You might think that people are well aware of the fact that they must plan ahead if they want to enjoy a comfortable retirement, but surprisingly statistics tell a different tale. There was a poll conducted by AP-LifeGoesStrong.com recently that was widely circulated in retirement planning circles that attempted to get a feel for how prepared people who are members of the baby boomer generation are for their retirement years. Some 24% of the people who responded to the poll said that they had … [Read more...] about Retirement Planning: Veterans Can Be Well Prepared
Three Dogs Inherit $82,000
When you are planning your estate there are a lot of things to consider and it would be easy to overlook some of the smaller details. But, one thing you are not going to forget is the nuts and bolts matter of making sure that your family members are well provided for after you pass away. Right? Well, actually, there are those who do indeed overlook making provisions for certain family members. The reason why is because these family members walk around on four legs. Yes, people sometimes neglect … [Read more...] about Three Dogs Inherit $82,000
Two Basic But Effective Estate Planning Tools
Estate planning can get rather complicated due to tax laws and the various different forms that your assets may be in when you are making your plans. This is why it is a good idea to retain the services of an experienced estate planning attorney from the outset. There is no reason why the layperson would be aware of all of the options that are available. So when you "go it alone" with the help of some type of DIY software that you found on the Internet your frugality could in fact wind up … [Read more...] about Two Basic But Effective Estate Planning Tools
Some Surprised That Winehouse Had Current Estate Plan
The world of entertainment received some very sad news recently when the death of British singer Amy Winehouse was reported. Winehouse, a five-time Grammy award winner, was just 27 years of age when she was found dead in her London home. She joins the "27 Club" along with music legends Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, blues icon Robert Johnson, and Kurt Cobain, all of whom passed away when they were just 27 years old. At one point Winehouse was … [Read more...] about Some Surprised That Winehouse Had Current Estate Plan
Choosing An Executor With Probate In Mind
When you use a will as your primary vehicle of asset transfer your estate must pass through the process of probate. This is an interim during which the probate or surrogate court determines the validity of the will and supervises the administration of the estate. There are many tasks that must be tended to during the probate process to make your wishes as stated in writing an actual reality, and these duties fall into the hands of the executor that you name when you are drawing up your … [Read more...] about Choosing An Executor With Probate In Mind
Pet Planning Is Not To Be Overlooked
Once you get serious about the process of estate planning there are going to be a lot of things on your mind. Preparing all of the assets that you have been able to accumulate throughout your life for distribution to your loved ones after your passing is certainly a profound task on a number of different levels. On the financial side you must make sure that your assets are optimally positioned for a smooth and efficient transfer so that nothing is lost as the assets change hands. On an … [Read more...] about Pet Planning Is Not To Be Overlooked
Avoid Probate With A Revocable Living Trust
A lot of people are under the impression that the process of estate planning revolves around drawing up a last will. While it is true that the last will is the most well known and commonly used vehicle of asset transfer in the field of estate planning it is not your only option and in many cases it is not the best one. The primary reason why people often decide to go another route is because your estate must pass through the process of probate when you transfer your assets to your heirs with a … [Read more...] about Avoid Probate With A Revocable Living Trust
Estate Planning & Charitable Giving
The top priority of most people when they are engaged in the process of estate planning is going to be to make sure that their family members are provided for after they pass away. This is as it should be, but it is not uncommon for some individuals take stock of their broader legacy as well. You may feel some philanthropic urges and decide that you would like to include a charitable giving component to your estate plan. There are a number of different options available, and the nice thing is … [Read more...] about Estate Planning & Charitable Giving
Estate Planning Is Especially Important For Gay Couples
There was recently a lot of buzz in the news about the legalization of gay marriages in the state of New York. Of course such unions are not recognized around most of the country, and this presents some estate planning realities that gay couples must address that are not as important to people who are legally married. If you were to pass away without an estate plan in place and you were married, your spouse would assume ownership of your property under the recognized rules of legal succession. … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Is Especially Important For Gay Couples
What Is An Ethical Will?
When you think about estate planning the financial aspects are probably going to occupy your mind. You must prepare all of the assets that you have been able to accumulate throughout your life for distribution to your loved ones, and this is indeed a formidable task. In a sense it is like the ultimate act of spring cleaning, identifying everything you have tucked away over many decades. And then you have to determine who will be getting what as it were and how best to deliver it. But aside from … [Read more...] about What Is An Ethical Will?
