There are always those looking for a quick fix, and more often than not they wind up being penny wise and pound foolish. This certainly comes into play when it comes to [Read More]
How Can I Leave My Estate to My Spouse Tax-Free?
In the United States we have a federal estate tax. There is a federal estate tax credit or exclusion. Only the portion of your estate that exceeds the credit or exclusion would be taxable. If your estate’s value does not exceed this amount, your estate would not be subject to the federal estate tax. How … [Read More]
Estate Planning Where to Start [Infographic]
Despite the fact that most people recognize the need to create a comprehensive estate plan, a shocking percentage of people do not have one. For many, the failure to create an estate plan boils down to the simple fact that they do not know where to begin. Although each estate plan should be tailored to … [Read More]
The World’s Well Heeled Pets
There are some good and bad things about human nature, but without question one of the best ones is the relationship that we have with our pets. Though people sometimes own exotic pets, dogs and cats are the most common four-legged family members, and they certainly bring us a lot of joy on many different … [Read More]
Uncertainty Fuels Procrastination
It is no secret that a lot of people procrastinate when it comes to estate planning. The last thing that the procrastinators need is yet another reason to put things off, but in fact the uncertainty surrounding the estate tax parameters at the present time contributes to this pattern of inaction. To take a brief … [Read More]
Charitable Giving: Research Is Key
Though estate planning is vital for people of all ages, evaluating your legacy in detail is naturally going to become more relevant to you as you get older. Of course the primary objective is going to be to make sure that your family members are financially provided for, but there are other things to take … [Read More]
Steer Clear Of Estate Planning Misconceptions
When you examine the psychology behind it, people who engage in estate planning long before they would logically expect to pass away often look at it like a precaution rather than a carefully crafted plan. They hold it at arm’s-length to some extent and don’t really fully envision the implications of their eventual absence. Any … [Read More]
Have You Considered Possible Incapacity?
Comprehensive planning is the key to being prepared for any and all eventualities as you enter different phases of your life. Just keeping your fingers crossed with your head stuck in the sand is clearly not a very intelligent course of action, but unfortunately far too many people go this route. The average lifespan in … [Read More]
POD Accounts: The Pros & Cons
People who unwisely advocate do-it-yourself estate planning will try to point out some of the ways that you can transfer assets to your heirs simply. These individuals will often talk about payable on death or transfer on death accounts, but before you buy into their notions you would do well to understand the limitations of … [Read More]
Young Parents Have Added Responsibilities
If you think that estate planning is largely a geriatric endeavor you are not alone. Indeed, an alarming percentage of people who are under the age of 50 or so are totally unprepared for the future. And in fact, a significant segment of the population that is over 50 is unprepared as well but that … [Read More]
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