White Elephant Inheritance
Have you ever had to deal with a “white elephant”? Not the actual pachyderm, but what Merriam-Webster calls “a property requiring much care and expense yielding little profit” or, more simply, “something of little or no value.” Of course, we’re not talking about the sort of “white elephants” you might get in a humorous gift […]
ViewEstate Strategies of the Rich and Famous
How the Queen of Soul, the Lizard King, and Other Celebrities Determined Their Legacies Famous people are all too human. Tabloid newspapers and celebrity magazines and websites make bank chronicling their every moment, from going out for a coffee to attending glamorous premieres and glitzy concerts. And, yes, whenever they make a mistake, those […]
ViewAre You Prepared for an Estate Tax Sunset?
The federal estate tax threshold rose to $25.84 million in 2023 for married couples and $12.92 million for individuals, as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Like several TCJA provisions, the higher estate tax limit is due to sunset in 2025. Barring congressional action, the exemption amount will return to about $6.8 […]
View3 Estate Challenges for Blended Families
Preparing your estate can be complicated, and if you’re a part of a blended family, estate decisions can be even more complex and nuanced. Blended families take on many forms but typically consist of couples with children from previous relationships. Here are a few case studies to help illustrate some of the challenges. Case Study […]
ViewManaging an Inheritance
Inheriting wealth can be a burden and a blessing. Even if you have an inclination that a family member may remember you in their last will and testament, there are many facets to the process of inheritance that you may not have considered. Here are some things you may want to keep in mind if it […]
ViewA Checklist for When a Spouse or Parent Passes
When you lose a spouse, partner, or parent, the grief can be overwhelming. In the midst of that grief, life goes on. There are arrangements to be made, things to be taken care of – and in recognition of this reality, here is a checklist that you may find useful at such a time. First, gather […]
ViewManaging the Risk of Outliving Your Money
“What is your greatest retirement fear?” If you ask some pre-retirees this question, “outliving my money” may be one of the top answers. In fact, 45% of workers say they fear outliving their savings and investments.1 Retirees face greater “longevity risk” today. The Census Bureau says that Americans typically retire around age 62 for women and 65 […]
ViewWhen Heirs are Imperfect
Passing your estate to an heir with credit problems or a gambling or alcohol addiction might not only lead to that wealth being squandered, but the inheritance could worsen the destructive behaviors. Of course, you don’t want to disinherit your child simply because of their personal challenges. There are potential solutions that allow parents to […]
ViewFour Steps to Valuing an Estate
Determining the value of an estate is a fundamental first step in estate management and a critical requirement for settling a decedent’s estate.1 How to Assess the Value of an Estate Assessing the precise value of an estate can be complicated, especially when settling an estate. Please consult a professional with estate expertise regarding your […]
ViewFour Reasons Millennials Need an Estate Strategy
You’re young, have little in savings, and might not have anyone relying on you, financially. So, why do you need to think about estate management?1 Here are four great reasons: Estate Strategies: They’re Not Just for the Elderly A medical directive and health care durable power of attorney can ensure that you are provided the […]
ViewYours, Mine, and Ours: Estate Strategies for Second Marriage
If you are one of the many Americans who are in a second marriage, you may need to revisit your estate strategy.1 Unlike a typical first marriage, second marriages often require special consideration in order to address children from a prior marriage and the disposition of assets accumulated prior to the second marriage. Second Marriages […]
ViewA Living Trust Primer
A living trust is a popular consideration in many estate strategy conversations, but its appropriateness will depend upon your individual needs and objectives. What is a Living Trust? A living trust is created while you are alive and funded with the assets you choose to transfer into it. The trustee (typically, you) has full power […]
ViewA Primer on Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
“I’m proud to pay taxes in the United States; the only thing is, I could be just as proud for half the money.”Entertainer Arthur Godfrey The irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) can be an important estate strategy tool that may accomplish a number of estate objectives; however, it may not be appropriate for every individual. […]
View4 Steps to Protecting a Child with Disabilities
Raising a child is expensive and can cost about a quarter of a million dollars, excluding college. For a child with special needs, that cost can more than double. If you’re the parent of a child with special needs, it’s vital to ensure your child will continue to be provided for after you’re gone. It […]
ViewUnderstanding the Alternate Valuation Date
When an individual dies, the executor is faced with an important decision that has the potential to impact the taxes owed by the estate and its heirs. The executor will have the option of valuing the estate on the date of death, or alternately, on the six-month anniversary of death – the latter is, fittingly, […]
ViewWhat is the Value of Your Business?
In the second quarter of 2023, more than 2,300 small businesses were sold. The median sale price was roughly $300,000, down 14% from the same time last year.1 As a business owner, ascertaining the value of your business is important for a variety of reasons, including business succession, estate tax estimates, or qualifying for a […]
ViewSucceeding at Business Succession
Family businesses account for 54% of private sector Gross Domestic Product (GDP), yet 43% of family businesses have no formal succession plan. While those numbers may shock you, it is not surprising that many small business owners are consumed by the myriad responsibilities of running their businesses.1,2 Nevertheless, owners ignore succession preparations at their peril […]
ViewProblems with Probate
Many of us hope to leave something behind for our loved ones when we pass away. But the probate process is complex. To understand how to better manage potential probate fees, let’s explore what probate is and how the process works. What Is Probate? Probate is the legal process that wraps up a person’s legal […]
ViewTrends in Charitable Giving
According to the most recent report by Giving USA, Americans gave $499 billion to charity in 2022.1 Americans usually give to charity for two main reasons: to support a cause or organization they care about or to leave a legacy through their support. When giving to charitable organizations, some people elect to support through cash […]
ViewA Brief History of Estate Taxes
Federal estate taxes have been a source of funding for the federal government almost since the U.S. was founded. In 1797, Congress instituted a system of federal stamps that were required on all wills offered for probate when property (land, homes) was transferred from one generation to the next. The revenue from these stamps was […]
ViewPut It in a Letter
American actor Lee Marvin once said, “As soon as people see my face on a movie screen, they knew two things: first, I’m not going to get the girl, and second, I’ll get a cheap funeral before the picture is over.” Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about their own funeral, and yet […]
ViewAnd the Executor Is
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger is famous for more than just his time on the bench. When he died in 1995, he left a 176-word will that gave no specific power to his executors. As a result, he reportedly cost his estate tens of thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees.1 Judge Burger’s case shows […]
ViewWill Power
Only one-third of adults have an estate strategy document such as a will in place, which may not be entirely surprising. No one wants to be reminded of their own mortality or spend too much time thinking about what might happen once they’re gone.1 But a will is an instrument of power. Creating one gives […]
ViewEstate Management Checklist
Do you have a will? A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children. Do you have healthcare documents in place? Healthcare documents spell out your wishes for health care if you become unable to […]
ViewCritical Estate Documents
Financial Documents Joint Ownership Durable Power of Attorney Living Trust What does it do? Enables you to own property jointly with another person Authorizes someone to handle legal and financial decisions if you become incapacitated Holds your belongings until your death Can it authorize someone to handle your financial affairs if you are unable […]
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