Buckley Fine, LLC

As the 2025 transfer tax exemption reaches an all-time high, now is the time to act before the exemption is reduced in 2026! Utilize the $13.99M exemption before it expires to avoid tax liabilities. Consider lifetime gifting to reduce estate taxes and transfer appreciating assets. Prepare for new IRA rules affecting Required Minimum Distributions and plan for tax savings on appreciated assets through basis changes. Lastly, ensure compliance with the Corporate Transparency Act’s new business reporting requirements starting in 2024. You can read more about all of these changes here: https://bit.ly/4248i0j Don’t wait—ensure your estate plan is aligned with the latest changes! Contact a Buckley Fine estate planning attorney today at 847-381-0011 or [email protected]. #BuckleyFineLaw #IllinoisLawFirm #Barrington #LawFirm #WealthTransfer #EstatePlanning #LegacyPlanning #TaxStrategy #LifetimeGifts #Exemption #RMD #FinancialPlanning #TaxLaw

Recently Buckley Fine Managing Partner, Caroline Hecht was a guest on Remembering Together, a podcast by LMJ’s Lost Souls–Alzheimer’s Fund. Caroline has had personal experience with Alzheimer’s and dementia in her family and has helped many clients through the process of aging. Listen to episode #3 of LMJ’s Lost Souls podcast on Spotify at https://buff.ly/3DZgZPF or watch on YouTube at https://buff.ly/40LQqXn. Have questions about your own estate planning? Reach out to Caroline Hecht today at (847) 852-1190 or email at [email protected]. #BuckleyFineLaw #IllinoisLawFirm #Barrington #LawFirm #EstatePlanning #LegacyPlanning #lostsouls #endalz #localgiveback

It’s important for employers to stay ahead of potential shifts in federal policies and workplace regulations. The federal minimum salary thresholds for exempt employees may see changes under the new administration, which potential shifts that could affect overtime pay. Independent contractors could see a change as worker classification remains a focus and changes could impact how businesses manage contracts. Learn more about how to prepare by reading here: https://bit.ly/3CwAOxA. It’s crucial to partner with legal experts to navigate these evolving challenges. Contact a Buckley Fine attorney today at 847-381-0011 or [email protected]. #BuckleyFineLaw #IllinoisLawFirm #Barrington #LawFirm #EmploymentLaw #HR #WorkplaceRegulations #OvertimePay #IndependentContractors #LegalUpdates

Last month, Buckley Fine Law had the honor of supporting the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce at the Annual Scholarship Fundraiser. Staff members donned their favorite team spirit wear and it was a fantastic evening spent connecting with our local community while supporting the Lauren Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund and Small Business Programming. We’re proud to be part of such an important cause that invests in both education and the growth of local businesses! #BuckleyFineLaw #Barrington #CommunitySupport #Scholarships #GivingBack #InvestInEducation #LocalBusiness #MakeAnImpact

As we continue into 2025, the investment landscape is undergoing a major shift. After years of ultra-low interest rates, we're now navigating a higher-interest-rate environment, the horizon is looking promising with these key drivers for optimism: We're in a "buy" cycle - Many global markets are in the "buy" phase, a great opportunity for investors. Housing shortage - With millions of housing units needed, renting is gaining traction. Retail recovery - Retail markets are balancing, and the US retail sector has seen impressive returns. Industrial growth - Expect rent growth in the industrial sector as supply-demand gaps close. Office opportunities - With shifting capital markets, the office sector presents new opportunities. Alternative sectors - Niche sectors like student housing, self-storage, and data centers are gaining momentum. While challenges like global instability and the effects of rising interest rates remain, 2025 offers hope for a strong recovery in commercial real estate. With strategic investment, the year ahead could be a pivotal moment of growth! Read more here: https://bit.ly/413Xmiv If you need assistance with a real estate transaction, contact one of our attorneys at 847-381-0011 or email us at [email protected]. #BuckleyFineLaw #IllinoisLawFirm #Barrington #LawFirm #CommercialRealEstate #2025Outlook #InvestmentOpportunities #GlobalGrowth #RealEstateRecovery #MarketTrends #StrategicInvesting

