Is Your Estate Subject to Federal Estate Tax?
You may be one of the few people whose estate would have to pay federal gift or estate taxes, meaning that some of your “stuff” may end up going to Uncle Sam. How do you know if you’re in that situation [more…]
Understanding Estate Planning Designations
Estate planning provides for the efficient and effective transfer of assets at your death. You may have heard of terms like joint tenants and beneficiary designations [more…]
Bypassing Probate with Beneficiary Designations
You may be able to meet your estate planning goals very simply through the proper use of beneficiary designations. You’re likely familiar with beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, 401 [more…]
What Is a Living Trust?
A living trust is a legal document created by you (the grantor) during your lifetime. Just like a will, a living trust spells out exactly what your desires are with regard to your assets, your dependents [more…]
Going Beyond a Will: Other Estate-Planning Documents You Need
Even with all your assets properly titled, your beneficiary designations in order, and a will or revocable living trust in place, you still have a few very important issues to take care of and documents [more…]
How Financial Advisors Get Paid
When choosing a financial advisor, it helps to understand how your advisor gets paid because those who live off commissions may have different goals than advisors who work on salary. All people in the [more…]
How to Select a Personal Financial Advisor
Savvy consumers interview a few different financial advisors to learn more about each one’s background, experience, specialties, and target clientele, as well as his or her listening skills and communication [more…]
Will and Trust Items to Keep Track Of
You’ve gone to the necessary trouble of drawing up your will and perhaps creating a trust. Now you need to make a list of the locations of important papers and make sure that you and at least one other [more…]
People Who Can Help with Your Estate Plan
The professionals who help you set up your will and trusts can be useful not only during the creation of these documents, but also later on if you want to make changes. They can be invaluable resources [more…]
When to Review Your Estate Plan
You should review your estate plan, including your will and any trusts, on a periodic basis to be sure that your inheritance planning is consistent with your needs and goals. In addition, review your estate [more…]
How to Prepare for a Meeting with an Estate Planning Lawyer
You want your will and trust to be legal, so it makes sense to meet with a lawyer to form your estate plan. Lawyers who specialize in estate planning can help you cover all contingencies and help make [more…]
How to Plan for Incapacity in Your Will and Trust
It’s not easy to think about, but your will and trust(s) need to include provisions that go into effect if you become incapacitated for any reason. Your executor and your heirs will be grateful for your [more…]
Wills & Trusts Kit For Dummies Cheat Sheet
Taking the time and attention to write a will and set up a trust — or a couple of trusts — are acts of generosity that your heirs and loved ones will appreciate in their time of grief. To do it right, [more…]
