Savant Capital Blog

Savant offers perspective on a variety of topics. Entries range from current events to timeless insights in the world of finance and investments.

04 Mar

Thinking About Buying a Home?

March 04, 2015

Shayna A. Lebowitz CFP® /

Financial Planning, Investments

Homeownership is a goal for many Americans, young adults in particular. It is widely believed that residential real estate is a good long-term investment. However, there are numerous factors to consider before purchasing a home.

Cost: Homeownership is a big commitment, and many people take on mortgages they cannot afford. Often, while trying to make the numbers work for a purchase, additional costs like maintenance and property taxes are minimized or forgotten entirely. Alternatively, choosing to rent a home rather than

11 Feb

2015 Brings A New Dawn In Estate Tax Planning

February 11, 2015

Michael Cyrs /

Estate Planning, Tax

Was your estate plan drafted five or more years ago? If so, recent changes in the Federal and Illinois estate tax laws should prompt a review and update of that plan.

Effective January 1st of this year, each U.S. citizen can transfer during life or at death up to $5.43 million of property free of Federal estate tax. Transfers in excess of this amount are subject to Federal tax at a flat rate of 40%. For Illinois

10 Feb

Young Adults: Planning for the Future

February 10, 2015

Hannah Collman /

Financial Planning, Investments, Retirement Planning

Brainstorming topics to write about this month, I kept thinking about all the changes that happen during the transition from college into the real world for the first time. Being at this point in my life, I know firsthand about the learning curve that comes during this time. Questions that pop into my head often are: Am I spending too much on rent? Am I saving enough? Do I even know how much I am saving per month, if

13 Jan

The IRS Is Calling Part II: Don’t Be Fooled!

January 13, 2015

Ryan G. Monette, CFP®, ChFC® /

Asset Protection, Tax

The season is upon us and those of us at Savant thought it would be a good idea to repost the following article on IRS phone call scams occuring across the nation. We’ve heard from numerous victims in the last couple months and we want to spread the word to keep people on guard and as safe as possible.

By this time of year, most people have received their tax-related documents. As more and more returns are filed and received by

12 Jan

New Year, New Contribution Limits

January 12, 2015

Eric Schaefer CFP® /

Asset Allocation, Financial Planning, Investments, Retirement, Retirement Planning, Uncategorized

Is saving more money for retirement one of your New Year’s Resolutions? Well, good news awaits you! The IRS has increased the contribution limits to many retirement savings plans for 2015, providing additional opportunity for tax savings. Contributing to a tax deferred retirement plan can be the single best way to reduce your tax liability while saving for your future.

Here’s how:

401(k), 403(b), TSP, and most 457 plans:

- Maximum deferral (contribution) has increased to $18,000 from $17,500

- Catch-up contribution limit for those over

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