Estate planning encompasses many tools and mechanisms to ensure your assets are allocated appropriately after you’re gone. It's not just about significant assets like homes and investments. Even everyday bank accounts must be carefully considered. When it comes to...
Estate Planning
When should you update your estate plan?
There are many misconceptions about estate planning. Some people believe that it only applies to elderly people or those who have fallen ill. Thus, nearly two-thirds of Americans have no estate plan. If you’ve taken steps to address your estate, this is positive....
Why long-married couples should think twice about a joint will
A lot of married couples put off estate planning until well into their senior years. That’s risky for a lot of reasons. However, if you and your spouse have finally been convinced by your kids or your friends to at least get a will, you may think that a joint will is...
Estate planning when your kids don’t want your stuff
What do you do when you’re thinking about the legacy you want to leave behind and you realize that your adult children (and grandchildren) don’t want all of the belongings that are currently taking up space in your home? It can be hard to accept the idea that your...
Revocable vs. irrevocable trusts: which one should you set up?
When you’ve worked your entire life and accumulated wealth, putting your affairs in order and planning for the future (both yours and the people and causes you care about) is one of the most sensible steps you can take. This is the very essence of estate planning. One...
How much can you help with an elderly parent’s estate planning?
It can be frustrating to have a parent who’s getting well into their senior years but doesn’t want to think about estate planning – even a will. No one wants to think about death, and the older someone gets, the more frightening it can be. Convincing an elderly parent...
4 different kinds of trusts that could make estate planning easy
A trust is a legal document that allocates assets to a trustee. Per the instructions of the trust, the trustee will distribute assets to beneficiaries. Trusts are often highly flexible and act much like wills. But, a trust has the added advantage of circumventing...
5 mistakes to avoid when creating an estate plan
Creating an estate plan is a crucial step in ensuring the smooth transfer of assets and the protection of your loved ones after your passing. However, without careful consideration and guidance, individuals can easily make mistakes that may have long-lasting...
Estate planning tools extend beyond simple wills
If you already have a will drafted, kudos to you for being proactive. Widespread estimates indicate that as few as one in three Americans have a will in place. As a result, your efforts have allowed you to outshine your peers when it comes to the estate planning...
3 reasons business owners should consider a trust
If you have worked hard to build a family business, it is only natural to want to protect and pass it down to the next generation. But figuring out the best way to pass wealth to your dependents is never a walk in the park, especially if the wealth in question is in...