If I Had $1,000 ...

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

8 Smart Estate Planning Steps to Die the Right Way

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.

What My Mom Did Right: An Estate Planning Success Story

Expand Your Options for Charitable Giving

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

Good Reasons to Change Your Will

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.

What New Parents Really Need

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

A To-Do List for the Surviving Spouse

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

Leave a Letter of Instruction to Your Heirs

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

Why Parents Need a Will

If you have children, you need this important document.

The "Death Tax" Lives

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

5 Financial Gifts to Give Yourself

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

Great Advice From Around the Web

A weekly look at personal finance tips and insights others are offering.

Finance Basics for Partners

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

Financial Planning for Singles

Six basic rules to help you secure your future.

Six Steps to a Good Will

This is no time for shortcuts. Learn what you should do to make sure your final wishes are carried out.

Forces That Affect Your Estate Plan

From probate and ownership division to the taxing arm of Uncle Sam, here are four things that can influence what happens to your belongings.

Putting Your Trust in Trusts

Save time, money and hassle by steering assets away from the probate process when you die.

Four Facts of Living Trusts

Trusts are a valuable tool, but they may not be for everyone. It pays to know the ins and outs before you put your trust in a trust.

Smart Moves for Life's Big Events:
Starting a Family

Children are expensive. Fortunately, tax breaks can help pay the bills.

Cut the Lawyer Out of Your Will?

Preset forms are fine for simple plans. But complex estate issues may require a pro.

Planning Can Be Tricky for Childless Seniors

If you don't have adult children, look to extended family, friends, neighbors or trusted advisers to make health-care and financial decisions in case you become incapacitated.

Protect Heirs From State Estate Taxes

<p>An estate plan that avoids federal estate tax may face state estate levies.</p>

4 Estate-Planning Lessons From
Michael Jackson

Learn from the pop icon’s concise plans for handling his assets and caring for his family.

A Gift to Your Spouse

Prepare a financial plan that will protect your spouse after you die or if you become seriously ill.

Who Gets Mom and Dad's Stock?

If parents don't designate beneficiaries for their investments, their wills or the state will determine who inherits the assets.