President’s proposal comes with silver linings for shrewd advisors
Read More...Giving Gifts to the Wrong Beneficiaries–Mistake #5
Knowing which assets to give away to your beneficiaries can save your estate and your beneficiaries big tax bills, even if you have a small net worth. If you plan on making a gift to charity from your estate, you can be even more tax savvy with your giving.
Read More...Failing to Implement the Estate Plan–Mistake #6
One of the most common estate planning mistakes is a plan that is implemented incorrectly. Your estate plan is only worth the paper it is printed on unless you follow through on titling your assets correctly and updating your beneficiary designations.
Read More...Creating Multiple Probate Estates–Mistake #4
If you own real estate in different states, you may be leaving a mess of nightmarish proportions for your executor (the person who oversees and distributes your assets when you die). Here’s how to reduce the headache.
Read More...Failing to Name Beneficiaries on Retirement Accounts and Insurance Policies–Mistake #3
It may surprise you that proceeds from retirement accounts and insurance policies are not divided according to the terms in your will. Instead, these assets pass directly to the beneficiaries you named on the account.
Read More...Assuming a Will is All You Need–Mistake #2
Taking the time to create your estate documents may protect your interest as much while you are alive as they will after your death. No matter your age, in addition to a will, you need two additional documents.
Read More...Not Having an Estate Plan–Mistake #1
The worst thing you can do is to do nothing at all and assume everything will pan out in the end. No matter how much (or how little) money you have, you need at least a simple will.
Read More...Five Wishes for end of life care
Five Wishes is a national advance directive created by the non-profit organization Aging with Dignity. It has been described as the “living will with a heart and soul.”
Read More...Your Parents’ Estate Plan Part 2: What You Need to Know
A thoughtful estate plan can make your heirs’ lives easier. But it is your parents’ estate planning that will make your life easier.
Read More...Your Parents’ Estate Plan Part 1: Why You Need to Know
Your estate plan can make your heirs’ lives easier. But it is your parents’ estate planning that will make your life easier.
Read More...Video: The 5 Most Important Documents to Have
Communicating honestly about your finances with your family and putting your estate in order passes on a legacy of foresight and financial wisdom that will help generations to come.
Read More...Achieving Family Harmony in Estate Planning Part 2: Make Sure Your Plan Fits Your Unique Needs
Estate planning must begin with family harmony as the goal. Thus personal dynamics are more important than avoiding probate and estate taxes.
Read More...Achieving Family Harmony in Estate Planning Part 1: Leave Your Estate in the Right Hands
The most important product of estate planning is achieving family harmony. Think carefully when you choose your executor or trustee.
Read More...Dropping the Baton in Estate Titling
How you “title” the property you own is a lot more important than you might think. Failure to title your assets properly could undo the best will and trust planning that money can buy.
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