Estate planning is an important step in securing your financial future and the future of your loved ones. It is not something to be taken lightly or neglected, as it can have a profound impact on your life and the lives of your family. Estate planning can help protect your assets, ensure that your wishes…
5 Estate Planning Tips That Aren’t Just for the Wealthy by Miranda Marquit source here None of us likes to think about dying—and what will happen to our money afterward. However, estate planning is an important part of managing your finances. One common misconception is that estate planning isn’t necessary if your estate’s assets amount…
What You Should Know about Wills and Trusts Wills and trusts are important tools that can help ensure your wishes are carried out. Here’s a rundown of what you can use each one to accomplish. Wills A surprising 55% of Americans don’t have a will, but they are critical documents because they allow you to…
Securing Your Pet’s Future with Estate Planning Have you thought about what would happen to your pet in the event of your death or incapacity? Approximately two-thirds of American households own a pet, and while we have many people in our busy lives, our pets have only us. Pet owners often lament that beloved animal…
Someone has to inherit your assets, and if you don’t decide, state laws will do it for you. That means your awful Great Uncle Ed may inherit, while your beloved cousin Mary may get nothing. That’s only one reason to get busy. by: Tracy Craig, Fellow, ACTEC, AEP® Estate planning is an extremely personal process, not…
What to tell your adult kids when planning your estate Sarah O’Brien So you finished your estate plan. You finalized a will, made sure beneficiaries are named on financial accounts, signed all other pertinent documents and picked an executor to carry out your wishes when you die. You might have overlooked one consideration: whether you…
10 Reasons to Create an Estate Plan Life is uncertain. While no one likes to think about their mortality, the hard fact is that everyone will pass away some day and leave assets to someone else. An estate plan can help you to: Make sure your assets go to the right beneficiaries Without an estate…
The Estate Planning Must-Haves by GLENN CURTIS Here is a list of items every estate plan should include: Will/trust Durable power of attorney Beneficiary designations Letter of intent Healthcare power of attorney Guardianship designations In addition to these six documents and designations, a well-laid estate plan also should consider the purchase of insurance products such…
How to Create an Estate Plan That Includes Your Pet Pets are members of the family, so it is important to consider how to provide for them in your estate plan just as you would the human family members. While we may think of pets as part of our family, the law considers them to…