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Should a Husband and Wife have Separate Trusts?

In situations where both spouses want the surviving spouse to inherit all the assets, which is often the case, a joint trust can be far less complicated to set up and maintain than separate trusts, with less headaches for the surviving spouse.

Posted on: December 18, 2020

What Do I Need to Know about Roth IRA Conversions?

Many investors took advantage of the pandemic-induced market decline this spring to do big Roth conversions and pay less tax on reduced asset values.

Posted on: December 17, 2020

Is Probate Required If There Is a Surviving Spouse?

A common misconception is that you do not have to probate a will when your spouse dies.

Posted on: December 16, 2020

It’s Time to Stop Procrastinating and Have Your Estate Plan Done

The steady drone of coronavirus news these past nine months has spurred countless older Americans to face a long-procrastinated task: writing—or rewriting—their wills.

Posted on: December 15, 2020

What Happens If You Fail to Submit a Change of Beneficiary Form?

The financial institution is obligated to distribute the CD to the person or entities that otherwise would be entitled to receive it.

Posted on: December 14, 2020

What Do You Do with a Big Inheritance?

Let’s start with the numbers: 10 and 1,000,000,000,000. Over this decade, $1 trillion is expected to change hands through inheritance. The majority of that will end up in the hands of baby boomers. While one study found that the average inheritance was only $50,000, there will be a lot of inheritances in the $1 million-plus range.

Posted on: December 11, 2020

a beautiful white house with blue rooftop and lush garden

Is Transferring House to Children a Good Idea?

Adding an adult child to your house deed, or giving them the home outright, might seem like a smart thing to do. It usually isn’t.

Posted on: December 9, 2020

Do I Really Need a Will?

There’s much to plan for in life — college, your wedding, your first child, life insurance — and with more than enough to keep you busy, it’s easy to forget about your will. After all, no one wants to sit around and dwell on their death, but it is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will make in your life.

Posted on: December 8, 2020

How Do You Stop Family Fights Over an Inheritance?

After a loved one passes, one of the biggest hurdles families face is passing wealth onto the next generation. Unfortunately, family dynamics can spur conflict and infighting among descendants.

Posted on: December 7, 2020