With the Federal Estate Tax Exclusion of $5 million, many commentators have suggested estate planning is dead.  I think this deserves a closer look.

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The Bush era tax cuts are expiring.  Here are some of the key tax rates for 2010 and 2011:

2010                 2011

Ordinary Income                                   35%                 39.6%
Long Term Capital Gains                       15%                 20%
Qualifying Dividends                             15%                 39.6%
Estate Tax                                              0%                 55%

Unless Congress decides to do something different, we are stuck with these tax rates.  The numbers may need a little explanation. more…

Mr. Dan Duncan passed away in March of this year.  It is estimated his net worth was $9 billion, making him one of the top 100 most affluent people in the world.  A self-made man, he amassed his fortune in energy.  He was also very philanthropic, giving away hundreds of millions of dollars. more…