If you want to support a cause you care about, your estate plan can allow you to do so. Charitable giving through your estate is a way to create a lasting legacy. There are several ways to include a gift to charity, with trusts being one of the most flexible options....
Year: 2025
How do you handle bank accounts in estate planning?
A major task that you must handle when you’re getting an estate plan together is making sure that you have a plan for every asset. Many people focus on the larger assets, such as investments and their home, but there’s another asset that might be overlooked—bank...
Blended families have unique estate planning needs
Many people's first introduction to a blended family came from watching "The Brady Bunch." These days, blended families make up about half of America's households. These family dynamics have an impact on multiple areas, including daily chores, vacations, holidays and...
Can a trust help you avoid disinheriting someone?
You are not happy with the way that one of your potential beneficiaries spends their money. You know that you would like to leave them an inheritance, but you are afraid they’re just going to waste it. As a result, you’re thinking about removing them from your estate...
Don’t create an irrevocable trust without knowing how it works
An irrevocable trust can be a powerful tool for protecting assets, reducing estate taxes and helping ensure a smooth transfer of wealth. However, it’s not something to rush into. Unlike a revocable trust, which allows you to make changes, an irrevocable trust locks in...
Why is estate planning important?
For many, family is the most important asset you can have, and ensuring their well-being is a top priority. You want to make sure that even after you’re gone, they're cared for and supported in the way you intended. Without a plan in place, important decisions could...
Tips for preventing disputes over your estate
You’ve spent a lifetime building a legacy, and now it’s time to create an estate plan that reflects your wishes for the future. It's more than just the paperwork and legal formalities. It’s also about peace of mind. You do not want to leave your loved ones guessing or...
Can you draft a power of attorney too soon?
Many people procrastinate estate planning, saying they don’t want to do it too soon. For instance, they may want to draft a power of attorney so that another person can make healthcare decisions for them if necessary. However, they hesitate to do it while they are...
Estate planning tasks when dealing with a terminal illness
When facing a terminal illness, estate planning becomes an essential task to ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for. While a difficult topic, addressing your estate plan can bring peace of mind and clarity during an uncertain time. Here are...
How to prevent estate planning conflicts
Estate planning is all about looking after your loved ones once you are gone. Ideally, you want a well-written plan that takes care of all of your wishes. You can use a will, trusts and other estate planning documents to do this. Failing to do this can result in...