Estate plans are like life—over time, it changes, people are added and subtracted and your wishes and goals change. Regardless of your income, amount of assets or family circumstances, everyone wants to minimize taxes and facilitate a smooth transfer of property at death. Consider a recent aptly named article titled “Does Your Estate Plan Call for … Continue reading What Does a Will Do and Not Do?
Category: POA
What Is a Power of Attorney and Is It Important?
Most people realize the importance of the last will and testament. However, they remain unaware of the importance of a durable power of attorney. This document authorizes another person to act on your behalf while you are alive and expires upon death, as explained in an article titled “Power of attorney likely to be first vital … Continue reading What Is a Power of Attorney and Is It Important?
Yes, You Need a Will. Now.
Less than half of Americans have a will, or have any idea of how they would like to have their money and property handled at the time of their passing, according to an article titled “How to make a will and why you need one while you’re still alive” from Today. Why do you need a will? A … Continue reading Yes, You Need a Will. Now.
The Most Important Part of Estate Plan Is Planning for Living
Most people think of estate planning as planning for death. However, a well-titled article “Planning for death probably isn’t the most important part of your estate plan” from Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls Press presents another reason for estate planning in clear terms. Estate planning is planning for the unexpected eventualities of life. Estate planning documents address how things will work … Continue reading The Most Important Part of Estate Plan Is Planning for Living
Factors to Consider when Picking Executor, Trustees and POAs
Having your estate planning documents created with an experienced professional is important, as is naming the people who will be putting your plan into action. A key sticking point is often deciding who is the right person for the role, says an article from Nasdaq titled “Estate Planning: 5 Tips to Pick Trustees, Executors and POAs.” It helps to … Continue reading Factors to Consider when Picking Executor, Trustees and POAs
What Should Not Be Kept in a Safe Deposit Box?
In today’s digital world, almost everything of importance is stored virtually, in the cloud. A physical safe deposit box might seem like a throwback, but still has some good uses, says an article from Kiplinger, “Things You’ll Regret Keeping in a Safe Deposit Box.” Some things belonging in a safe deposit box include prized possessions, like a … Continue reading What Should Not Be Kept in a Safe Deposit Box?
What Happens When There Is No Will?
A will ensures that your personal and financial assets are given to the people and organizations you want. It also allows you to choose the person you want to settle your affairs, known as your executor. The time to have a will prepared is typically the same time people have a power of attorney and … Continue reading What Happens When There Is No Will?
Why Everyone Needs an Estate Plan
Estate planning means making plans to manage and distribute assets and caring for loved ones in the event of a person’s death or incapacity. It also involves the creation of legally binding documents to outline a person’s wishes for health care and financial matters. Estate planning ensures your wishes are carried out and is also … Continue reading Why Everyone Needs an Estate Plan
What’s the Best Way to Organize Your Estate Plan?
Congratulations, if you already have an estate plan. However, do you remember where you put it? Does anyone but you know where it is? According to an article from The Press-Enterprise, “2023 check list: How to organize your estate plan,” most people take their estate plan and put the binder or file folder someplace they deem safe and … Continue reading What’s the Best Way to Organize Your Estate Plan?
Top Benefits of Estate Planning
Despite the hard lessons learned during the COVID pandemic, surveys repeatedly show most Americans still don’t have an estate plan in place. According to the article “Five benefits of estate planning” from The Aspen Times, a comprehensive estate plan ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes when you die, minimizes taxes on your estate and protects … Continue reading Top Benefits of Estate Planning