What Should I Know about Beneficiaries?
Whenever you open a financial account, you’re almost always asked to name a beneficiary. Simply stated, a beneficiary of the account is someone who is entitled to the benefits of the account, typically, on the death of the account holder. If you’ve purchased life insurance, for example, you name a beneficiary, who receives the benefits of the policy when you pass.
What Do I Need in My Estate Plan in Addition to a Will?
This time of year, families gather to celebrate the season, offering an opportunity to air your plans for the inevitable.
How Do I Set Up a Living Trust?
Setting up a living trust is largely the same, regardless of where you live in the U.S.
Update Your Estate Plan to Protect Spouse and Children
Imagine you get married and within a year or two, your new spouse passes away. Now, imagine that your grief is compounded with financial stress.
Does My Mom Have to Pay My Dad’s Credit Card Debt after He Dies?
My father recently passed away and we discovered he had a large credit card debt on a card in his name. My mother wasn’t aware of it. All assets are in both of their names. Is my mother liable for the credit card debt?
What Does Recent Legislation Mean for the Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (GSTT) Exemption?
Recent legislation provides unprecedented opportunities to minimize or avoid estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer taxes (GSTT).
What are the Penalty-Free IRA Withdrawals?
The contributions you make to your individual retirement account (IRA) are intended to supplement your income during your retirement years. However, as much as you’d like to let your IRAs remain untouched until retirement, unforeseen expenses may force you to withdraw some of those assets early.
Failing to Plan for Life Events Could be a Big Mistake
It is estimated that more than 50 percent of all Americans don’t have a will, and in our Future File business, we have estimated that less than 10 percent of the U.S. population has a complete legacy and wishes planning system.
Include These Three Items in Your Will
A will or trust explains what you want to have happen to your assets when you die, hopefully in a very, very long time. While most people understand that a will explains what to do with money, property, and children, there are other parts you might be surprised by.
How Will the New SECURE Act Impact My IRAs and 401(k)?
A new law could affect the IRAs and 401(k)s of millions of Americans in 2020.