2017 is now fading into the rearview mirror. As we all look ahead to 2018, let’s consider a few things to watch regarding estate planning, so you and your family can be completely protected. ● The death tax. The death tax has been in a state of flux ever since the early 2000s when the Bush administration’s first tax cuts changed the exemption and tax…
There’s Never A Better Time Than Now To Get Your Affairs in Order
The idea of getting your financial and legal house in order is likely the last thing on your mind during the busy holiday season. But, getting started is much easier than you think. In fact, the end of the year is a good time to reflect upon the year that has passed and focus on your aspirations for the future. Don’t hold this task off…
Back From The Dead
Just in time for Halloween, the IRS has announced that the plan to put a stake through the heart of the estate and gift tax killer technique known as “discounting” is no more. As you may recall, I wrote a post last year alerting readers that a time-honored technique to minimize estate and gift taxes was at risk. The technique utilized the transferring FLP or…
How to Jumpstart Your Clients’ Year-End Planning
Don’t Wait Until the Busy Holiday Season As summer fades in the rear-view mirror, it’s a good time to give yourself a reality check: Clients never have enough time to meet for year-end planning during the busy holiday season (and you might not, either), which is why you should be proactive and meet with them now — even if it seems too early to do…
What if you don’t die?
Why Ignoring the Importance of Incapacity Planning Can Have Serious Consequences It’s a common misconception that all your efforts to create a comprehensive estate plan are focused on what happens after your death. Estate planning does not equate to death planning. There are several ways in which your estate plan can drastically impact you and your loved ones’ quality of life well before you pass…
Do you really need a trust?
Although many people equate “estate planning” with having a will, there are many advantages to having a trust as the centerpiece of your estate plan. While there are other estate planning tools (such as joint tenancy, transfer on death, beneficiary designations, to name a few), only a trust provides comprehensive management of your property in the event you can’t make financial decisions for yourself –…
Have You Considered a Dynasty Trust for Your Family’s Estate?
Why You Should Think Twice Before Ruling One Out When most people hear the term “dynasty trust,” they assume it’s something for only the wealthiest of families. However, dynasty trusts are not as out of reach as you might think, and can be used by many more families of a greater wealth spectrum than currently use them. Demystifying dynasty trusts Dynasty trusts keep your wealth…
Modernizing an Outdated Estate Plan
What to do with a Confusing, Old Trust Estate plans evolve. Or at least they should. Any plan that fails to achieve your goals and doesn’t match your current financial and family circumstances is out of date and is in need of an overhaul. We can help you revitalize the obsolete aspects of your plan and get you back on track for the future. How…
Tools You Can Use to Leave Words of Wisdom to the Next Generation
You come into the world a blank slate, and as you grow, you gain wisdom. You’ve planned your estate to leave physical assets to beneficiaries, so now think about leaving them something that’s just as important but less tangible: the hard-won wisdom you’ve accumulated over your life. Let your family and friends learn from your mistakes, and profit from your successes. Living and Other Trusts…
How a Trust Can Help a Loved One Who Struggles with Addiction
Substance addiction is by no means rare, impacting as many as one in seven Americans. Because of its prevalence, navigating a loved one’s addiction is actually a relatively common topic in everyday life. But you should also consider it when working on your estate planning. Whether the addiction is alcoholism, drug abuse, or behavioral like gambling, we all want our loved ones to be safe…