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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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.
How to Protect Yourself From Lawsuits
By Matthew T. McClintock, J.D. Vice President, Education, WealthCounselThese strategies can help keep your assets safe if you wind up in court. These days, lawsuits can happen to anyone, at anytime. In the United States
What Is A Revocable Living Trust?
Introduction. Living trusts are sometimes promoted as a panacea for all estate, tax, and financial planning problems. But the living trust is only one of a number of options which may be used to achieve
The Importance of Succession Planning
Many people think the purpose of estate planning is to make sure your assets and belongings will go to the people and organizations you want to have them after you die, with as little delay
Funding Educational Needs of Children and Grandchildren
Outright Gifts. Every individual can give up to $14,000 annually to any one or more persons without any gift or estate tax consequences. This is called the “annual exclusion from gift taxation.” Accordingly, money can be
