Affluent Parents Maximize Tax-Free Giving to Children

Affluent estate owners are opting to support their children and grandchildren financially during their lifetimes. We explore three strategies that can maximize tax-free giving to consider in your estate planning.
Should I Ask Mom and Pop about Their Finances?

There are now more than 70 million Baby Boomers in the U.S. However, millions of adult children may not be prepared to make important decisions about their parents’ future if necessary, because of a lack of knowledge about their parents’ finances.
Don’t Delay Updating Your Estate Plan

Changes in tax law and in your personal life may mean that yours needs to be updated. Here are the easiest (and smartest) ways to do it.
Why Shouldn’t I Wait to Draft my Will?

It’s an important task that is easy to procrastinate. However, here is why you shouldn’t:
Estate Planning Checklist for 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Estate planning is more than writing a will; it’s a plan to manage and distribute assets to your dependents. It documents your healthcare preferences, so a loved one decides on medical care according to your wishes. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) Adviser’s article, “Estate Planning Guide and Checklist for 2024,” offers a comprehensive overview of what to consider when planning your estate. This blog post distills the key points from the article and provides an actionable checklist for 2024. Understanding Estate Planning Estate planning organizes your affairs to fulfill your wishes after you pass away. It encompasses decisions about…
Is There More to Estate Planning Than Writing My Will?

One reason for having a will is to make sure your wishes are carried out. If you die “intestate” (without a will), your assets will be distributed by state law, not by your desires.
When Should I Update My Will?

There are some obvious triggers that might prompt you to update your will, such as changes in health or marital status. There are, however, also some not-so-obvious ones to be aware of, according to financial planners and attorneys.
What are the Federal and Gift Tax Exemptions for 2024?

The federal gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemptions and the annual exclusion from gift tax are historically high due to a temporary increase under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Reasons Reviewing Your Will Ensures That Your Estate Plan Reflects Your Current Wishes

Reviewing your will is something that many people know they should do but often put off. However, various life circumstances and legal changes can significantly impact your estate planning needs. Ensuring that your estate plan, including your will and other estate planning documents, reflects your current situation is essential for peace of mind and securing your beneficiaries’ future. Why Is it Crucial to Review Your Will Regularly? Your will is not a static legal document. As your life changes, so also might your wishes regarding how your assets are distributed after your death. It’s common for relationships, financial circumstances and…
Planning for Upcoming Federal Estate Tax Changes?

The closer we get to 2025, the more complicated estate planning gets for people who have an amount between where the limits are now and where the limits might be in 2026.