A trust is a legal tool that allows the creator to have greater control over his or her assets. Depending on the structure of the trust, the legal tool can result in tax benefits, shelter assets from creditors and even guide how money is used in the future.There are...
Digital assets play a significant role in your estate plan. What are digital assets and why should you care what happens to them when you pass away? Two important questions with equally important answers.Digital assets are online accounts or digital files. Common...
As discussed in our previous post, When is an Equal Distribution of Assets a Bad Idea?, available here, splitting assets does not always work out as we may intend. This post will discuss some proactive steps you can take to better ensure an equal...
Only 18% of Americans age 55 and older have a will and two other estate planning documents, according to a new report by Merrill Lynch and Age Wave. Even more concerning is that 45% of people age 55 and older do not have a will.Why does everyone need to have a will,...
Ideally, an estate plan should be an evolving set of documents. These legal tools should change and grow with you — not remain static. Those who put together an estate plan and forget it are less likely to have an estate plan that truly reflects their desires...
An estate plan can ease the transfer of assets. This includes everything from a family home to less tangible assets, like stocks. Here are three examples for the best way to discuss the transfer of stocks:Example #1: Stockowner does not include stock in the estate...
Are your assets protected? Every family should answer this question with a confident yes. Unfortunately, many people do not know where to start when it comes to wealth management and asset protection.How to protect and preserve your wealth Wealth management is a vital...
Estate planning is not just for individuals and families with large estates. One of the most important documents to have in your estate plan is a will. Have you thought about getting a will but decided to do it later? Think again. Dying without a will creates serious...
Your personal New Year's resolutions may still be in full swing, or they may have disappeared a few weeks ago. Either way, your estate planning resolutions should still be on your mind if your goal is to protect your family and your assets. Why you should evaluate...
Estate planning provides the opportunity to review and account for all assets. Most people have plans that include tangible forms of property, retirement accounts, stocks, bonds and business interests. But did they remember to include digital assets?Digital assets...
