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What Is a Backdoor Roth IRA? How High Earners Get Into a Roth
A backdoor Roth IRA lets high earners contribute to a Roth IRA even when their income exceeds the limit. Here is how to do it step by step in 2026.
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What Is a Bond Ladder? A Simple Strategy for Steady Fixed Income
A bond ladder staggers bond maturities so you always have income coming due. Here is how to build one, why investors use them, and how they compare to bond funds.
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What Is a Variable Annuity? How They Work, Fees, and When They Make Sense
A variable annuity is an insurance contract that lets you invest in market subaccounts with tax-deferred growth. Here is how variable annuities work, their fees, and who should consider one.
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What Is a Dynasty Trust? How to Pass Wealth to Multiple Generations
A dynasty trust lets you transfer wealth to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren while minimizing estate taxes at each generation. Here is how they work.
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What Is a Qualified Opportunity Zone? How to Defer and Reduce Capital Gains Tax
A Qualified Opportunity Zone lets you defer capital gains taxes by investing in designated low-income communities. Here is how the program works in 2026.
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What Is a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)? The Tax-Smart Way to Give to Charity
A donor-advised fund lets you donate now, get the tax deduction immediately, and decide which charities to support later. Here is how DAFs work and who should use them.
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What Is a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)? How to Give to Charity and Keep Income
A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) lets you donate assets to charity, receive income for life or a set term, and take an upfront tax deduction. Here is how it works.
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What Is a GRAT? How a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust Can Reduce Estate Taxes
A GRAT (Grantor Retained Annuity Trust) lets you transfer future asset growth to your heirs estate-tax-free. Here is how it works and when it makes sense.
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What Is a QPRT? How a Qualified Personal Residence Trust Can Reduce Estate Taxes
If you own a home and are concerned about estate taxes — or simply want to transfer your house to your children at a reduced gift tax cost — a Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT) is worth understanding. It is one of the more sophisticated estate planning tools available, and it can be remarkably effective
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What Is Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA)? A Tax Strategy for Company Stock in Your 401(k)
If your 401(k) holds significant company stock that has grown substantially in value, there is a tax strategy you may not have heard of: Net Unrealized Appreciation, or NUA. Used correctly, NUA lets you convert what would otherwise be ordinary income into long-term capital gains — potentially saving a significant amount in taxes. What Is