Estate Planning

Federal estate taxes aren't an issue for most Americans. But you may need to worry about death taxes in your state.

Here's how to figure the value of your shares.

Nonspouse beneficiaries who inherit an IRA should watch out for these common pitfalls.

You can't keep marginal rates low if you allow deductions for such items as mortgage interest.

Each grandchild will need a separate custodial account, with a custodian for each account.

Some common estate-planning tactics could leave you vulnerable.

With various tax breaks scheduled to expire at year-end, would-be donors are scrambling to transfer assets.

Prepare these documents, and update older ones, while you still have the decision-making capacity to do so.

Changes in state laws and shifting practices of financial institutions and health care providers warrant a review of your advance-planning documents.

Before you splurge, take time to consider all the financial angles and come up with a solid plan.

Unfamiliar card transactions of $10 or less may signal that a thief is testing your account number.

Some insurance companies move death benefit proceeds into retained-asset accounts, which have several drawbacks for beneficiaries.

Our writers know a thing or two about going to knowledgeable sources they—and you—can trust.

When it’s time to consult the pros about your money, be sure you get major-league advice.

Most of the time, you probably do fine managing your own finances -- that’s why you read Kiplinger’s in the first place. But every now and then, ...

I could blow it on something fun, or invest it in something more worthwhile.

The IRS demands a final accounting and it's up to your executor -- or your survivors -- to file the paperwork.

Excuse #1: You're not going to die. Excuse #2: You've been too busy. Excuse #3: You can't stand thinking about a future that doesn't include you.

Make people happy while you're still around to hear "thank you"...

Whether donating cash, clothes or a car, don’t forget to get a receipt.

Rock-bottom interest rates and forecasted higher future tax rates are creating attractive opportunities for donors.

Donors now have more tools to ensure their money is well spent.

Life is ever-changing and so are your estate-planning needs. Here are seven situations in which you'll want to re-evaluate your will.

Here's what you need to know if you sell a house that a parent gave you while he or she was still living.

The holidays can be a good time to find out if Mom or Dad needs help with their finances and to start a conversation about how you can lend a hand.

Paying ahead for your funeral might seem ideal, but a prepaid plan can come with unexpected costs.

Uncle Sam wants to know about your generosity if you give more than a certain amount.

Despite what you've been told, there's just a short list of must-haves.

Learn your options and understand how the distributions will be taxed.

This checklist can help widows and widowers figure out which tasks to address early on, and which ones can wait.

We tackle tough financial questions and give you answers to fit your needs.

Billions in unclaimed assets are sitting in state and federal coffers.

Beneficiaries can lose big tax advantages if they do not take the proper steps after inheriting an IRA.

Gathering the details about your personal finances now can spare your family a lot of aggravation later.

Regulators are scrutinizing insurers' payouts to beneficiaries. Prepare now to ensure your heirs will receive their benefits.

Give your estate plan a tune-up to ensure that it holds up no matter what Congress does in the future.

This advice will help you give your mother a money makeover.

Find out as much as you can about your parents' finances now so that you're prepared to step in later if necessary.

If you have children, you need this important document.

To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of the death of the federal estate tax are greatly exaggerated.

January 2011By Kevin McCormally, Editorial Director, Kiplinger.comOften derided as “the death tax,” the federal estate tax has been much in the news ...

If you're going to splurge on yourself this holiday season, put the money to good use.

Use our checklist to see whether you should take your donation elsewhere.

Whether you have inherited an unwanted plot or decided you want to relocate your eternal resting place, disposing of an unused plot can be challenging.

See our picks for the best financial books, legal advice online and more.

Follow these seven steps to protect yourself and your finances if disaster strikes.

Couples who can't wed (or choose not to) need to customize their tax and estate planning.