Your Last Will and Testament Isn’t the End of Your Estate Planning
Your estate plan isn't finished just because your attorney has drawn up a will. Proper asset titling is the next step.
What is a Transfer on Death Account?
Transfer on death (TOD) accounts (also known as Totten trusts, in-trust-for accounts and payable-on-death accounts) allow spouses to pass small estates in a simple, convenient way.
Woman rebuilding couple photo after reconciliation sitting on a couch in the living room at home
Select the Right Designated Beneficiary, Otherwise, Your Ex Will be Delighted
You may be surprised at how easy it is to make an expensive mistake with your beneficiary designations.
Should I Designate a Trust as a Beneficiary of My IRA?
The question becomes, should they name a trust rather than an individual as a beneficiary of the IRA?
Continuing Care Community
Moving to a Continuing Care Community? Check the Fine Print
When you have finally decided to move from home to a senior retirement community that has levels of care—or when moving to a personal care/assisted living community—you and your family might not be in the mood to read legal agreements.
Frying Pan Contracts
What is Probate and Should You Avoid It? Part III
Probate is what's left over An alternative way to avoid the Probate process, or the frying pan, is by contract. Retirement plans, life insurances and investment accounts can have transfer-on-death…
An Inherited IRA Shouldn’t Be Handled Poorly
The IRA may be liquidated quickly. An inherited IRA can provide a lot of security. However, it can also become a problem, if it is not handled correctly, according to…
Signing matters
What Happens if I die without a will?
Estate problems can sometimes lead to a fractured family. We speak to many people who believe that if they die without a will, everything goes to the State. This is…
Reviewing Your Estate Plan in January
Put away the estate plan when it is completed. However, take a good look at it frequently. There are many reasons why an estate plan needs changing, because your life…