Do I Need to Be Wealthy to Set Up a Trust?

If you’ve heard of trust funds but don’t know what they are or how they work, you’re not alone. Many people know just one key fact about trust funds: they’re set up by the ultra-wealthy as a way to protect passing on significant sums of money to family, friends or entities (charities, for example) after they pass away.

Why Is Estate Planning more Complicated with a ‘Gray Divorce’?

Rising divorce rates among Americans over the age of 50 are causing more conflict in estate planning, new data shows. According to a recent survey by TD Wealth, up to 40% of financial planners say that rising gray divorce rates are leading to an increase in family strife with estate planning as the top conflict.

What Should I Know about Property Deeds?

Property deeds are used to convey real property from a grantor (seller) to a grantee (buyer). For a deed to be legally operative, it must include the identification of the grantor and grantee, and the adequate description of the property.

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.

What Did Kobe Bryant Do for Estate Planning?

The list of wealthy black celebrities who have died without a will in place is a significant one. Names on the list include Prince, who died with a net worth of about $300 million without having a will. So did John Singleton, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix and the great Bob Marley, to name but a few.

You Could Be Hit with Penalty for an Early IRA Withdrawal

Most financial experts would agree that it is rarely, if ever, a good idea to take an early withdrawal from a traditional IRA or Roth IRA. This is due in part to the high cost of penalties that can hit an account holder for an early withdrawal (not to mention losing out on years of potential earnings).

Do Unmarried Couples Need Estate Planning?

Experts say that creating a plan for what happens to your estate — regardless of how meager or massive your assets — is key for unmarried couples who want their commitment to each other protected in the event of death.