When you are looking ahead toward your retirement years, you probably envision the good times that lie in wait. If you take the right steps along the way, you will have the resources to relax, enjoy leisure activities, and cross things off your bucket list. Without question, your golden years can be quite fruitful. A lot of people that understand the importance of retirement planning do not look over the horizon. The twilight years will inevitably follow these golden years, and there is an … [Read more...] about Living Assistance and the Medicaid Waiver
Four Reasons to Use a Living Trust
A lot of people assume that a last will is the right estate planning document to use unless you are very wealthy with a complicated estate. This is a misconception, because there are trusts that are useful for people that are not multimillionaires. The one that is the right choice for the widest range of people is the revocable living trust. Let’s look at four compelling reasons to use a living trust as the centerpiece of your estate plan. Consolidation of Assets If you maintain direct … [Read more...] about Four Reasons to Use a Living Trust
Avoid These Three Estate Planning Traps
People that don’t have enough good information sometimes make estate planning errors that yield negative consequences. In this post, we will look at three common estate planning traps that you would do well to avoid. Going It Alone There are those that know they should put a plan in place, but they keep procrastinating for one reason or another. Some of these folks see ads placed by websites that sell do-it-yourself legal documents, including last wills. Going this route can seem like a good … [Read more...] about Avoid These Three Estate Planning Traps
Planning Solution for a Spendthrift Heir
There is no one-size-fits-all estate planning approach, because each case is unique. This is why it is important to discuss your situation with an attorney. Strategies exist to address any type of scenario, and with this in mind, let’s look at planning for a spendthrift heir. Revocable Living Trust Generally speaking, assets that are transferred through the terms of a last will would be distributed in lump sums. This may be a source of concern if you have a poor money manager on your … [Read more...] about Planning Solution for a Spendthrift Heir
Will Election Trigger Estate Tax Changes?
There is an election looming over the horizon, and the outcome could have a significant impact on the federal estate tax parameters. High net worth individuals may be negatively impacted by a shift in the political mindset. Let’s look at the details. Federal Estate Tax Exclusion The majority of taxpayers do not have to worry about paying the federal estate tax, because you can transfer a certain amount before the tax would be levied. This threshold is called the estate tax credit or exclusion. … [Read more...] about Will Election Trigger Estate Tax Changes?
Basic Facts About Digital Estate Planning
Before the advent of the Internet, estate planning was all about hard copies and physical property. These days, we have a whole new facet to take into consideration because we conduct business through the Internet, and we own digital property. With this in mind, we will explain the steps you can take to put a digital estate plan in place. Conduct an Inventory of Digital Assets and Access Information The first order of business will be to identify the digital property that you own. Computer … [Read more...] about Basic Facts About Digital Estate Planning
Four Myths About Trusts Debunked
There are far too many myths that circulate about estate planning. When people buy into them, they sometimes make mistakes that yield negative consequences. In this post, we will dissect some misconceptions about trusts so that you can go forward with sound information. Trusts are only for the rich. This assertion would be true if the word “only” was not part of it. High net worth individuals that face estate tax exposure can absolutely benefit from the utilization of certain types of … [Read more...] about Four Myths About Trusts Debunked
Nursing Home Costs Can Erase Your Legacy
Everyone is aware of the need for retirement planning, and you can enjoy your golden years to the fullest if you take the right steps to build a sufficient financial underpinning. You can spend quality time with your family and friends, travel, enjoy leisure activities, and simply cross things off your bucket list. This can be one of the best periods of your life, but you should also consider the twilight years that will follow. When you reach the age of 67, your life expectancy is at … [Read more...] about Nursing Home Costs Can Erase Your Legacy
Estate Taxes Can Erode Your Legacy
If you have been very successful from a financial standpoint, you have to be concerned about the potential impact of estate taxes. Many people contend that the death tax is not fair, because your estate is comprised of resources that you have been able to retain after paying innumerable taxes throughout your life. Why should your death be a taxable event in and of itself? This a good question, but whether it is fair or not, the federal estate tax is a fact of life. The good news is that … [Read more...] about Estate Taxes Can Erode Your Legacy
When Would You Use an Irrevocable Trust?
The type of trust that is most commonly used is the revocable living trust. Many people are comforted by the idea that it is possible to change your mind and dissolve the trust at some point in the future. Plus, if you create this type of trust, you have control even while you are alive and well. As the grantor of the trust, you could serve as the trustee and the beneficiary at first. In the trust declaration, you would name successors to assume these roles after you are gone. You can change … [Read more...] about When Would You Use an Irrevocable Trust?
