January 27, 2021 •
Estate Planning ![]()
Unfortunately, only about a third of U.S. adults had an advance directive in recent years, according to one research analysis.
Read MoreJanuary 26, 2021 •
Estate Planning ![]()
Is there a person on the planet who doesn't love the Peanuts characters? Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Pigpen, Schroeder, and the gang are the iconic creations of Charles Schulz. In fact, it is still so popular that they earned Schulz's estate $32.5 million over the last year, two decades since his death due to cancer.
Read MoreJanuary 25, 2021 •
Estate Planning ![]()
If you haven't reviewed your beneficiary designations recently, you may be setting your heirs and estate up for some unpleasant surprises.
Read MoreJanuary 22, 2021 •
Estate Planning ![]()
For some older homeowners, a reverse mortgage can be a way to supplement retirement income, consolidate debts or cover expenses, like health care. For scam artists, they can be a lucrative tool to fleece people in their 60s and up out of large sums of money, or even their homes.
Read MoreJanuary 21, 2021 •
Estate Planning ![]()
A majority of retirees—53%—have a last will and testament. However, most lack six other crucial legal documents.
Read MoreJanuary 20, 2021 •
Estate Planning ![]()
Powers of attorney come in different forms, each suited for a specific purpose. They serve as useful tools in any estate-planning effort.
Read MoreJanuary 19, 2021 •
Estate Planning ![]()
Everything each spouse earns during their marriage is community property. Fortunately, a gift or inheritance is separate property. However, that’s only half the battle.
Read MoreJanuary 18, 2021 •
Estate Planning ![]()
Like a lot of estate planning vehicles, irrevocable trusts work very well for some purposes—particularly for tax avoidance and asset protection—and not so well for other purposes.
Read MoreJanuary 15, 2021 •
Estate Planning ![]()
No matter how solid the relationships might be, it is important for parents to be aware how blended families can create unique estate planning issues.
Read MoreJanuary 14, 2021 •
Estate Planning ![]()
A last will and testament is a straightforward estate planning tool, used to determine the beneficiaries of your assets when you die, and, if you have minor children, nominating a guardian who will raise your children. Wills can be very specific but can’t enforce all of your wishes. For example, if you want to leave…
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