Financial & Estate Planning

Before you sign an engagement letter with a financial advisor, be cautious about where his or her interests lie. Here …More

Some states permit trusts to last for many years, even centuries. This can enable you to establish a “dynasty” trust, …More

Once you have enough assets to provide for yourself and your spouse, consider making gifts to your children and grandchildren. …More

When you set up a trust, it’s a common to name a friend or family member as trustee. This is …More

Charitable gift annuities are part-gift and part-annuity. You contribute assets to a qualified organization and receive a stream of cash …More

If you are among the co-beneficiaries of an IRA, you may want to divide up that inherited account so that …More

When you annuitize a variable annuity, you take the risk that you might die right away, and the payment stream …More

A health care power of attorney, sometimes known as a health care proxy or a medical power of attorney, should …More

Naming your estate as IRA beneficiary seldom makes sense. If you die after the required beginning date (RBD) for minimum …More

If you name a trust as the beneficiary of your IRA, you can have a say in how your IRA …More

When you open a 529 college savings account, you’ll be asked to name a successor or contingent owner of the …More

Careful handling of an inherited IRA can lead to long-term wealth building. Suppose Betty Jones dies and leaves her IRA …More

When you create a charitable remainder trust (CRT), you can specify a stream of payments to a beneficiary or beneficiaries …More

If you become ill or injured, a power of attorney will be extremely valuable. This document is drafted by you, …More

Variable annuities allow you to put your money into a variety of investment accounts, including stock funds, while deferring the …More

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