Showing posts with label Miami. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miami. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Exceptional Running Routes in the Miami Area

Girl running
Suzanne DeWitt is an established Florida attorney who maintains a Miami-based tax planning practice and works closely with international clients seeking optimal US investment strategies. Also passionate about fitness, Suzanne DeWitt enjoys activities such as running in her free time. 

The Miami area is bequeathed with some of the best urban running routes in the country, with Miami Beach offering an uninterrupted four-mile paved path along the sand, from South Pointe Park to 46th Street. 

Another popular route is the 3.1 miles from Miami across the Rickenbacker Causeway bridge to the aquarium at Key Biscayne. From there, an additional 2.7-mile route takes joggers along Biscayne Bay’s northern side to the terminus of Crandon Park. The Atlantic side of Key Biscayne is also popular for running, as it offers two miles of uninterrupted beach and several parks with trails.

For those in North Miami, Oleta River State Park spans 1,043 acres and is the largest urban park statewide. Runners should keep in mind that they will be sharing the 14 miles of trails, including three paved miles, with numerous cyclists and mountain bikers.

Saturday, April 6, 2019

AKC Announces Labrador Retrievers Most Popular Breed for 28th Year


Suzanne DeWitt serves as principal of Valora in Miami, where she leverages more than two decades of experience to assist clients in areas such as domestic and international taxation, corporate finance, and valuation. In addition, Suzanne DeWitt is a passionate supporter of animals and especially loves dogs.

Recently, the American Kennel Club (AKC) released new data about the most popular dog breeds in the United States during 2018. Based on the organization’s data, Labrador retrievers remain the most popular breed among U.S. dog lovers. This is the 28th year in a row that labs have topped AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds. Alongside labs are German shepherds, French bulldogs, beagles, Yorkshire terriers, and golden retrievers in the top 10 most popular breeds.

Although Labs have been at the top of the AKC’s popularity list for so long, they still are not the most consistent favorite among American dog owners. That particular recognition goes to beagles, which have been in the top 10 every year since the organization began keeping records of registered dogs in the 1880s. 

The AKC compiled these results from its own registrations. Last year, 580,900 puppies and other dogs were newly registered with the organization. Of those, about 88,175 were Labs.

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Foundational Strategies for Lowering Taxes


A respected international tax planner in Miami, Suzanne DeWitt serves as principal of the consultancy Valora. One of Suzanne DeWitt’s areas of focus is on developing tax-efficient strategies for high-net-worth clients.

A recent CNBC article drew attention to the way in which high earners minimize taxes and decrease their effective tax rate in the United States. A core strategy involves defining income, assets, and investments within categories such as taxable, tax-free, and tax-deferred.

One major deduction pathway involves contributing money to nonprofits, with the amount that can be deducted having risen from 50 to 60 percent of adjusted gross income. A popular strategy involves setting up conservation easements that protect the natural environment while enabling a charitable deduction for the value of the land.

Equity exposure is another tax savings route. Provided that the stocks were held for a year or more, taxes on stock investment gains enjoy a significantly lower rate than wage income. With federal tax brackets assessed on wages reaching as high as 37 percent, those placed on long-term capital gains max out at 20 percent. Other complementary strategies include placing money in long-term trusts that offer estate and gift exemption advantages.

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Common Canine Diseases and How to Prevent Them


A tax consultant and attorney with nearly two decades of experience, Suzanne DeWitt is the owner and principal of Valora in Miami, Florida. Beyond her work at the firm, Suzanne DeWitt maintains an interest in dogs

People who own a dog or who are in the process of adopting one must consider the health care needs of their pet. Knowing how to recognize common diseases and prevent them can ensure a dog’s health and save on veterinary bills. 

Among the most frequently occurring conditions are obesity, dental problems, and poisoning as a result of the consumption of toxic foods and substances. Veterinarians warn that obesity can damage a dog’s organs and increase the risk of diabetes, liver disease, and joint pain. However, regular exercise and proper feeding can keep dogs at a healthy weight for their breed and size. 

In regards to dental care, owners can brush their dogs’ teeth regularly and schedule oral examinations annually. To prevent the consumption of dangerous chemicals and foods, owners should make sure that these items are inaccessible to their pets. 

There are also many serious and potentially fatal conditions that owners can safeguard their dogs against through vaccinations and medications. Possibly the most widely known disease is rabies, which can also spread to humans. The highly contagious canine parvovirus infection (parvo) is also avoidable through regular vaccinations, and veterinarians state that it is especially important for puppies and older dogs. In addition to these illnesses, owners can vaccinate their pets against canine influenza, Lyme disease, and heartworm.