It is a good idea to regularly update your estate plan throughout your life, particularly at major milestones. Retirement is one of the most significant milestones you can reach and also marks a time when your personal needs will change the most. As retirement draws...
Estate Planning
Handling property in an estate plan
If you’re passing property down in your estate plan, it can be a bit more complicated than simply passing on financial assets. You need to know exactly how to address this real estate and what options you have. Of course, everyone is in a unique situation. Therefore,...
Essential documents every estate plan needs
Creating a formal estate plan is the best way to ensure the distribution of your assets goes as you wish after your death. Every estate plan is personal, but there is some basic documentation any estate plan should include. Will or trust You can use a will or trust to...
Do I need a trust?
When you’re doing your estate planning, you may find yourself wondering if you need to include a trust. This is a different type of financial tool than just using a will. It allows you to create a separate trust that you fund with assets from your estate. You can do a...
Is it too early to make an estate plan?
Having an estate plan is something that not many people consider. In fact, it may be why nearly 60% of Americans do not have an estate plan. Estate plans are not just something that only extremely wealthy people need. The truth is that everyone can benefit from an...
The importance of estate planning
While no one wants to consider the end of their life, taking proactive steps via estate planning can provide peace of mind for your family members. A will documents your wishes and objectives at the end of your life. Putting off without a plan in place and...
When life changes arrive, it is time to update your will
Soon after you began your career, you understood the importance of establishing an estate plan. After hours of research, conferring with trusted friends and working with an attorney, you created a will. Now, you think you are all set. Not so fast. You are applauded...
Unique estate planning considerations for business owners
Your assets pass to your heirs and beneficiaries according to the instructions you establish in your will when you pass away. When estate planning, business owners need to think beyond their personal assets to consider what will happen to their business. Here are a...
What documents should you include in your estate plan?
If you are nearing retirement, you may be thinking it is time to create your estate plan. However, people of every age can enjoy the benefits of an estate plan because anyone can tailor the plan to his or her individual needs. There are many helpful estate planning...
How to avoid probate
The probate process is fine for some estates, but you may find it helpful to put together an estate plan that lets you avoid it. Probate can sometimes last months or even years, during which time your assets become entangled and unavailable to your heirs. CBS19...