Yours, 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 […]
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