment pause/0% interest on direct student loans.
Need Something to “Geek Out On”?
Here is what your Three Oaks team is reading:
- Adam is reading Why We Sleep, by Matthew Walker, PhD
- Crypto Theses 2022 – Messari.IO
Easter Eggs
You made it to the end of our spring newsletter, you deserve a treat! The first 5 people to text their name to (214) 717-0889 (Adam’s number) will receive a free margarita and witty banter exchange!
Winter 2021
Winter 2021
What’s Happening At Three Oaks
We are proud of Shawn for earning her Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP) designation. The coursework and ongoing CE are extensive and Shawn is already taking a lead to gather, review, and analyze your financial information.
New 2021 Key Figures
- The standard deduction for 2021 will increase by $300 for married couples filing joint returns and $150 for single taxpayers.
- Social Security benefits received a 1.3% adjustment (down from 2020’s 1.6% increase).
- Retirement Planning – contribution and catch-up limits remain the same, but income…Read More
2020 in Review – A Few Tidbits
COVID-19 certainly took a toll on the markets and the economy in 2020. Although more volatile than most years, markets did recover; however, the economy is having a tougher time shaking off the effects. These 3 charts illustrate the disconnect between the stock market and economy: Annual Market Returns vs. Unemployment Rate vs. Transportation Stats
Mark Your Calendars
- Social Security Seminar with special guest Lee Alviar from the Social Security Administration.
- When: Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. CT
- Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will received a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Need Something to “Geek Out On”?
Here is what your financial planners are reading:
- The Cross-Border Family Wealth Guide by Andrew Fisher & Tim Kochis
- The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness by Morgan Housel
Fall 2021
Fall 2021
What’s Happening At Three Oaks
- David just finished a half-marathon. Challenge him to a race near you in 2022!
Race Results:- Finish – 1:43:19
- Pace – 7:53
- Texas Office new address reminder:
3400 N. Central Expy, Suite 110-201
Richardson, TX 75080. View Map
Change Is Brewing
- An Act of Congress…Increased taxes, hearing aids for Medicare participants, and potential restrictions on Roth conversions. $400k, $425k, $450k in taxable earnings are key thresholds. If we’re making “backdoor Roth” contributions or considering conversions, it may benefit us to do those before December 31st. Read more
- Crypto Currencies – You may want to harvest crypto-currency losses before year-end as well – wash sale rules coming in 2022.
- Benefits Enrollment – Here are a few things to consider if you have an H.S.A./HDHP option for your medical insurance.
College Planning and Application Process
We tapped a pro, Yvonne Ovalle, for some insight into how families and their students should view the nuanced process of approaching college applications and college resume building. There are a number of helpful tips in her College Planning Process 101.
Mark Your Calendars
Important dates you should know:
- October 1st – FAFSA for 2022-2023 School Year opens. We recommend doing it early.
- October 21st, 5:30 p.m. – Three Oaks Town Hall: Real Estate Investing – A Public Forum on Private Placements (virtual and in-person).
Register today! - December 31st – Deadline by which to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Need Something to “Geek Out On”?
Here is what your Three Oaks team is reading:
- Here is what your financial planners are reading:
- Adam’s reading – The Undoing Project: A Friendship That Changed Our Minds
- Featured books written by one of our clients, Robert Vos:
Summer 2021
Summer 2021
What’s Happening At Three Oaks
- Philip and his crew were back at it with his 4th iteration of the Texas Water Safari – “The World’s Toughest Canoe Race.” After 70 hours and 43 minutes, Phil and his crew completed the 264.65 mile course!
- New address for our Texas Office:
3400 N. Central Expy, Suite 110-201
Richardson, TX 75080. View Map - Who is Apeiron and what is an RIA?
Q2’21 In Review
- Inflation – Transitory or here to stay? Energy price increases are an outlier, and we see core CPI returning to historic averages.
- Capital Gains Tax – Proposed changes could increase the maximum rate to 43.4% from today’s 23.8%. See how this compares to historic rates, and we’ll continue to monitor actual changes to the tax code.
- Lumber – Prices are up 288% from April 2020 to May 28 2021. What does this mean for your home insurance policy? We asked a pro…
Mark Your Calendars
Important dates you should know:
- July 23rd – Summer Olympics Tokyo begin.
- September 15th – 3rd quarter estimated tax payments due.
- September 16th – Medicare 101 Seminar
Register in advance for this meeting
(After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join.)
Need Something to “Geek Out On”?
Here is what your Three Oaks team is reading:
- Here is what your financial planners are reading:
Spring 2021
Spring 2021
What’s Happening At Three Oaks
- It’s Spring and our Three Oaks team is out planting seeds in the community:
- David and his son, Olin, at the Meher School’s Community Garden in Northern California.
- Adam + Raquel at Bonton Farms in Dallas, TX. Learn more about Bonton Farms.
Q1’21 In Review
- Inflation – A historical perspective and some insight on hedging against it. Read More
- The American Rescue Plan was signed into law on 3/11/2021. Here is an overview of the ways it is intended to help individuals and businesses.
- Q1 ’21 Recap: Value outperformed, bonds struggled, and real estate bounced back a bit. View Data
Mark Your Calendars
Join us for a Medicare Seminar with special guest Douglas Gilreath with Humana insurance to learn more about the health insurance choices that best suit your needs and budget during retirement.
- When: Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. CT
- Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Need Something to “Geek Out On”?
Here is what your financial planners are reading:
- Crypto Assets: Bitcoin, Blockchain, and Cryptocurrencies
- The Household Endowment Model: Wealth Planning for Affluent Families by Vince Annable
Fall 2020
Fall 2020
FAFSA Will Be Released Oct. 1st
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®) for the 2021-2022 school year will be released October 1st. Early applicants tend to obtain more funding than those who wait. Apply here.
CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act allows for the suspension of RMDs, exemption from the 10% penalty for early withdrawals from IRAs and qualified plans, and more lenient treatment of distributions for tax purposes. Read more about eligibility and qualifications.
Year-End Planning
- Use this 2020 Tax Planning Aid to help with your projected taxable income.
- Did You Know: The CARES act allows taxpayers to take up to a $300 above-the-line deduction for cash gifts to charity in 2020.
- The Fed plans to keep interest rates low for the foreseeable future. Time to refi mortgages and student loans?
Three Oaks Virtual Town Hall Meeting
- Social Security Seminar with special guest Lee Alviar from the Social Security Administration.
- When: October 22, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. CST
- Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will received a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Mark Your Calendars
- Social Security Seminar with special guest Lee Alviar from the Social Security Administration.
- When: Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. CT
- Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will received a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Need Something to “Geek Out On”?
Here is what your financial planners are reading:
- “Boom and Bust – A Global History of Financial Bubbles” by John D. Turner