These Are the 6 Most Common Money Questions

I’m a Financial Influencer: These Are the 6 Most Common Money Questions I’m Asked

Nicole Spector  Tue, July 30, 2024   GOBankingRates

With general financial literacy and better financial planning exploding on social media, millions of folks are turning to financial influencers to get their money questions answered without breaking the bank.

What are people the most curious or confused about? What are they reaching out to financial influencers to find out about? And how do financial influencers answer their queries or point them in the right direction?

GOBankingRates spoke with Jeff Sekinger, a financial innovator and entrepreneur, and the CEO and founder of Nurp LLC. Sekinger courts a following of 1.1 million on Instagram.

These are the six most common money questions he’s asked — along with how he answers them.

Retirement Planning: Whether you're planning for retirement, dealing with a significant life event or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, a financial advisor can offer the expertise and guidance you need. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider a financial advisor -- even if you're not wealthy.

‘How Might a Trump Presidency Impact the Economy?’

Sekinger is constantly spammed with burning questions about money. A common one recently revolves around Trump. Specifically, if Trump is re-elected, how would his presidency impact the economy? More specifically, which markets, sectors and companies could benefit?

“A Trump presidency could have significant implications for the economy and markets,” Sekinger said. “Some investors are optimistic that Trump’s policies, like tax cuts and deregulation, could boost the economy and markets. Others are more cautious, citing concerns about Trump’s trade policies and potential geopolitical instability.”

According to Sekinger, companies that could benefit from a Trump presidency are the energy, financial and defense sectors.

“On the other hand, companies in sectors like healthcare and technology might face headwinds,” Sekinger said.

‘What Do I Need To Know To Be A Successful Young Investor?’

Everyone on the path to financial freedom needs to be investing. Investing can be complex, and naturally, people have questions. Commonly Sekinger is asked what you need to know to become a successful young investor.

“As a young investor, time is on your side,” Sekinger said. “Take advantage of compound interest by investing as early as possible, even if it’s just a small amount each month. Consider contributing to a Roth IRA or your employer’s 401(k) plan. Also, educate yourself about investing and avoid getting caught up in get-rich-quick schemes.”

‘How Can I Build Wealth While Managing Student Loan Debt?’

To Read More:  https://news.yahoo.com/news/finance/news/m-financial-influencer-6-most-140125604.html    

Do I Have to Worry About Gift Tax?

Do I Have to Worry About Gift Tax?

If I Give My Child $30,000 Towards Their Wedding, Do I Have to Worry About Gift Tax?

Mark Henricks  Sat, July 27, 2024   SmartAsset

Imagine your child is getting married and you want to help pay for their wedding. You’ve been saving for years and now have $30,000 set aside for their big day, which you plan to hand over in the form of a check.

However, before you pass along that much cash, it’s important to understand the potential tax implications of making a $30,000 gift. A gift that size could require you to pay the federal gift tax, which can reach up to 40%. The good news is you may avoid paying gift taxes altogether, but there are reporting requirements and other limitations to keep in mind. Consult a financial advisor to minimize your gift tax obligations.

Federal Gift Tax at a Glance

The federal gift tax applies when you transfer money or property to someone else without receiving something of equal value in return. Gift tax rates range from 18% to 40% based on the size of the gift.

However, not all gifts trigger this federal tax. The IRS allows you to give away up to $17,000 ($34,000 for married couples) per year to each individual without owing any taxes on the gift. This is called the annual exclusion, and in 2024 it will increase to $18,000 per person.

However, gifts that exceed this annual exclusion aren’t necessarily taxed either. Instead, they reduce the amount of money or property you can give away tax-free over the course of your lifetime. This lifetime limit is known as the basic exclusion amount or lifetime exemption and it’s adjusted each year for inflation.

The gift tax only applies when you exhaust your lifetime exemption. In 2023, a person can give away up to $12.92 million over the course of their lifetime without triggering the gift tax (this will increase to $13.61 million in 2024). For example, if someone were to give away $13 million, they would pay gift taxes on only $80,000. And if you need additional help planning for major gifts, consider matching with a financial advisor.

How the Gift Tax Could Affect a $30,000 Wedding Gift

If you want to give a child $30,000 to help pay for a wedding, there are a few different ways it could be structured.

As a gift solely from you to your child, a $30,000 wedding gift would avoid most tax liability on its own. The gift only exceeds the $17,000 annual exclusion for 2023 by $13,000, so that’s all that could potentially be taxable if you’re single.

If this is your first time exceeding the annual exclusion, there’s more good news. In that case, the $13,000 excess would simply reduce your $12.92 million lifetime exclusion by that amount. You would not actually have to pay any gift tax unless you exceed your remaining lifetime exclusion, though you still have to fill out Form 709.

Alternatively, you could gift both your child and their future spouse $15,000 each and avoid the annual exclusion threshold (remember, you can gift up to the annual exclusion amount per year per person).

To make sure you structure your gifts in your best interest, talk it over with a financial advisor.

How to Avoid Gift Tax on a $30,000 Wedding Gift

TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/worry-gift-tax-pay-30-122213443.html

3 ‘Horrible’ Pieces of Tax Advice, According to The Money Guy Show

3 ‘Horrible’ Pieces of Tax Advice, According to The Money Guy Show

Catherine Collins  Tue, April 1, 2025  GOBankingRates

The financial advisors behind the podcast ‘The Money Guy Show‘ recently reviewed popular TikTok tax hacks that are actually terrible money advice. In addition to being financial advisors, hosts Brian Preston and Bo Hansen are also accountants, so listeners can benefit from hearing their advice about what is and isn’t allowed when you file your taxes.

While the hosts aren’t against tax planning, many of the TikTok tax strategies they reviewed are less about planning and more about being misleading or even committing fraud. Many people turn to ‘The Money Guy Show’ for financial lessons that aren’t boring. So, if someone is interested in lowering their tax bill, this is a show to follow.

What’s important to remember is that if people need to get tax advice, they should follow the advice of an accountant. Not everything you see on TikTok is true, but sometimes people get excited about ways they can save money. Unfortunately, not all ways are valid.

Here are a few examples of bad Tik Tok tax advice, according to the pros at ‘The Money Guy Show.’ Also, learn how to avoid bad financial advice on social media.

Lease a Range Rover and Write It Off

The Money Guys reviewed a video where Grant Cardone told viewers they could write off a $150,000 Range Rover “100%” so long as they use it for business.

The IRS does have rules about using a car for business purposes, but how you can only deduct the business portion of how you use it.

The Money Guys explained you have to carefully track your mileage to write off a car as a business expense — you can’t write off any driving for personal use. Preston also pointed out, “‘Deductible’ is not ‘free.’ … You’re still paying 60 cents on the dollar.”

TO READ MORE:  https://finance.yahoo.com/news/3-horrible-pieces-tax-advice-130313620.html