It’s important to have a plan. If you don’t have a plan, your state law dictates who gets your property and makes decisions for you. Read on to learn more about the prevalence of unexpected deaths and an example of what can happen without planning.Planning for the Unexpected … [Read more...]
Planning for Education Expenses
Planning is important when providing for your children or grandchildren. But planning for their education has special importance and may have special advantages. This article looks at how a trust can be used to provide for your child or grandchild’s education.Planning for Education Expenses … [Read more...]
Planning for Special Needs Children
Planning is important when providing for any of your children. But planning is even more important for special needs children. Without proper planning, an inheritance can jeopardize a special needs child’s needs-based benefits, such as SSI or Medicaid. Read on to learn more about planning for special needs children.Planning for Special Needs Children … [Read more...]
Planning for Step-Children
If your spouse has biological children, you may consider them your own. But, if you haven’t adopted them, they have no inheritance rights. This article looks at how to plan for step-children.Planning for Step-Children … [Read more...]
The Importance of Communicating Your Plans
This article looks at how planning can make your passing easier for those whom you leave behind. Specifically, this article will look at the importance of communicating your plans with your loved ones to avoid disputes after your death.The Importance of Communicating Your Plans … [Read more...]
How Much is Too Much?
This article looks at the question of how much is too much to leave your children. Many people have pledged to give the majority of their wealth to charity. If you won’t leave all your assets to your children, the article provides resources for vetting worthwhile charities.How Much is Too Much? … [Read more...]
Clarity is Key to Planning
Clarity is essential in an estate plan. This article examines the case of Tom Petty, what he did right and what he did wrong. It shows that clarity can avoid problems later.Clarity is Key to Planning … [Read more...]
What is a GST Trust?
A Generation-Skipping or “GST” trust can be a good way to keep assets out of the taxable estate of a beneficiary and yet still allow them to be used for the beneficiary’s benefit during life. Read on to learn more about this type of trust and whether it might make sense for you.What is a GST Trust? … [Read more...]
Kiddie Tax is Worse Than Ever
The Kiddie Tax can apply to the unearned income of children. Read on to learn if this tax applies to you or your children. Also, learn ways to avoid the Kiddie Tax.Kiddie Tax is Worse Than Ever … [Read more...]
When and Where You Die Matters
Where you die matters. While you’ll pay the same federal estate tax no matter where you die, 1/3 of the states have a separate estate or inheritance tax. The most populous state, California, is the latest state to consider adding a state estate tax. Read on to learn more.When and Where You Die Matters … [Read more...]
