10

May

Planning for the Unthinkable: Essential Tools for Parents of Minor Children

Did you know that roughly 75% of Americans don't have a basic will 1? Even more concerning is that many of these individuals have children under the age of 18, leaving their families vulnerable to unnecessary legal complications and uncertainty. Estate planning is often mis...

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10

May

Caution: Your Traditional Asset Protection Plan Is Set Up to Fail

With rising housing costs and the appeal of shared financial responsibilities, more people are considering co-owning a home with someone other than a spouse—such as a friend, relative, or significant other. While this arrangement can offer financial and lifestyle benefits...

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Category: Estate Planning


10

May

Should You Buy a Home with Someone Other Than a Spouse?

With rising housing costs and the appeal of shared financial responsibilities, more people are considering co-owning a home with someone other than a spouse—such as a friend, relative, or significant other. While this arrangement can offer financial and lifestyle benefits...

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Category: Estate Planning


10

May

Choosing the Ideal Trust for Your Wishes

The term estate may bring to mind mansions, vast fortunes, and a level of wealth that many people do not possess. This misconception may lead to the false impression that estate planning is only for the rich and famous, discouraging those with more modest means from seeking profe...

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10

May

Beneficiary and Transfer-on-Death Designations: Are You Doing It Right?

Do you know which of your accounts have beneficiary designations, sometimes called transferon-death (TOD) or payable-on-death (POD) designations? Have you updated them recently? Are you aware of what can go wrong if there are issues with your beneficiary designation forms? If you...

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10

May

Is Outright Distribution the Perfect Fit for Your Loved Ones?

Although Americans are living longer and spending more time—and money—in retirement, many parents intend to leave an inheritance to their children. The exact amount can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances and wealth levels, but even a small inheritance...

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09

May

The Trust Protection Myth: Does Your Revocable Trust Really Protect Against Lawsuits?

Many people mistakenly believe that once they set up a revocable living trust and transfer ownership of their accounts and property into the trust, those assets are protected from lawsuits. Unfortunately, this is not true. While revocable trusts can safeguard your beneficiaries&r...

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06

Mar

Should Your Child’s Guardian and Trustee Be the Same Person?

If you have overheard any estate planning discussions, you have likely heard the words “guardian” or “trustee. ” In estate planning, deciding who will ultimately be tasked with caring for your minor child or managing funds for their benefit is an important...

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06

Mar

Do It Now: Name a Guardian for Your Minor Children

We know it is difficult, even horrific, to imagine someone else raising your children. However, you must consider who you would choose to fill this important role. Otherwise, a judge—a stranger who does not know you or your wishes, your child, or your relatives and friends&...

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Categories: Estate Planning Trusts


06

Mar

What to Do with Grandma’s Ring: Dividing Personal Property in an Estate

If you have a beloved late grandmother, many images and memories may come to mind when you reminisce about her. You might picture her at her home or at the family vacation house during the holidays. Your memory could be a special meal that only she prepared for you or a place she...

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Categories: Estate Planning Trusts