Estate Planning is a broad term, often overwhelming and misunderstood. Some people think only the “wealthy” need an Estate Plan, but the bottom line is most everyone should have a basic Estate Plan. Estate Planning is a topic near and dear to our hearts as we work with many clients to help develop Read more…
Understanding the Benefits of Self-Canceling Installment Notes in Estate Planning
Introducing self canceling installment notes (SCINs): a unique form of promissory note that allows buyers and sellers to securely transfer real estate, business interests, and other assets while helping to optimize income, gift and estate taxes. Read more…
Preserving Generational Wealth: What to Know About Family Trusts
Families that have worked hard to build wealth want to share that success with their children, grandchildren, and beyond. When it comes to building that kind of generational wealth, a family trust is a great place to start. Family trusts are a key tool for managing wealth carefully over multiple Read more…
Charitable Contributions with Equity Compensation, Estate Planning and Taxes
A charitable contribution is the gift of cash or property made to a nonprofit organization. The gift is meant to help an organization accomplish its goals, and the donor receives nothing in return. In most years, taxpayers can deduct cash charitable donations to public charities of up to 60% of Read more…
Estate Planning Pros: How to Choose an Executor for Your Estate
So, you’ve decided to put together your estate plan. That’s great! Often considered just for the ultra-wealthy or older generations, estate plans are a crucial component of a complete financial plan. An executor and team of estate planning professionals are a few essential pieces of an estate plan. Read more…
How the SECURE Act Impacts Your Financial and Estate Planning
After a bumpy road for the new retirement bill in Congress, the SECURE Act came into effect on Jan. 1. Also known as the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act, the law is one of the most comprehensive pieces of legislation to reform retirement savings. Read more…
5 Considerations for a Successful Wealth Transfer
You’ve worked your whole life to build and maintain your wealth, so thinking about passing it on can seem daunting. How much should you tell your children about your finances? And how can you distribute your wealth in a way that supports your heirs, as well as your community? Read more…
Your Will: Will It or Won't It?
It is commonly thought that the transfer of wealth upon someone’s death is largely, or even exclusively, dictated by that person’s document known as a Last Will & Testament, or simply, Will. In fact, the term “Will” is often used synonymously with one’s estate plan. Because of this, people too Read more…
Estate Planning: Not Just for the Old and Rich
While executing an estate plan might not be at to the top of your to-do list, it’s one of the most important pieces of your financial plan. I’ll admit, it took me expecting my first daughter to get my estate plan in order—but hopefully this post will motivate you to get your estate plan in place, Read more…
5 Estate Planning Documents You Need
Estate planning is a little different for everyone. While you are alive, the estate planning process allows you to manage and preserve your assets. At death, your estate plan allows you to conserve and control their distribution after your death according to your goals and objectives. Read more…