The decreased value of many investors' portfolios, combined with recent tax changes, may provide some opportunities:
1. If you are giving away investment assets this holiday season, you may be able to give more shares since prices are down.
2. If you give assets to certain family members, they may be able to avoid capital gains tax when selling.
3. The amount you can give each person without tax consequences is going up in 2009.
4. Depressed stock values make this a good time for a Roth IRA conversion, if you meet the income requirements.
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