With the holiday season upon us, the charitable giving season is also upon us. Charitable giving is important not only for income tax purposes, but can also be important for estate tax purposes.
Read More »Becoming a Successor Trustee
When a trustee passes away or becomes incapacitated, someone else has to take over the trust. This new trustee is called a successor trustee and needs to learn about all of his or her duties in handling the trust.
Read More »Longevity Causing Estate Planning Problems
People are living longer and longer than they used to. While that is a great thing, it is beginning to cause issues for many estate plans, especially when trusts are involved.
Read More »Is a Financial Plan Enough? Why Experts Say You Need an Estate Plan, too
If you want to leave a robust financial legacy for your family, a financial plan alone is like trying to guide a boat with just one oar. It’s only part of the big picture for your overall monetary health. A well-informed financial plan is worth your time for several reasons, but let’s look at how […]
Read More »3 Famous Pet Trust Cases and the Lessons We Can Learn from Them
Not long ago, pet trusts were thought of as little more than eccentric things that famous people did for their pets when they had too much money. These days, pet trusts are considered mainstream. For example: in May 2016, Minnesota became the 50th (and final) state to recognize pet trusts. But not every pet trust […]
Read More »3 Tips for Overwhelmed Executors
While it is an honor to be named as an executor of a will or estate, it can also be a sobering and daunting responsibility. Being a personal representative requires a high level of organization, foresight, and attention to detail to meet all responsibilities and ensure that all beneficiaries receive the assets to which they […]
Read More »3 Celebrity Probate Disasters and Lessons to Learn from Them
With all the wealth accumulated by the rich and famous, one would assume that celebrities would take steps to protect their estates once they pass on. But think again: Some of the world’s richest and most famous people have passed away without a will or a trust, while others have made mistakes that tied their […]
Read More »Your Estate Planning Binder: Tips for Proper Care and Maintenance
You finally crossed “getting your estate plan done” off your list, and you’ve (rightly) breathed a huge sigh of relief. By tackling this challenge, you’ve not only established protections for your loved ones and legacy, but you’ve also freed up some important “mental space” that had previously been preoccupied.
Read More »Did you include your grandkids in your will? 5 Tips to Avoid Common Problems
As we build wealth, we naturally desire to pass that financial stability to our offspring. With the grandkids, especially, we often share a special bond that makes us want to provide well for their future. However, that bond can actually turn into a weakness if proper precautions aren’t set in place. If you’re planning to […]
Read More »5 Things Every New Mother Needs to Know About Wills
As a new mother, you naturally want to ensure your new baby’s future in every way. For many new mothers, infancy is a time for celebrating new life, and making a will is the last thing on their minds. For others, the process of bringing new life into the world sparks intense feelings of wanting […]
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