Choosing the right Agent under a Power of Attorney is one of the most important choices. This article discusses the qualities of an ideal Agent and qualities to avoid in selecting an Agent. Read on to learn more. Selecting an Agent … [Read more...] about Selecting an Agent
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Aretha Franklin Died Intestate: What Does It Mean for Her Family?
Aretha Franklin died intestate. Intestacy has definite drawbacks. Read on to see what this means for her family, financially and in other ways. Aretha was the Queen of Soul, but her lack of planning caused consequences she did not consider. Aretha Franklin Died Intestate: What Does It Mean for Her Family? … [Read more...] about Aretha Franklin Died Intestate: What Does It Mean for Her Family?
Naming a Trust as Beneficiary of an IRA
Whom should you name as the beneficiary of your IRA or Qualified Plan? Sometimes, it can be best to name a trust for your intended beneficiary. Read on to see the protections a trust can offer that a direct designation of the individual would not. Naming a Trust as Beneficiary of an IRA … [Read more...] about Naming a Trust as Beneficiary of an IRA
Prenuptial Agreements Can Provide Remarriage Protection
Requiring a prenuptial agreement before your spouse remarries can provide peace of mind and protect your spouse, your children, and their inheritance. If you leave your assets in a trust for your spouse and children, you can require your spouse obtain a prenuptial agreement before remarriage. This can protect your loved ones. Read on to find out more about prenuptial agreements. Prenuptial Agreements Can Provide Remarriage Protection … [Read more...] about Prenuptial Agreements Can Provide Remarriage Protection
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 5: Retirement Assets
Retirement assets may be a very large part of a person’s estate at death. It’s important to consider the income tax ramifications of naming a beneficiary, as well as protecting those assets for the beneficiaries. This article considers some of these issues. 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 5: Retirement Assets … [Read more...] about 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 5: Retirement Assets
Estate Planning is Too Important to Procrastinate
Only 44% of Americans have even a simple Will. We procrastinate for several reasons. Learn those reasons and how to push past them. Learn, briefly, why planning is important. Estate Planning is Too Important to Procrastinate … [Read more...] about Estate Planning is Too Important to Procrastinate
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 4: Beneficiary Designations
Beneficiary designations can be a simple way to pass assets at death. While beneficiary designations avoid probate, they may introduce other problems. This article shows how a revocable trust can provide a more flexible way to achieve a client’s goals. 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 4: Beneficiary Designations … [Read more...] about 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 4: Beneficiary Designations
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 3: Your Kids
An estate plan considers not just to whom assets should go, but also how. Each beneficiary is unique and the estate plan should consider their unique situation. This article looks at a couple with three very different children and how they might leave the assets for them in three very different ways. 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 3: Your Kids … [Read more...] about 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 3: Your Kids
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 1: Incapacity
One of the most important considerations in an estate plan is incapacity planning. This article describes how an estate plan provides incapacity planning and the documents which may be used to accomplish that planning. It also looks at how having a plan in place may relieve stress during an emergency. 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 1: Incapacity … [Read more...] about 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 1: Incapacity
How Are Trusts Taxed?
Trusts are useful vehicles both during life and after death. This article examines how trusts are income taxed. Grantor trusts are taxed to the grantor, regardless of whether the income is distributed to them. Nongrantor trusts are separate taxpaying entities but get a deduction for distributions to beneficiaries. Read the article to learn more. How Are Trusts Taxed? … [Read more...] about How Are Trusts Taxed?