Checking in on tax planning during the summer is a bright idea for individual taxpayers. Why? There are several common summertime activities that can provide prime opportunities to lower tax liability for the year. We explore six of them, including tax breaks related to vacation properties and business travel.

If you have grandchildren, you probably enjoy being involved in the little ones' lives. Assuming you're in a position to help out your grandchildren and their parents financially, there are many ways to do so. You may want to give cash gifts, help save for college or name your grandchildren as insurance beneficiaries. Here are some ideas.

With the many changes in the estate tax in recent years, you could be confused about the need to take steps with your estate. But estate planning was never just about reducing estate taxes. It is also about ensuring that your estate is distributed according to your wishes and that your heirs are properly provided for. At a minimum, you probably need to handle these important issues.