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Having an estate plan, even an imperfect one, is usually better than having no plan at all. But an existing plan can still have serious flaws that defeat its overall goals or objectives. A plan based on misperceptions, including the idea that estate planning must be perfectly timed, can be nearly as problematic as putting […]

The Great Wealth Transfer, a broad term for the largest transfer of wealth from older generations to younger ones through inheritances and other financial gifts, is underway.1 But that does not mean that every heir will receive a share. Some may miss out on an inheritance because their parents spend down their savings, while others

Your family may need access to important information at a time when you cannot explain where it is or how to find it. Bank and investment accounts, insurance policies, medical information, estate planning documents, property records, and online accounts may all be stored in different places, including email inboxes, cloud accounts, and personal devices. A

“That’s not fair!” is a common child’s refrain as they advocate for themselves or express what they feel to be unjust. This pursuit of fairness, however, often follows families into adulthood, and it can resurface with real consequences when an estate plan is on the table. Ideas about fairness often influence family dynamics and may

As adults, we rarely face a multiple-choice exam or a pop quiz. The tests that come our way tend to be real-life ones: moments that reveal how prepared we actually are for the unexpected. That is how your estate plan is supposed to work. The true test of your plan does not arrive in your

Retreating to a warmer climate for the winter may sound like an ideal way to spend a few months. To help make this dream a reality, some individuals choose to rent out their second homes when they are not in use. Before listing your property for rent, however, consider the financial, legal, tax, insurance, and

An estate plan may look perfect on paper—until your heirs need cash quickly. Life insurance can be a powerful tool for addressing that gap, providing funds precisely when they are needed most. When coordinated with the rest of your estate plan, it can also help ensure that your wishes are carried out as intended. Why

For many snowbirds, cooler weather means it is time to head south. If you are thinking about heading for warmer weather this winter, there are a few things you should consider before hitting the road. Which state do you consider your home? If you split your time between two states, it is important to understand

Maps help us get where we are going. Nowadays, phone apps provide detailed directions, making it nearly impossible to get lost. A physical map may seem outdated, but in an emergency, it can be a lifesaver.  An estate plan without a “road map” leaves your loved ones guessing what exists and where important things are

A pot trust is a way to hold money and property for a group of beneficiaries, usually children or other family members, in one shared trust. Instead of dividing everything into separate shares right away, the assets stay together in a single fund, allowing the trustee (the person in charge of managing the trust) to