HHL Wealth Advisors

Why Did Tesla Price Surge After The Election? After the Election, Tesla’s stock price went up from $251.44 to $350 by 11/11/2024. That is an approximately 40% return if you have captured the sign and acted. But why, why did the victory of Trump, play a great role in such high market expectation on Tesla? There are a few reasons: HHL Wealth Advisors provides investment management services. Schedule a free call to get started: https://buff.ly/484CtFF Elon Musk: Donald Trump’s Biggest Supporter Solely for this election, Elon Musk donated nearly $119 million to Trump’s political campaigns. With such a tremendous amount of donations, Elon Musk must seek several benefits tied to Trump’s Victory. Investors are expecting Trump’s victory will propose beneficial monetary policies for Elon Musk, thus expectations went high, and the market capitalization increased. Tesla: Corporate Income Tax Reductions As Trump campaigned, he would reduce the corporate income tax rate from 21% to 20%, or even 15%, if the company manufactures its products in the domestic continent. Tesla has its major Gigafactories on the home front, qualifying for the income tax rate cut. The lower corporate tax will undoubtedly boost the company's overall revenue, allowing Tesla and its affiliates to invest more money in production and R&D. Continuous Government Subsidies Tesla, in the past, received tremendous amounts of capital from the government for projects such as constructing Gigafactory in Neveda, installing EV charging stations, etc. Despite Musk speaking against subsidies, if government wanted to promote autonomous EV, it is logical for Trump’s Administration to support Tesla as they are the leading corporation that has a close relationship with. Market Volatility and High Expectations With the post-election market in a frenzy, investors are gravitating toward companies they believe stand to benefit most from the new administration's policies. Tesla’s stock experienced a rapid rise as market expectations for tax cuts, subsidies, and pro-business policies aligned with investor optimism about Tesla's growth potential. To learn more in-depth industrial insights, feel free to consult a Financial Advisor for professional advice. HHL Wealth Advisors is here to help you accumulate your future wealth. ? HHL Wealth Advisors provides investment management and financial planning for individuals and small business owners. Our team is here to align the plan with your broader business goals. Reach out to start: https://buff.ly/484CtFF The information presented is believed to be factual and up to date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of any topics discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors on the date of the post and are subject to change. All investments and investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss #Investmet #FinancialPlanning #HHLWealthAdvisors

?? Webinar: How Does 401(k) Benefit Business Owners ?? Are you a business owner looking for ways to boost employee retention, reduce taxes, and improve your company’s financial future? Join our seminar hosted by HHL Wealth Advisors and LIU Actuarial Consulting Services, where Lawrence Luo and Zhihua Liu will provide valuable insights on 401(k) benefits. 2025 key regulation changes are included! ?? RSVP now to reserve your spot: https://lnkd.in/eprZ_JEw ?? Date: November 19, 2024 ? Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST ?? Location: Zoom Meeting Guest Speakers: Lawrence Luo, CPA, Esq. HHL Wealth Advisors Zhihua Liu, PhD, EA, FCA, MAAA, MSPA. LIU Actuarial Consulting Services ?? Key Topics We'll Cover: ? 401(k) Tax Benefits ? 401(k) Investment Opportunities ? Employee Retention with Vesting Schedules ? 2025 Regulation Updates ? How to Set Up a 401(k) ? Q&A Session ?? Who Should Attend: ? Small Business Owners seeking to attract and retain employees while benefiting from tax savings. ? HR Professionals are looking to enhance retirement benefits for their teams. ? Employees interested in understanding retirement planning. ? Anyone who wants to improve their financial literacy and learn about the benefits of retirement planning. Whether you are considering starting a 401(k) or already have one, this seminar will offer valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your business’s financial health and employee satisfaction! ?? RSVP now to reserve your spot: https://buff.ly/48OHToL ?? Contact us at (212)796-2298 or [email protected] if you have any questions.

