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Month: September 2024

Daily 5 report for Sept. 13: The GM-Hyundai collaboration benefits could include cutting costs among others

Daily 5 report for Sept. 13: The GM-Hyundai collaboration benefits could include cutting costs among others

We close the week with reaction to the announcement that General Motors and Hyundai Motor Co. are exploring cooperating across a range of technologies and vehicles. Though the two automakers offered few details and no time frames for any tie-ups, their Sept. 12 joint announcement covered a swath of areas for potential cooperation, from passenger cars and commercial vehicles to new engines, battery raw materials, electrification and hydrogen technology. Benefits could include cutting costs and achieving scale, analysts say.

Also uncertain is the future of Stellantis’ Belvidere plant. The UAW’s new contract with Stellantis last fall looked like a big win for Belvidere, Ill. But the cloud that appeared to have been lifted settled again over the idled assembly plant —and the town — when Stellantis in August said it was delaying its proposed reopening. The automaker insists it remains committed to following through on the deal and is disputing accusations that a postponement would break the bargaining agreement. We’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this one. read more

The Savings Game: : Reader questions about trusts, beneficiaries and other topics

The Savings Game: : Reader questions about trusts, beneficiaries and other topics

Q: My son is disabled, and I plan to name him as a beneficiary of my IRAs. Will he be required to use the 10-year rule immediately after my passing, or are their options to enable him to lengthen the time he can make withdrawals?

A: Under the SECURE Act, beneficiaries with certain disabilities are allowed to lengthen the withdrawal time. They are considered “eligible designated beneficiaries,” meaning they can use their life expectancy to calculate yearly required minimum distributions (RMDs) rather than the 10-year option. The SECURE Act permits IRA owners to pass on retirement assets to a special needs trust, and I recommend that you touch base with an attorney familiar with this type of trust.

Q: I plan on distributing up to $200,000 to some relatives in order to help them pay for their education. Will the beneficiaries have to pay taxes on the gifts? What are the tax implications for me? How do I handle the gifts in order to minimize any income taxes?

A: In 2024, you are allowed to gift up to $18,000 per year to an individual without any tax consequences. If you are making the gifts from your spouse as well, the two of you can gift a combined $36,000 per year to one individual whether they are a relative or not. If you make a gift over these limits to one individual, you should file IRS Form 709. read more

Fun Spot makes plans for Funoween festivities

Fun Spot makes plans for Funoween festivities

Fun Spot has announced its plans for the Halloween season and introduced a new name for the family-friendly event: Funoween.

Fun Spot’s Orlando and Kissimmee locations will begin the celebration on Sept. 30 with fall decor and atmospheric, eerie music and selfie spots with monster motifs.

On Saturdays through October, Funoween activities will include a trick-or-treat trail for ages 12 and younger (4-6 p.m.) and the Monster Ganza Dance Party (6-9 p.m.). Weekend themes will include Ghoulish Game Nights, Scavenger Hunt  Saturday, Costume Party Chaos and Pretty Pumpkin Decorating.

Fun Spot will also have trick-or-treating on Oct. 31 from 4-6 p.m.

Specialty foods for the Funoween season — dubbed the Fright Bites — include items such as sidewinder snake fries (with white queso and bacon), ghostly gator bites and monster gourmet dipped apples.  Beverages with distinctive cups include the pumpkin head punch, Long Skulland Iced Tea and the “Who You Gonna Call” Green Slime Icee in a refillable yard-long sipper. read more