Financial & Estate Planning

Any trust created while the grantor is alive is a “living trust” but the term is often used to describe …More

When you’re developing an estate plan, avoid these common errors: * Don’t give away assets too soon. Youngsters may be …More

If you are concerned about inadequate income over a long retirement, you could consider investing in a variable annuity. * …More

When you draft your will, you should name an executor. It will be up to your executor to handle all …More

One form of benefit the government does not offer to its employees is short-term disability insurance. This type of insurance …More

If you die without a will, you die “intestate” and your assets will be distributed according to your state’s law. …More

You may lose the ability to manage your own affairs as you grow older. Therefore, it’s necessary to have an …More

There is no one “magic bullet” that will provide all-purpose asset protection. However, there some things that you should do …More

You should be confident that the assets you’ve accumulated during your lifetime will pass to chosen recipients, at your death. …More

You can execute a power of attorney authorizing someone (an “agent”) to act on behalf of you (the “principal”) to …More

One reason the Thrift Savings Plan’s lifecycle L funds have grown in popularity is that they provide a mechanism to …More

A health care proxy let you names someone who can make decisions about your medical care if you can’t make …More

When you’re developing an estate plan, avoid these four common errors: * Don’t give away assets too soon. Youngsters may …More

Assets left to a surviving spouse avoid estate tax, no matter how large the bequest. However, some people are reluctant …More

Retirees should keep some money as cash on hand in an account where it is easily accessible such as a …More

Many Americans have so-called “blended” families. In such a family, one or both spouses have children from a previous marriage. …More

For many older adults who are currently independent, but like the idea of living in a setting where healthcare and …More

One way to create a steady flow of income in retirement beyond your federal annuity is to buy an immediate …More

One tactic for dealing with potential personal incapacity—inability to make your own financial decisions—is to put some assets in joint …More

Trust fees vary widely so it pays to shop around and get quotes before making any commitments. Be sure you …More

Although no one wants to think about their own funeral arrangements, ignoring the issue can lead to over-spending that will …More

Chances are you’ve spent a certain amount of time on the creation of your will. You’ve discussed the provisions with …More

Every trust needs a trustee to assume responsibility for handling trust assets. Your choices include: Individual trustee: A friend or …More

To ensure your will stands up it should be written by an attorney. Wills that you write yourself, or fill-in-the-blank …More

If you are investing in Section 529 college savings plans for your children or possibly for grandchildren, you may accumulate …More

If you decide to leave assets in a trust for your beneficiaries, consider your designation of trustee carefully. The most …More

In these articles and with my clients, I hound on the importance of having a plan for the future. A …More

Estate planning is more than tax planning. Beyond finances, you should have goals for your estate plan. Are there specific …More

Life insurance may play a vital role in an estate plan because insurance proceeds can be counted on to provide …More