REITs Explained: A Guide for Investors and Issuers Real Estate is one of the most essential and common real properties in the world. However, due to the high cost of real estate, small investors often find it challenging to enter the industry. To address this, REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) were established in 1960, providing a way for a broader range of investors to participate in the real estate market and diversify their portfolios. Schedule a free call to get started: https://buff.ly/484CtFF ?? How Does REITs Work? REITs are corporations that issue shares of stock, are largely invested in real property. They distribute and deduct most of their earned income as dividends to shareholders, which allows them to avoid paying corporate income tax on that income. Here are the qualifications for organizations to Offer REITs: A company must meet: ? 75% or more of total assets are invested in real estate, cash, or U.S. Treasuries. ? 75% or more of gross income is from rent, interest on mortgage through financing real estate, or real estate sales. ? 90% or more of the taxable income is distributed to shareholders as dividends. ? Managed by a board of directors or trustees. ? Over 100 shareholders. ? Maximum 50% of REITs’ shares are held by five or fewer individuals. ?? Types of REITs: ? Equity REITs: Revenues are generated through rent primarily. ? Mortgage REITs: Revenues are generated through the net interest margin – the gap between the cost of funding the loan and the interest earned through lending. ? Hybrid REITs: Mixed of both equity and mortgage REITs. However, this option faded away as regulations changed and REITs are more specialized. If you are interested in investing in real estate through REITs, HHL Wealth Advisors is here to help! ? HHL Wealth Advisors provides retirement plan consultation and retirement plan management for individuals and small business owners. Our team is here to align the plan with your broader business goals. Reach out to start: https://buff.ly/484CtFF The information presented is believed to be factual and up to date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of any topics discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors on the date of the post and are subject to change. All investments and investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss.

The Differences Between Defined Benefit and Cash Balance Plans When it comes to retirement planning, employers often offer various pension plans to help employees save for their future. Among the most common types are cash balance plans and defined benefit plans. While both serve the goal of providing retirement income, the operation and features are different. Schedule a free call to get started: https://buff.ly/484CtFF. Defined Benefit Plan: A defined benefit (DB) plan is a traditional pension plan where the employer guarantees a specified monthly benefit upon retirement. Cash Balance Plan: A cash balance (CB) plan is a type of hybrid defined benefit plan that combines the stability of defined benefit plans and the transparency of defined contribution plans. What Are Some Key Differences? 1. Contribution Limit: o DB: Lesser of 100% of the employee average compensation for their highest three consecutive calendar years or $275,000. o CB: The maximum contribution can vary from $72,000 to $420,000, determined by the age of the employee. 2. Benefit Structure: o DB: Provides the benefit based on salary and years of service. It can be difficult to be interpreted by the employees due to complex formula. o CB: Provides the benefit based on annual compensation with interest rate. Simple to understand as the value is stated as cash balance. 3. Portability: o DB: Benefits are not portable in most scenarios; if an employee leaves before retirement age, they either receive a deducted benefit or nothing until retirement. o CB: Participants can roll over their account balance to another retirement plan, such as IRA or 401(k), making it more liquidated and accessible. If you still have questions or concerns about the retirement plan mandate and setting up retirement benefits for your employees, HHL Wealth Advisors is here to help! ? HHL Wealth Advisors provides retirement plan consultation and retirement plan management for individuals and small business owners. Our team is here to align the plan with your broader business goals. Reach out to start: https://buff.ly/484CtFF The information presented is believed to be factual and up to date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of any topics discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors on the date of the post and are subject to change. All investments and investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss

