Financial & Estate Planning

When you’re developing an estate plan, avoid these common errors:

* Don’t give away assets too soon. Youngsters may be unprepared to deal with a great deal of wealth. If you wait until your children are 30 or older, they probably will have finished school, established careers, and be able to handle money responsibly.

* Don’t delay lifetime gifts for too long. If illness or incapacity strikes, you might not be able to create the estate plan you desire.

* Don’t impose harsh restrictions. If you attach excessive stipulations to inheritances, trying to exert control after your death, your heirs may be resentful.

* Don’t give or bequeath too much to younger generations. Your heirs may fail to lead worthwhile lives, if their financial needs are already met.