Financial & Estate Planning

The way in which assets are titled can be vital. The main options are:   ADVERTISEMENT * Your own name. …More

A power of attorney grants someone (the “agent”) authority to act on behalf of another party (the “principal”). A durable …More

Don’t create a trust when it’s not necessary. Trusts can help avoid probate and smooth the transition in case you …More

A 529 college savings plan usually is owned by one person. There is one beneficiary: the college-bound or in-college student. …More

Deferred annuities (fixed or variable) may be considered the opposite of life insurance because annuities can help you protect against …More

Variable annuities have received negative publicity in recent years, which may keep individuals from buying them. Although variable annuities have …More

Revocable trusts (sometimes called “living trusts”) are heavily promoted these days. When you create such a trust, you can remain …More

The simplest, least expensive tactic for dealing with potential incapacity is to put some assets in joint ownership, with right …More

Retirees should keep 12-18 months’ of spending money in a cash reserve such as a money market fund. Say you …More

Asset protection strategies are gaining popularity but there are some points to keep in mind before you take any actions. …More

Naming the right beneficiary for your IRA is often given little thought, but it can be enormously important. Recommended strategies: …More

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

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

The five years before retirement are probably the most critical there are in terms of getting ready for the big …More

In your will you could leave a certain amount with the direction that the executor use the funds to establish …More

If you are concerned about running short of money, as you grow older, you can buy an immediate annuity, also …More

You may have several options when deciding who should be the beneficiary of your IRA. Your spouse: He or she …More

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

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

Retirees who are entitled to a pension usually must make a choice, if they’re married: * Single-life pension. As indicated, …More