Estate planning helps bring peace of mind and a sense of security, both in our lifetime and beyond. While we cannot predict our fate, we can at least dictate how our money and property will be distributed and ensure that we provide for our loved ones. Physical security is a big part of feeling emotionally, psychologically, and […]
Most US businesses have a pass-through taxation structure, meaning they are not subject to corporate tax. Instead, they have their income “pass through” to their owners to be taxed on their individual income tax returns. Pass-through businesses have simpler filing and a lower tax rate than C corporations because they avoid double taxation. Pass-through business owners […]
If you are thinking about creating an estate plan, you may hear some new and confusing terms that can make your head spin. To add to your bewilderment, not only are some of the words unfamiliar, they may also be homophones—words that are pronounced the same as other words, but have different meanings and spellings. For […]
Owning a business involves risk. There are no guarantees that the founders of a company will get along, a product or service will sell, or market conditions or competitors will not create unanticipated barriers. While entrepreneurs must be willing to take a leap of faith, there are steps they can take to reduce risk, both for the […]
When creating a trust, it is common to name yourself as the initial trustee who is responsible for all aspects of administering the trust. However, when considering who will take over when you can no longer act (either because of illness or death), it is sometimes helpful to divide the responsibilities between two or more successor […]
The online marketplace Etsy has gone from a niche craft seller to one of the largest commerce companies in the world. Etsy has millions of active sellers worldwide, most of whom are based in the United States. Many Etsy sellers rely on the site as a primary or secondary income stream. Collectively, they contribute billions of […]
An individual’s belongings—such as jewelry, furniture, photographs, and books—sometimes slip through the cracks of their estate plan. While certain books may be gifted to a beneficiary in a loved one’s will, a book lover may leave behind other books that the family must decide what to do with. The family’s first inclination when encountering piles of […]
Great ideas are often turned into great businesses. Too often, however, the individuals who turn an idea into a business skip an important step – planning. Good business planning begins with discussions among the owners of a business and their professional advisors, including lawyers, accountants, insurance, and financial professionals. Once the issues are discussed and decided, […]
For many, Memorial Day weekend signals the beginning of summer and enjoying warm-weather activities, including a backyard barbecue with friends and family. Although a cookout may be an informal affair, planning is crucial to its success. This is true for estate planning, too. Just as preparations are necessary for a successful cookout, a little planning goes […]
Spring is associated with renewal, and as the weather gets warmer, many homeowners turn their attention to renovation projects. Each May, the home remodeling industry and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) celebrate National Home Remodeling Month. In 2023, over 17 million home remodeling projects are expected to be undertaken in the United States. Between […]
