ESTATE PLANNING

Higher interest rates spark interest in charitable remainder trusts

If you wish to leave a charitable legacy while generating income during your lifetime, a charitable remainder trust (CRT) may be a viable solution. In addition to an income stream, CRTs offer an up-front…

Consider providing your beneficiaries with the power to remove a trustee

To ensure that a trust operates as intended, it’s critical to appoint a trustee that you can count on to carry out your wishes. But to avoid protracted court battles in the event the…

Two estate planning documents working in tandem: A living trust and a pour-over will

At the very least, your estate plan should include a legally valid will governing the disposition of assets upon your death. But comprehensive estate planning often goes much further. For instance, you may provide…

Owning assets jointly with a child may not be the right estate planning strategy

There’s a common misconception that owning assets jointly with a child or other heir is an effective estate planning shortcut. While this strategy has a certain appeal, it can invite a variety of unwelcome…

Keeping a trust a secret may not achieve the outcome you’d expect

When planning their estates, many affluent people agonize over the impact their wealth might have on their children. Bill Gates reportedly said, “I won’t leave a lot of money to my heirs because I…

Payable-on-death accounts require careful coordination with your estate plan

Payable-on-death (POD) accounts can provide a quick, simple and inexpensive way to transfer assets outside of probate. They can be used for bank accounts, certificates of deposit and even brokerage accounts. Setting one up…

Are you considering moving to a new state to minimize estate tax?

With the gift and estate tax exemption amount at $12.92 million for 2023, only a small percentage of families are subject to federal estate tax. While that’s certainly a relief, state estate tax also…

What are the pros and cons of custodial accounts for minors?

Setting up an investment account for your minor child can be a tax-efficient way of saving for college or other expenses. And one of the simplest ways to invest on your child’s behalf is…

QTIP trust: Strange name, powerful trust

Granted, a QTIP trust is an odd sounding name for an estate planning technique. Nevertheless, it can be a valuable strategy, especially if you’re currently in a second marriage. The QTIP moniker is an…

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