401(K) Mandate in Different States Many states now require employers to offer retirement plans for their employees. Eligible businesses must either enroll workers in a state-sponsored plan or create their own, like a 401(k). These mandates aim to address the retirement savings gap, especially for employees at smaller companies or those without access to employer plans. Here are what you need to know about 401k mandate in different states: Schedule a free call to get started: https://buff.ly/484CtFF. Retirement Benefits Mandate in Different States: Mandate eligibility depends on factors like employee count and number of years of operation, often imposed on small business with 5+ employees. Mandatory Mandate: CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IL, ME, MD, MN, NV, NJ, NY, OR, VT, VA. Voluntary Mandate: MA, MO, NM, WA. Enrollment Deadlines: Most states alternate deadlines based on the size of small business. NY: No official deadline for small businesses with 10 + employees. Not mandated for others. NJ: Deadline passed for 40+ Employees; November 15, 2024, for 25+ Employees. CT: Deadline passed for 5+ Employees. CA: Deadline passed for 5+ employees; December 31, 2025, for 1-4 employees. MD: December 31, 2024, for 1+ employees. Penalties for Noncompliance: Most states fine by headcount of employees, from $20 to $500, subject to increase throughout the time. Several states might use incentives instead of penalties. NY: Information not available currently. NJ: 2nd year: $100 per employee, 3rd and 4th year: $250 per employee, 5th year and beyond: $500 per employee. CT: Bill is currently in the legislature. CA: $250 per eligible employee. MD: Offering $300 per year as incentives. If you still have questions or concerns about the retirement plan mandate and setting up retirement benefits for your employees, HHL Wealth Advisors is here to help! ? HHL Wealth Advisors provides retirement plan consultation and retirement plan management for individuals and small business owners. Our team is here to align the plan with your broader business goals. Reach out to start: https://buff.ly/484CtFF The information presented is believed to be factual and up to date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of any topics discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors on the date of the post and are subject to change. All investments and investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss

Understanding the 2025 Tax Brackets: Find Where You Fit The IRS has announced updates for tax year 2025, reflecting inflation adjustments that will affect income thresholds, tax rates, and deductions. These adjustments mean it will take more income to reach higher tax brackets in 2025. Here are the key adjustments: Schedule a free call to get started: https://buff.ly/484CtFF ?? Marginal Tax Rates (Inflation Adjusted) The income thresholds for higher tax brackets are rising in 2025. For example, the top 37% bracket for married couples will start at $751,601 in 2025, up from $731,450 in 2024. ? 37% for single filers with income over $626,351 (over $751,601 for married couples filing jointly). ? 35% for single filers with income between $250,526 and $626,350 (for joint filers, income between $501,051 and $751,600). ? 32% for single filers with income between $197,301 and $250,525 (for joint filers, between $394,601 and $501,050). ? 24% for single filers with income between $103,351 and $197,300 (for joint filers, between $206,701 and $394,600). ? 22% for single filers with income between $48,476 and $103,350 (for joint filers, between $96,951 and $206,700). ? 12% for single filers with income between $11,926 and $48,475 (for joint filers, between $23,851 and $96,950). ? 10% for single filers earning $11,925 or less (for joint filers, $23,850 or less). ?? Standard Deductions (Inflation Adjusted) The standard deduction rises to $15,000 for single filers and married individuals filing separately, an increase of $400 from 2024. For married couples filing jointly, the deduction increases to $30,000, up by $800 from 2024. ?? Capital Gains Rates (Inflation Adjusted) The 0% capital gains rate applies to single filers with taxable income up to $48,350 (was $47,000 in 2024), and for joint filers with income up to $69,700(was $66,000 in 2024). Estate and gift-tax threshold (Inflation Adjusted) The federal estate-tax exclusion amount is $13.99 million for deaths in 2025, up from $13.61 million this year. A separate limit on tax-free gifts is $19,000 for 2025, up from $18,000 this year. These gifts don’t count toward the lifetime maximum, and neither the gift giver nor receiver is taxed. ? HHL Wealth Advisors provide retirement plan consultation and retirement plan management to small business owners. Our team is here to help you not only take the tax benefit but also align the plan with your broader financial goals and long-term success. Reach out to us today to get started: https://buff.ly/484CtFF Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of any topics discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors on the date of the post and are subject to change. All investments and investment strategies have the potential for profit/loss #2025TaxChanges #TaxDeductions #FinancialPlanning #HHLWealthAdvisors

