Tax law doesn't just affect regular household finances. It can also have a profound impact on an individual's legacy after they die. People need to understand and fulfill their tax obligations throughout their lives. They may also need to plan in advance to minimize...
When most people contemplate putting their affairs in order, their minds jump straight to wills and life insurance policies. While these are undeniably crucial components, they’re just the tip of the iceberg. A carefully thought-out estate plan should incorporate a...
Green estate planning is an increasingly popular approach for individuals who want their legacy to reflect a lifelong commitment to sustainability. In California, where environmental consciousness often plays a central role in lifestyle choices, many residents are now...
You’ve decided it is time to create an estate plan, and you mention to one of your adult children that you are thinking about writing a will. This leads to an ongoing conversation, and they ask what they’re going to inherit. This raises an interesting question: Are...
When doing your estate planning, one financial vehicle you might consider learning more about is a spendthrift trust. Who would need to fund one and why would they choose this kind of trust? Certainly, not everyone will need this type of trust for their beneficiaries,...
Estate planning goes beyond simply drafting a will. It is about ensuring your life’s work continues to benefit your loved ones exactly as you intend. However, even the most well-meaning plans can sometimes fall short. Without a clear plan in place, your family may be...
Studies have found that the majority of Americans do not have an estate plan. Researchers asked them why they hadn’t made a plan yet, and one response they got was that people just did not believe they had enough assets to need an estate plan. They assumed that estate...
Most Americans do not have an estate plan. So, if you have made yours, you are already a step ahead of 74% of your fellow citizens. Yet, your estate plan won’t do you much good if no one can find it when you die or fall seriously ill and need to call upon some of the...
When it comes to keeping one’s affairs in order, powers of attorney (POAs) are handy documentation individuals that might want to consider setting up. These authorizations allow trusted individuals to step up for someone – under certain circumstances – in ways that...
An estate plan shouldn’t last forever. It’s a good idea to make it well in advance, perhaps doing your own estate planning in your 30s, rather than waiting until you are in your 60s or 70s. This helps ensure that your plan will actually be in place when your family...
