Financial & Estate Planning

If you draw up a will, any property included in that will must go through probate before it can pass …More

In 2008, you can give away up to $12,000 worth of assets to any number of people without owing gift …More

Should your will include a bequest to a 529 college savings plan? Your will could leave a certain amount with …More

Don

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

A savvy estate planning move may be to put your home (or a second home) into a qualified personal residence …More

In many estate plans, the first spouse to die (usually the husband) leaves his assets to the surviving spouse (usually …More

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

As you head into retirement, should you pay down your mortgage, reducing your debt burden? Or should you hold onto …More

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

If you

You can create a revocable trust (sometimes called a living trust) and transfer most, if not all, of your assets …More

If you give away assets, you also give away your basis in those assets. If the assets have appreciated since …More

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

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

To trim your taxable estate, you can make unlimited gifts to a spouse and to charity. Also, an annual gift …More

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

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

Although no one wants to think about funeral arrangements, ignoring the issue can lead to over-spending. According to the Federal …More

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