• Benefits of Single Member Limited Liability Companies

    The limited liability company (LLC) form of entity is the appropriate form of conducting business for, many, if not most, sole proprietors. The primary reason for this is that this form of entity permits an individual to enjoy the benefits […]

  • Basic Standards of Conduct for Partners in a Partnership and Members of an LLC

    Statutorily Imposed Duties. State statutes provide that individuals associated with partnerships shall discharge his or her duties in good faith, with the care an ordinarily prudent person in the like position would exercise under similar circumstances and in a manner […]

  • What’s the Difference Between Wills and Living Trusts?

    Both Wills and Trusts are devices which you can use to provide for the distribution of your estate upon your death. Deciding whether a Will or a Trust best fits your needs depends on your circumstances. A living Trust is […]

  • Charitable Giving Strategies

    Despite the recent downturn in the economy, it appears that members of community continue to be generous to their favorite causes. It is only by and through the use of donations that many charitable and other not-for-profit organizations are able […]

  • Three Estate Planning Items Everyone Needs

    By Matthew T. McClintock, J.D. Vice President, Education, WealthCounsel Many people mistakenly believe that estate planning is only necessary for the wealthy. In reality, a basic estate plan is essential for everyone, regardless of income or net worth, because we […]

  • Inherited IRAs No Longer Protected From Creditors

    By Matthew T. McClintock, J.D.Vice President, Educational Content, WealthCounsel In a major decision, the Supreme Court ruled this past June that inherited IRAs are not considered protected retirement funds—and are thus subject to creditors’ claims if the beneficiary files for […]

  • Understanding Who Should Be Beneficiary of Your IRA

    How To Turn A Modest Tax-Deferred Account Into Millions For Your Family How would you like to turn your modest tax-deferred account into millions for your family? Depending on whom you name as beneficiary, you can keep this money growing […]

  • Estate Planning With Dementia on the Rise

    Dementia is a syndrome that causes deterioration of cognitive function. As the baby boomer generation continues to age, so does the number of people who are affected by dementia. Perhaps more alarming, dementia is more commonly being diagnosed among individuals […]

  • Is Disability Insurance Worth It?

    From homes to body parts, Americans protect a variety of assets through insurance policies. When purchasing insurance policies, however, many Americans forget to insure their most important asset, the ability to work. Through disability insurance, a person can insure his […]

  • Advance Directives/Living Wills are a Critical Component of Estate Planning

    March 31, 2012 marked the seventh anniversary of the death of Terri Schiavo, the 41-year-old who succumbed after her feeding tube was removed as part of a very public legal battle between her husband and parents. As you may recall, Terri Schiavo was in a coma for nearly 15 years after she suffered cardiac arrest and sustained a brain injury. Her husband, Michael Schiavo, alleged that his wife would not want to live in her incapacitated state; she had no written instructions in place.