ESTATE PLANNING

Undue influence claims may upend your estate plan

One of the goals in creating a comprehensive estate plan is to maintain family harmony after your death. Typically, with an estate plan in place, you have the peace of mind that your declarations…

Don’t overlook digital assets in your estate plan

When it comes to digital assets, it’s important to know that, unlike many assets, they leave little to no “paper trail.” Thus, unless your estate plan specifically provides for them, it may be difficult…

Own foreign assets? Account for them in your estate plan

Failing to address any foreign assets you possess in your estate plan can cause unexpected outcomes. The good news is that with the help of an experienced estate planning advisor, you can structure the…

An HSA can be a healthy supplement to your wealth-building regimen

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow eligible individuals to lower their out-of-pocket health care costs and federal tax bills. Since most of us would like to take advantage of every available tax break, now might…

Assets with sentimental value may require more thoughtful planning than those with greater monetary value

As a formal estate planning term, “tangible personal property” likely won’t elicit much emotion from you or your loved ones. However, the items that make up tangible personal property, such as jewelry, antiques, photographs…

When providing for your children, one trust may be better than two

One of the most effective ways to provide for your children in your estate plan is to set up trusts for them. Trusts offer many benefits, including the flexibility of when and how to…

Making will revisions by hand is rarely a good idea

The laws regarding the execution of a valid will vary from state to state, but typically they require certain formalities. These may include signing the will in the presence of witnesses and a notary…

Conservation easements are under IRS scrutiny

For many years, conservation easements have been a powerful estate planning tool that enable taxpayers to receive income and estate tax benefits while continuing to own and enjoy the properties. So it’s no surprise…

Can a split annuity strategy help you achieve a balance in retirement?

You may be currently facing this dilemma: You’ve retired (or you’re approaching retirement) and, while you want to maintain your current standard of living, you also want to preserve as much of your wealth…

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