Got some sad-looking stocks in your portfolio? A story in the WSJ today, "How to Fix Your Life in 2009," offers this creative suggestion:
Consider giving some of that stock to your kids. There's a silver lining to stock prices' descent: You can give away more shares tax free. In 2008, an individual can give as much as $12,000 to each gift recipient before getting hit with gift taxes. That amount will rise to $13,000 in 2009. The gift helps reduce the size of your estate -- probably a good idea since the estate tax isn't likely to go away soon, financial advisers say. It also may allow the recipients to enjoy a nice rebound from today's depressed stock prices over the long haul.
Might make an interesting birthday gift...although they might not appreciate it just yet.
Start the discussion! Be the first to comment on this story.