Beneficiary designations can be a simple way to pass assets at death. While beneficiary designations avoid probate, they may introduce other problems. This article shows how a revocable trust can provide a more flexible way to achieve a client’s goals. 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 4: Beneficiary Designations … [Read more...]
Trusts for Privacy
Trusts have many uses. Perhaps the most important is that they can provide privacy at death. Garry Shandling is thought to have used a trust to provide privacy for those he left behind. Trusts for Privacy … [Read more...]
Planning to Avoid Too Much SALT
The new tax law brought a cap of $10,000 on federal deduction for state and local taxes. People are trying different ways to get around the cap. Some of the ways work and others could land you in hot water. Read the article to find out more. Planning to Avoid Too Much SALT … [Read more...]
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 5: Retirement Assets
Retirement assets may be a very large part of a person’s estate at death. It’s important to consider the income tax ramifications of naming a beneficiary, as well as protecting those assets for the beneficiaries. This article considers some of these issues. 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 5: Retirement Assets … [Read more...]
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 3: Your Kids
An estate plan considers not just to whom assets should go, but also how. Each beneficiary is unique and the estate plan should consider their unique situation. This article looks at a couple with three very different children and how they might leave the assets for them in three very different ways. 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 3: Your Kids … [Read more...]
Planning for the International Client
Estate planning for the international client can be tricky. This article looks at the estate tax treatment of U.S. citizens and non-resident aliens. The article then looks at an example of someone who lived in the U.S. and then departed. Planning for the International Client … [Read more...]
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 6: Taxes
An estate plan considers many important aspects. One of the many aspects to consider is the impact of taxes. This article examines some of the many ways consideration of taxes might impact an estate plan. 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 6: Taxes … [Read more...]
Dead Hand Control: How Much is Too Much?
This article examines trying to exert control over your beneficiaries after death. Often, clients try to dictate the exact manner in which funds are used. Usually, it is a better course to give the trustee discretion. Dead Hand Control: How Much is Too Much? … [Read more...]
Planning for the Unexpected
This article examines the death of Charlotte Fox, one of the most famous mount climbers ever, who fell down her stairs at home. You never know what risks might be around the corner, so you should be prepared. The article looks at the elements of a basic plan. Planning for the Unexpected … [Read more...]
Donor Advised Funds: IRS Issues New Ruling
A new ruling addresses whether a donor advised fund may satisfy charitable pledges by the donor/advisor. It now may do so, as long as certain requirements are met. Read the article to learn more about how donor advised funds are a great tool for charitable giving. Donor Advised Funds: IRS Issues New Ruling … [Read more...]
