Archive for December 2024
Protecting Your Digital Assets: Estate Planning and Avoiding Holiday Scams
The digital age has transformed how we manage and interact with our personal and financial lives. From online banking and social media profiles to digital currencies and cloud storage, our digital assets have become integral parts of our existence. As we plan our estates, it’s crucial to consider these digital possessions to ensure they’re protected…
Read MoreTop 5 Advantages of Establishing a Living Trust
Unlocking the potential of Living Trusts goes beyond asset protection—it’s about securing your legacy and peace of mind. Here are just five reasons why Living Trusts are a game-changer: #1 Probate Avoidance By sidestepping probate, Living Trusts streamline asset distribution, saving time and costs for your loved ones. #2 Medicaid Protection Select trusts shield your…
Read MoreIs it Time to Let Go of Those Old Documents?
Sorting through documents, from medical records to financial statements, is a balancing act between necessity and clutter. So, how do you know what to keep and what’s simply junk? Here’s a breakdown: Tax Returns Save returns and supporting documents for three years, or six if it’s complex or self-employment-related, aligning with the IRS audit window.…
Read MoreAdd An Estate Plan to Your Christmas List
The holidays can serve as a perfect backdrop for meaningful family discussions and for relaying relevant information between family members. Whether you already have an estate plan in place or are thinking about having a plan drafted for you, you’d be wise to use the time spent together during the holidays to get every family…
Read MoreWho Needs a Special Needs Trust?
Planning for the future of a loved one with special needs involves careful consideration and strategy, especially when managing their financial well-being without compromising their access to essential benefits. A special needs trust (SNT) is a critical tool in this planning process. This article explores who can benefit from an SNT and why it may…
Read MoreBe Careful Relying on Life Insurance to Provide for Loved Ones
In an estate plan, life insurance can be used as a source of immediate liquidity for beneficiaries by offering a tax-free, lump-sum payment upon the insured’s death. About half of Americans have a life insurance policy. The primary reason people purchase life insurance is to fund burial and other final expenses. However, a policy can…
Read MoreHappy 18th Birthday! Now What?
Congratulations! You are now legally an adult. Although you may not feel any different, from a legal standpoint, a great deal has changed. When you were a minor (under age 18), your parents were your legal guardians responsible for making all your decisions. Now that you are an adult, their legal authority over you is…
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