Ask any parent about their goals for estate planning, and their first answer will be their wish to provide for their children. This goal is most effectively accomplished through an estate plan where parents can officially and formally express their wishes and intentions for providing for said children. There are two primary options for leaving an […]
Estate planning is about protecting what is important to you. Although much of the traditional estate planning conversation focuses on surviving spouses, children, grandchildren, and charities, many pet parents wonder what could happen to their “furry children” after their death. Enter the pet trust. This tool is something that can be easily incorporated into a new or […]
As a millennial, you are contributing to the workforce in a major way and are making positive changes in the world around you. We understand that your concerns may differ from someone of a different generation, and we are here to help you craft an estate plan that protects your future and addresses the things that […]
It’s fair to say that estate planning has never been truly popular. Research shows that, in 2024, less than one-third of Americans report having a will.[1] And even fewer people are creating estate plans today than in years past. However, the trust is that every adult—whether they are 19 or 99—really should have a will at a […]
Many of us are familiar with the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Central to the story is the relationship between Snow White and her stepmother. After losing his first wife, the king decided to remarry in order to provide a motherly influence for his daughter, Snow White. While things were peaceful for a […]
Having an estate plan is a great way to ensure you and your loved ones are protected today and in the future. When creating an estate plan, we look at what is going on in your life at that time. But because life is full of changes, it is important to make sure your plan can […]
The first private pension plan in the United States was established in the late 1800s. Through 1980, nearly 40 percent of Americans were covered by a traditional employer-funded pension. But employer-provided retirement plans have now largely shifted away from pensions to retirement savings vehicles like 401(k) plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) that place most of […]
When developing your estate plan, it is nearly impossible to address every account or piece of property you own. There are sure to be some things you unintentionally overlook. However, by including a residuary clause, you can intentionally distribute any remaining items inadvertently left over during the estate or trust administration process to a named beneficiary […]
Jimmy Buffett died on September 1, 2023, at age 76 after a diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma (skin cancer) four years earlier. He was a renowned singer-songwriter, film producer, businessman, novelist, and philanthropist. Buffett released his first album, Down to Earth, in 1970. By 2023, his net worth was officially $1 billion,[1] including a $180 million stake in his […]
When tackling estate planning, adding a payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) designation to an account allows the assets (money and property) in that account to be passed to a named beneficiary when the original account holder dies. Like trusts, POD and TOD accounts bypass probate. They are also fast, easy, and usually free to set up. […]
