Posts Tagged ‘Family’
The Estate Planning and Conversations You and Your Spouse Need to Have
When was the last time you and your spouse discussed your estate planning? We know it is probably not on your list of “date night” conversations. In fact, many of our friends, family, and even professionals we work with tell us that once they create their estate plan, they consider it finalized and do not…
Read MoreTips On Creating the Right Durable Power of Attorney
We know that it can be challenging to think about who will handle your assets if you become unable to do so yourself. Although this concern starts with your money, have you thought about how difficult it would be for your loved ones to make not only those important decisions on your behalf but…
Read MoreTalking Turkey About Estate Planning This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving offers times to reflect on what we are most grateful for in life. For many of us this includes our relationships with family. While they are not far from our hearts, we are often separated by hectic schedules or distance. Having a set time to get together to celebrate allows us to be present with each other and…
Read MoreThe Pitfalls of a Do-It-Yourself Estate Plan and How to Avoid Them
When the term “Do-It-Yourself” or “DIY” comes to mind, what do you think of? A weekend spent working hard on a home improvement project? An evening putting together your kid’s new bicycle? DIT projects can bring a lot of joy and pride from realizing you’ve accomplished something great on your own. On the other hand, doing…
Read MoreHow To Say “I Love You” With Life Insurance
While it might not sound romantic, having life insurance is a great way to say “I love you.” Obtaining a policy (or better yet, a series of policies) shows that you care enough about your loved ones not to leave them in financial dire straits after you die. While we all have dreams to enjoy a…
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About Your Safe Deposit Box Before It’s Too Late
Do you know how to access a safe deposit box after the death of a loved one? Never fear, you are not alone if you don’t know the answer. While safe deposit boxes are commonly used to protect valuable items and important documents (such as a insurance policies, a will, or a trust), it is…
Read More3 Ways to Protect Your Beloved Pet If Something Happens to You
My Australian Shepherd, Motley, just celebrated this third birthday, and it got me to thinking what have a done to provide for him if something happens to me? For a lot of us, a beloved pet is considered an important part of the family. Indeed, my wife and I always say we have a family…
Read MoreDon’t Be April Fooled! Here’s 8 Ways to Protect Against Online Fraud
Are you afraid of your identity being stolen? Looking to protect against online fraud? You are not alone. Forbes reported a mobile security study in which 69% of respondents said that having others access their personal information is one of their biggest fears. However, the article also revealed that most Americans don’t take the proper precautions…
Read MoreSome Food for Thought When Reviewing Your Estate Plan
Estate planning is an ongoing process, and an estate plan review should be done every few years to ensure that your unique goals and needs are still being met. As I’ve mentioned before, your planning should never be merely a set of documents you execute once, stick on a shelf, and never look at again. …
Read More5 More Ways You Might Leave a Mess Behind for Your Family
It is always easier to ignore a difficult task or put it off until later. However, the wealth you have worked hard to build, your dreams for your family’s future, and your legacy are all in jeopardy if you have not taken the time to properly plan for your death or incapacity. Do not perpetuate your family’s…
Read More7 Reasons to Review Your Estate Plan in the New Year
Happy New Year and Congratulations! At some point in the past you have taken the necessary steps to create an estate plan that protects your loved ones and your family’s financial future. Whether you are from Orange County, Southern California, or somewhere else in the country, you are ahead well ahead of the curve. Surprisingly,…
Read MoreWhy You Should Check Estate Planning Off Your To-Do List
January 1st has come and gone, but hopefully your New Year’s Resolutions have not done the same. Estate planning is one thing that should definitely make it onto your list of resolutions, whether you have already begun to plan or it is time for a review. The following are a few reasons to actually check…
Read MoreThanksgiving is a Great Time to Pass on Values and Plan for the Future
Family Estate Planning on the Holiday Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on everything you are grateful for and to spend time with family and friends. Every family has its traditions, whether it’s gathering for a big turkey dinner, volunteering at a local shelter or heading out to a football game. No matter what…
Read More5 Reasons Why You Need to Dust-off and Review Your Estate Plan
You love much, dream big, and plan well. That is why you already have done an amazing job by creating an estate plan to protect your financial future and that of your family. However, creating an estate plan is just the first step in the estate planning process. An effective estate plan that actually works…
Read MoreSummer Vacation Bound? Tackle These 5 Important “To Do’s” First
It’s no surprise that Americans spend more time planning their summer vacations than they do planning their estate. Indeed, two-thirds of Americans do not have any estate planning in place, and 69% of parents have yet to name legal guardians for their children. These are frightening statistics, but understandable as vacations are fun but contemplating…
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