Estate Tax Planning Tips for Married Couples
For married people with large estates, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) brings welcome relief from federal estate and gift taxes, as well as the generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax. Here’s what you need to know and how to take advantage of the favorable changes. Estate and Gift Tax Basics The TCJA sets the unified […]
Make a Plan to Safely Store Estate Planning Documents
It’s important to create an estate plan so your loved ones will know your wishes regarding your wealth and other issues. The first step is to work with your advisors to draft and sign a will, health care directives, powers of attorney and, potentially, trust documents. But there’s another critical task. You’ll need to find […]
Recession Fears and Realities
Last August, the highly respected Conference Board, which compiles the Leading Economic Index, believed the U.S. economy would not expand in the third quarter of 2022 and “could tip into a short but mild recession by the end of the year or early 2023.” The Conference Board doubled down last month, forecasting that “a contraction of economic […]
7 Steps to Get Your Affairs in Order
While many find it anxiety-provoking to think about, creating a legally binding plan to distribute your assets after your death ultimately provides you with peace of mind. You can rest easy knowing that your wishes will be carried out as you have requested. Some folks prefer a DIY, or do-it-yourself approach, but this may not […]
A Closer Look at Durable Power of Attorney
As the COVID-19 pandemic taught many Americans, serious illness may strike at any time and any age. Of course, in ordinary times, older Americans are at risk of becoming physically or mentally incapacitated. So if you haven’t thought about who’ll handle your personal and financial affairs in the event you can’t, given it serious consideration […]
Estate Management Checklist
Effective Estate Planning requires attention to a number of important details. The following checklist will get you started developing an estate management plan. Consult with your professional adviser after reviewing the following questions. Do you have a will? A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will […]
Is Your Estate Plan Aging as Gracefully as You Are?
A lot can change over a lifetime — including with your wealth, family composition and priorities. That’s why you need to revise your estate plan as you progress through life. Milestones such as becoming a parent and retiring can require everything from estate plan edits to estate plan overhauls. Here are some of the issues […]