On January 1, 2010, the federal estate tax was officially repealed. Historically the federal exemption from estate taxes and estate tax rate changed and will return in the Federal Estate Tax Schedule. This schedule poses a problem for estate planning attorneys and their clients. So what should be the plan in this year of no taxes and for the next few years?

Although the federal estate tax was officially repealed on January 1, it is possible that Congress will act to reinstate the tax in 2010 and make the new law retroactive to January 1. While some have speculated that making the tax retroactive will be unconstitutional, others disagree. And regardless, as the schedule shows the federal estate tax will return on January 1, 2011, and with only a $1,000,000 exemption.

Suffice it say that in these trying economic times, it is clear that the federal estate tax will be resurrected in some form or another as early as 2010 but definitely in 2011. Read More of » Current Federal Estate Tax Laws

Consumers with credit scores of 720 and higher have been inundated with card applications and preapprovals touting 0% annual percentage rates on new purchases and balance transfers — for as long as 21 months. Credit card analysts say consumers can expect to see more of these offers as delinquency rates — already down 26% from a year ago, according to the most recent data from the Federal Reserve, continue to fall, and card issuers try to boost profits by targeting prime borrowers.

Seventy-one percent of credit-card mail features low introductory APRs on purchases, up from 53% in the year-ago period, according to the most recent data from Synovate Mail Monitor, which tracks credit-card mail. And balance transfer offers are on the rise, making up 65% of credit-card mail, compared to 54% earlier this year.

This is a dramatic turnaround from last year when these borrowers — who pay their bills on time and often maintain low-to-zero balances — were shunned by card companies, in part because their responsible borrowing habits meant smaller profits for the lenders. Many saw their credit limits cut and interest rates raised to rates as high as 30%. Read More of » The Return of Zero Percent APR Credit Cards