Today we remember the incredible leaders who’ve shaped the course of our nation. From their courage to their vision, each one has left a lasting impact on America’s journey. Let's take a moment to appreciate the values of freedom, unity, and perseverance that continue to guide us. Happy President’s Day! #BuckleyFineLaw #IllinoisLawFirm #Barrington #LawFirm #PresidentsDay #HistoryInTheMaking #AmericanLeadership #ReflectAndRespect

Explore how 529 plans can do more than just fund education—they’re a powerful estate planning tool! Learn how to use them to grow wealth, reduce estate taxes, and leave a legacy for future generations. Read the full guide here: Beyond College Savings: Using 529 Plans as an Estate Planning Tool, https://ow.ly/xfiH50UZOkF, and contact a Buckley Fine attorney to help you plan ahead at 847-381-0011 or [email protected]. #BuckleyFineLaw #Illinois LawFirm #Barrington #EstatePlanning #529Plans #FinancialPlanning #LegacyBuilding #WealthManagement

With the looming sunset of higher estate and gift exemptions in 2025, it is a critical time for estate planners! The latest IRS guidance, legislative proposals, and court decisions highlight key strategies to maximize current tax benefits before potential changes. Here are four main factors to consider while planning: Higher Exemptions Set to Expire: Act before 2026 to make the most of the $13.99M exemption. Inflation Adjustments: Larger exclusions for estate & gift taxes, plus new GST rules. Greenbook Proposals: Potential shifts in estate tax rules, including new minimum taxes and trust regulations. Increased IRS Filings & Audits: More scrutiny on estate and gift tax returns. Find all the details here at: https://bit.ly/40oxlu4 and stay ahead of the changes! Contact a Buckley Fine attorney to help you plan ahead at 847-381-0011 or [email protected]. #BuckleyFineLaw #IllinoisLawFirm #Barrington #LawFirm #WealthTransfer #EstatePlanning #TaxStrategy #IRS #Trusts #FinancialPlanning #GiftTax #Exemptions #LegacyPlanning

Despite regulatory hurdles and economic uncertainties, the M&A landscape for 2025 is primed for growth! With strong corporate balance sheets, a shift toward lower interest rates, and a demand for tech-driven transformations, the stage is set for significant deal-making. But navigating this environment will require precision and strategy. Key drivers for M&A in 2025 include: Economic Stabilization, Tech Transformation, Private Equity Surge and Sector-Specific Hotspots. Preparation, flexibility and a laser focus on value creation are all tools for success. Read more about the trends here: https://bit.ly/3ZZ0H0A For additional insights on preparing for M&A deals from a legal standpoint, contact a member of Buckley Fine’s business law team at 847-381-0011 or email us at [email protected]. #BuckleyFineLaw #IllinoisLawFirm #Barrington #Lawfirm #MergersAndAcquisitions #DealMaking #CorporateStrategy #PrivateEquity #TechTransformation #AI #EconomicOutlook #BusinessGrowth #Leadership

As we forge into 2025, the housing market is expected to face a mix of challenges and opportunities. Will mortgage rates continue to dip? Will home prices rise or slow down? And will inventory levels improve enough to balance out the market? From improving mortgage rates to the impact of the political landscape, here’s what experts predict for homebuyers and sellers in the year ahead: ? Mortgage rates may improve, but not as dramatically as hoped. ? Inventory is rising, but it's still below what's needed for a balanced market. ? Home prices are expected to increase, but at a slower pace. ? 2025 may still lean toward a seller’s market in most areas. Thinking of buying or selling, check out the full breakdown of predictions at: https://bit.ly/423Tcbq. If you need assistance with a residential real estate transaction, contact one of our real estate attorneys at 847-381-0011 or email us at [email protected]. #BuckleyFineLaw #IllinoisLawFirm #Barrington #Lawfirm #HousingMarket2025 #RealEstateTrends #MortgageRates #Homebuyers #SellerMarket #HousingForecast #RealEstate