Roth or Traditional: What to Consider When you’re working and saving for retirement, you typically have a choice between Traditional and Roth retirement accounts, including IRAs and 401(k)s. Understanding the key differences can help you decide which is best for your financial situation. Here are some critical aspects to consider: Schedule a free call to get started: https://buff.ly/484CtFF ?? Contribution limit Both Roth and Traditional 401(k)s have a contribution limit of $23,000, with an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution for those 50 and older. Roth IRAs, the limit is $7,000, or $8,000 with the catch-up contribution, but it restricted income limits, capping eligibility for single filers at $161,000 and married filers at $240,000. Traditional IRAs don’t have income limits for contributions, but the deductibility may be phased out depending on income level and participation in an employer plan. ??Taxation Traditional retirement accounts are funded with money on a pretax basis, meaning it comes straight out of your paycheck before you pay any taxes on it, which can reduce your taxable income now. However, when you start to take money out, you’re going to pay ordinary income taxes on every dollar you withdraw. This option is often ideal if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement, as you'll defer taxes until you withdraw. In contrast, Roth accounts are funded with after-tax dollars. So, contributing to a Roth doesn’t reduce your taxes today. However, both contributions and earnings grow tax-free, and qualified distributions are tax-free. (a distribution if taken at least five years after the year of your first Roth contribution and after you’ve reached age 59?.) Roth accounts are suitable if you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket later. ??Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) Traditional accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s require RMDs starting at age 73, meaning you have to withdraw a portion of the balance each year and pay taxes on it. However, starting in 2024, Roth 401(k)s will be exempt from RMDs due to the SECURE 2.0 Act, aligning them with Roth IRAs. This change allows Roth accounts to grow tax-free for longer, providing retirees with greater flexibility to leave assets in the account without mandatory withdrawals. ? HHL Wealth Advisors provide retirement plan consultation and retirement plan management to small business owners. Our team is here to help you not only take the tax benefit but also align the plan with your broader financial goals and long-term success. Reach out to us today to get started: https://buff.ly/484CtFF Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of any topics discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors on the date of the post and are subject to change. All investments and investment strategies have potential for profit/loss.

Contribution Limit and Deadlines to Fund Your Retirement Plans As the year draws to a close, it is important to understand the key deadlines and limitations of your retirement plan. Knowing these details helps with making smart choices that can really benefit your financial future. By being aware of important dates and any restrictions, you can take advantage of tax benefits and set yourself up for a comfortable retirement. We offer a 30-minutes free retirement plan consulting: https://buff.ly/484CtFF ?? Contribution Limit: ? For various retirement plans, there are different contribution limits set by the regulatory institution. The limit might vary every year. o Traditional 401(k) or Roth 401(k) Employee Deferrals: $ 23,000. o Traditional IRA or Roth IRA: $7,000, if your age is 50 or above, $8,000. o SEP IRA: $69,000 or 25% of the employees’ compensation, whichever is less. ? However, for Roth IRA, you must have a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) below $146,000 (Single) or $230,000 (Married Filing Jointly) to make full contribution. Phaseouts apply if your MAGI is $146,000-$160,999 (Single) or $230,000-$239,999 (Married Filing Jointly). ??Maximize your contribution: ? The most your employer and you(employee) can contribute together for 2024 is $69,000 if you are under 50, or $76,500 if you are 50 or older, or 100% of your salary, whichever is less. ? If you exceeded the maximum contribution limit, it may incur penalties: a 6% tax each year on the excess amounts left in your account. To avoid this, you could withdraw the excess before April 15th of 2025. ??Deadlines for Contribution: ? For IRAs and 401(k)s, the deadline for 2024 contributions is April 15, 2025. ? For the SEP IRA, this deadline follows the employer’s filing deadline. If you still have questions or concerns with the retirement planning benefits or strategies, we are here to help you settled for the bright financial future! ? HHL Wealth Advisors provides retirement plan consultation and retirement plan management for individuals and small business owners. Our team is here to align the plan with your broader business goals. Reach out to start: https://buff.ly/484CtFF The information presented is believed to be factual and up to date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of any topics discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors on the date of the post and are subject to change. All investments and investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. #BusinessOwners #FinancialPlanning #InvestmentManagement #HHLWealthAdvisors

