When most people hear the term “dynasty trust,” they assume it’s something for only the wealthiest of families. However, dynasty trusts are not as out of reach as you might think, and can be used by many more families of a greater wealth spectrum than currently use them.
Demystifying dynasty trusts
Dynasty trusts...
It’s a common misconception that all your efforts to create a comprehensive estate plan are focused on what happens after your death. That is very much not the case, and it’s a dangerous misconception to plan by.
Estate planning does not equate to death planning. There are several ways in which your estate...
There’s no perfect time to broach the subject of estate planning with your family. We all know that everyone passes away eventually, but many of us often want to conveniently forget that reality.
Faced with the decision between taking the initiative to start a family discussion about estate planning and putting it off...
Many people who inherit wealth or small businesses are at significant risk for essentially squandering the wealth. An Ohio University study shows that an astonishing 33 percent1 of all beneficiaries lose their entire inheritance within two years of receiving it. The ways they manage to do so are as varied as the imagination,...
In December 2017, Congress passed, and President Trump signed a sweeping tax reform bill commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This Act contains significant changes that will impact your estate planning and income tax situation going forward.
Estate Tax Changes
Starting January 1, 2018, the estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer...
Have you ever wondered what would happen to your debts if you passed away before paying them off? Will your loved ones be obligated to pay your debts or will they simply disappear? Every person’s debt landscape is different, and the best approach is to create a tailor-made estate planning strategy to make...
In many states, winter is starting to thaw and flowers are beginning to bud. This can only mean one thing: summer vacation planning season is here. As vacation planning kicks into high gear, here are a few important things to add to your vacation readiness checklist.
Guardian nomination
If it's just you and...
Many of us labor a lifetime to build up our assets and fight for causes that matter to us. Few things are more fulfilling than the thought of sharing wealth and legacy with our family.
Of course, it’s impossible to plan for every eventuality, but careful planning can mitigate against the two primary...
One thing is certain: we Americans love our pets. The American Pet Products Association estimates that in 2017, pet owners spent an estimated $69.36 billion on their dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and other domestic animals. The money spent isn’t only for pampering the...
It’s the thick of tax season and you’ve probably been working on (or finished) your tax returns. Most of us don’t feel comfortable sharing the details of our tax returns, unless we have to, say for a mortgage. But, your estate plan, an important part of having your affairs in order, is a...
