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 »Do Not Forget the Smaller Digital Accounts
People are gradually beginning to understand that they need to ensure that there is a way for family members to access digital accounts after the owner passes away, at least so far as the biggest accounts are concerned, such as bank and social media accounts. However, it is often equally important to make sure that […]
Read More »Do Not Forget Your Frequent Flier Miles
Most people who travel a lot have accumulated many un-redeemed frequent flier miles or hotel reward points. What many do not know is that it is a good idea to state who should assume ownership of these loyalty reward points in an estate plan.
Read More »Do Not Wait to Say Your Last Words
In a very real sense your estate plan is your last words. After you pass away, it will be the last thing that people hear from you. However, most Americans put off making an estate plan as long as they can if they ever create one at all.
Read More »Need I Be Spoiled to Have a Trust?
Mention a trust, and the first thing most people think of is a spoiled kid living off an inherited fortune without having worked a single day in life. As a result, most people don’t know very much about trusts, and they assume there’s little need to have even a basic understanding of this useful estate-planning […]
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