When Should You Start To Consider Estate Planning? Estate planning isn’t only for the wealthy or elderly—it’s essential for anyone with assets or dependents. Your estate includes everything you own: home, business, car, investments, life insurance, and even your checking accounts. An estate plan ensures your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes, no matter the size of your assets. Schedule a free call to get started: https://buff.ly/484CtFF ?? When to Start Estate Planning: ?? Early Adulthood & Major Life Events: Life can be unpredictable, so even young adults should have basic documents like a will, healthcare directive, and power of attorney. As you get married or have children, estate planning helps protect your family financially. ?? Mid-Life & Career Growth: As your career progresses and you build wealth, estate planning helps manage your assets and prepares them for future distribution. This step is critical for those with dependents or significant financial responsibilities, ensuring your family is secure if something unexpected occurs. ?? Approaching Retirement: Near retirement, estate planning extends to charitable giving and legacy planning. Tax-efficient strategies, such as trusts, can help minimize estate taxes and ensure a smooth transfer of wealth to your beneficiaries. Estate planning is a vital component of financial well-being at any stage of life. By starting early, updating your plan as circumstances change, and considering tax-efficient strategies, you can protect your assets, provide for your loved ones, and leave a legacy aligned with your values. Working with an experienced financial planner ensures that your estate plan is tailored to your unique situation and keeps pace with changing regulations and personal goals. Take control of your estate planning today to secure peace of mind for you and your family. ? Reach out to us today to get started: https://buff.ly/484CtFF Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of any topics discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors on the date of the post and are subject to change. All investments and investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. #EstatePlanning #BusinessOwners #FinancialPlanning #InvestmentManagement #HHLWealthAdvisors

4 Tips for Business Owners to Finish 2024 Strong As 2024 draws to a close, business owners need to take proactive steps to ensure financial stability before the new year. Here are four key strategies to finish the year strong: ?? Tip 1: Maximize Tax-Saving Opportunities?? Don’t leave tax-saving opportunities on the table. Review your current financial position to identify potential tax-saving strategies before the year ends. Take advantage of deductions, credits, and deferrals, and ensure that your retirement plans, such as SEP IRAs or solo 401(k)s, are fully funded. Consider consulting a financial advisor to review opportunities for year-end tax planning that could reduce your taxable income. Additionally, consider a 401(k) plan for your employees. Employer contributions to 401(k) plans are tax-deductible, and business owners who set up new 401(k) plans can benefit from valuable tax credits, creating a win-win situation for the business and its employees. ?? Tip 2: Secure Your Assets?? As the stock market fluctuates, effective risk management becomes crucial. Instead of focusing solely on specific instruments like CDs, which may no longer offer favorable returns due to rate cuts, consider a broader portfolio adjustment. Reallocating assets based on your current risk tolerance can help shield your business from unnecessary volatility. ?? Tip 3: Optimize Your Savings Strategy?? Monitoring interest rates on business savings accounts is still an impactful step. Business owners should regularly review and compare options to find accounts offering higher rates without introducing additional risk. By taking advantage of available financial tools, you can ensure your cash works harder for your business, helping to grow reserves while maintaining a healthy cash flow. ?? Tip 4: Review Your Estate Plan?? For business owners, having a well-organized estate plan is a must. Conducting an annual review ensures that business assets are protected and that the succession plan is current. It’s important to focus on beneficiary designations and also updating your wills and trusts. Additionally, consider placing the business into a trust, which can enhance privacy and control, helping to avoid complications and ensuring the legacy remains intact. A simple review now could make your business thrive for years to come. We provide tailored guidance to help you set the stage for continued success in the coming year. Contact us today to end 2024 strong: https://buff.ly/484CtFF Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of any topics discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors on the date of the post and are subject to change. All investments and investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. #YearEnd #BusinessOwners #FinancialPlanning #InvestmentManagement #HHLWealthAdvisors