estate planning
Now’s the Time for Estate Tax Planning
Now’s the Time for Estate Tax Planning
There's a wealth of opportunity with IRS interest rates at an all-time low and the federal estate and gift tax exemption at an historic high.
September 18, 2020
A Step-by-Step Guide to Being an Estate Executor
A Step-by-Step Guide to Being an Estate Executor
Whether you’re planning ahead for your own heirs or have been asked to serve as an executor of an estate for someone else, it pays to understand what …
September 17, 2020
5 Unfortunate Estate Planning Myths You Probably Believe
5 Unfortunate Estate Planning Myths You Probably Believe
These all-too-common misconceptions can steer your estate plans in the wrong direction right from the start. Here’s how to overcome them and tips to b…
September 17, 2020
Take Charge of Your Portfolios, Ladies
Take Charge of Your Portfolios, Ladies
When it comes to investing, too many women learn the hard way that disengaging is a mistake.
September 14, 2020
Guidance on Choosing the Right Trustee (or Trustees) for Your Estate
Guidance on Choosing the Right Trustee (or Trustees) for Your Estate
From a spouse or child to a bank or lawyer, you have several options to consider when selecting a trustee for your estate. To help make your decision,…
September 8, 2020
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Pre-Election Estate Planning Moves for High-Net-Worth Families
Pre-Election Estate Planning Moves for High-Net-Worth Families
Why wait? A variety of trusts — from SLATs to BDITs, GRATs and more — can help you be proactive in protecting your wealth.
August 16, 2020
An Advocate for End-of-Life Care
An Advocate for End-of-Life Care
Without a health care proxy, your written instructions for future medical care may not be carried out if you become incapacitated.
August 14, 2020
These 2 Words Could Send Your Retirement Money to the Wrong Beneficiary
These 2 Words Could Send Your Retirement Money to the Wrong Beneficiary
"Per stirpes" vs. "per capita." Making the wrong choice could cause an estate planning disaster.
July 30, 2020
The (Only) 3 Reasons You Should Have an Irrevocable Trust
The (Only) 3 Reasons You Should Have an Irrevocable Trust
Should you really agree to give up control of your assets? There are some good reasons to get this type of trust, but there are some major drawbacks a…
July 27, 2020
Exit Strategies for Charitable Remainder Trusts
Exit Strategies for Charitable Remainder Trusts
CRTs offer tax and income-planning flexibility as life changes over the years.
July 1, 2020
Tax Changes and Key Amounts for the 2020 Tax Year
Tax Changes and Key Amounts for the 2020 Tax Year
Americans are facing a long list of tax changes for the 2020 tax year...and it's never too early to start thinking about next year's return.
June 22, 2020
Top 10 Estate Planning Tips in a Time of Coronavirus
Top 10 Estate Planning Tips in a Time of Coronavirus
The COVID-19 pandemic has many people finally taking action to fill out advance health care directives, wills and powers of attorney. Here are some ti…
June 16, 2020
Pass Along Life Lessons With an Ethical Will
Pass Along Life Lessons With an Ethical Will
Create a legacy letter to communicate values, experiences and life lessons to your family.
June 9, 2020
4 Legal Documents Everyone Needs on Hand
4 Legal Documents Everyone Needs on Hand
COVID-19 has forced a lot of people to think about hard life-and-death decisions. Filling these documents out now will make sure you and your loved on…
June 5, 2020
9 Things You'll Regret Keeping in a Safe Deposit Box
9 Things You'll Regret Keeping in a Safe Deposit Box
Locking up certain important documents and valuables in a bank vault could turn into a headache for you or your heirs.
June 1, 2020
11 Best Things to Keep in a Safe Deposit Box
11 Best Things to Keep in a Safe Deposit Box
Certain documents and valuables, including certain things with sentimental value, should be stored securely at your bank.
June 1, 2020
12 Different Times When You Should Update Your Will
12 Different Times When You Should Update Your Will
Some situations where you may need to change your will should be obvious to most people. But others just may surprise you.
May 26, 2020
High-Level Strategies to Protect Your Wealth from the Wolf at the Door
High-Level Strategies to Protect Your Wealth from the Wolf at the Door
From foreign asset protection trusts to a preferred partnership freeze and bankruptcy planning, there are several options to ensure your long-term fin…
May 25, 2020
How to Fund a Memorial Scholarship to Honor a Veteran
How to Fund a Memorial Scholarship to Honor a Veteran
With the help of a college or community foundation, you can establish a scholarship in the name of a loved one to help students in perpetuity.
May 24, 2020
Wealthy Families Have a Rare Opportunity to Avoid Estate Taxes
Wealthy Families Have a Rare Opportunity to Avoid Estate Taxes
The unique financial climate ushered in by the coronavirus offers well-off investors the chance to implement a little-known estate-planning strategy c…
May 12, 2020
How to Get a Loved One to Visit an Estate Planning Attorney Before It's Too Late
How to Get a Loved One to Visit an Estate Planning Attorney Before It's Too Late
If there's a family member or a friend in your life who refuses to do their will and get their estate in order, here are some tips to finally get them…
May 11, 2020
11 Best Things to Keep in a Safe Deposit Box
11 Best Things to Keep in a Safe Deposit Box
April 30, 2020
13 Financial Moves to Make After Losing a Spouse
13 Financial Moves to Make After Losing a Spouse
Nothing upends your world like the death of a spouse, leaving you at a loss for what to do next.
April 29, 2020
How Can a Trust Help You Avoid Nursing Home Costs?
How Can a Trust Help You Avoid Nursing Home Costs?
An asset-protection trust is one strategy to consider to help preserve your family's legacy, but it must be done thoughtfully ... and early.
April 28, 2020
5 Financial Boxes You Should Check Before COVID-19 Strikes
5 Financial Boxes You Should Check Before COVID-19 Strikes
You're doing everything you can to stay healthy for your family. Now go the extra step and take care of all the loose ends left hanging from your esta…
April 23, 2020