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Estate Planner
Showing 1–16 of 312 results
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Estate Planning Red Flag – You don’t have a will
November / December 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 293
Abstract: The need for a will as a key component an estate plan may seem obvious, but some may be surprised by the number of people — even affluent individuals — who don’t have one. One reason for this may be a common misconception that a revocable trust — sometimes called a “living trust” — obviates the need for a will. This brief article lists three key purposes of a will.
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Appointing a guardian for your children can be a difficult task
November / December 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 577
Abstract: It’s often said that a main reason people put off creating an estate plan is because of the difficulty in choosing a guardian for their children. However, that decision is one of the most important estate planning decisions a person must make. This article discusses how to choose the right guardian and what happens if the courts get involved.
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Opportunities and challenges – Valuation in the age of COVID-19
November / December 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 709
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the value of many business interests and other assets, which creates some attractive estate planning opportunities. It also presents unique challenges for valuation professionals. As a result, it’s more important than ever to involve experienced valuation experts in the estate planning process. This article examines the opportunities and challenges of asset valuation during the COVID-19 era.
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A SPA trust can improve the flexibility of your estate plan
November / December 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 872
Abstract: These are uncertain times. There’s uncertainty about the economy as well as the possibility of tax increases to address the rising federal debt. For example, there’s renewed interest in proposals that would slash the historically high gift and estate tax exemption. In light of this uncertainty, it’s a good idea to consider estate planning tools that offer asset protection as well as flexibility to adjust to changing circumstances. One such tool is the special power of appointment (SPA) trust. This article explains how a SPA trust can inject flexibility into an estate plan. A sidebar cautions readers about fraudulent transfer laws.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – Your revocable trust isn’t fully funded
September / October 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 309
Abstract: Revocable trusts provide significant benefits, including the ability to avoid probate of the assets they hold and facilitating management of a person’s assets in the event he or she becomes incapacitated. To obtain these benefits, however, the person must fund the trust — that is, transfer title of assets to the trust or designate the trust as the beneficiary of retirement accounts or insurance policies. This brief article explains what happens when the trust isn’t fully funded.
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What are your options to pay for long-term care?
September / October 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 630
Abstract: The cost of long-term home health care or an extended stay at a nursing home or assisted living facility can quickly erase one’s nest egg and derail an estate plan. This article examines three options to help cover the costs of long-term care (LTC): LTC insurance, hybrid insurance and employer-provided plans.
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Valuation of pass-through entities – Why tax-affecting matters
September / October 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 728
Abstract: The valuation of a closely held business for gift and estate tax purposes is critical to determining how much of one’s estate goes to family and how much goes to the government. If the business is structured as a pass-through entity — such as an S corporation, partnership or limited liability company (LLC) — the use of tax-affecting can substantially reduce its value, allowing your estate to slash its tax bill. This article details tax-affecting strategies and recounts U.S. Tax Court cases involving the valuation of pass-through businesses.
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Estate planning in a socially distanced environment
September / October 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 928
Abstract: As people continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and much of the economy reopens, the “new normal” demands continued social distancing in many areas of life. What does this mean for estate planning? Clearly, estate planning is as important today — or arguably more important — than ever. But how does one plan an estate and execute critical documents without face-to-face meetings or if he or she is required to self-quarantine? This article examines ways to plan an estate and execute critical documents in a socially distanced environment. A sidebar explains the pitfalls of do-it-yourself estate plans.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – Your estate plan doesn’t treat your grandchildren equally
July / August 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 294
Abstract: Many people, when planning their estates, simply divide their assets equally among their children. But “equal” doesn’t necessarily mean “fair.” It all depends on the family’s circumstances. This brief article explains that providing for grandchildren is one area where equal treatment can inadvertently result in unfairness.
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Roll with the changes – Your estate plan must evolve as you age
July / August 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 727
Abstract: Regardless of the stage of life one is currently in, it’s important to bear in mind that an estate plan isn’t a static document. Reviewing and revising an estate plan is critical — because what’s important to individuals in their 20s or 30s likely will be different in their 60s or 70s. This article examines some general estate planning guidelines to follow as a person progresses through life.
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Estate planning during uncertain times
July / August 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 623
Abstract: As people continue to grapple with the fallout from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it’s important to consider the impact of the crisis on one’s retirement and estate plans. Few people are immune to the virus’s financial effects, but there are strategies available that can aid an individual’s recovery. This article details estate planning opportunities that are especially effective in the current environment, as well as relief available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
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Don’t overlook foreign assets when planning your estate
July / August 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 990
Abstract: It’s somewhat surprising how often individuals fail to disclose foreign assets to their estate planning advisors. They assume that these assets aren’t relevant to their “U.S.” estate plans, so they’re not worth mentioning. But if a person owns real estate or other assets outside the United States, it’s critical to address these assets in his or her estate plan. This article examines red flags to be aware of when addressing foreign assets in an estate plan. A sidebar focuses on estate planning strategies for foreign citizens living in the United States.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – Your powers of attorney are stale
May / June 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 261
Abstract: Although much of estate planning deals with what happens after one dies, it’s equally important for a person to have a plan for making critical financial or medical decisions if he or she is unable to make them for themselves. This article explains the need to review and update powers of attorney.
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Estate planning in the FAST lane
May / June 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 550
Abstract: Traditional estate planning goals are still important, but affluent families are increasingly turning their attention to “softer,” yet equally critical, aspirations, such as educating the younger generation and preparing them to manage wealth responsibly, promoting shared family values, and encouraging charitable giving. To achieve these goals, many are turning to a “family advancement sustainability trust” (FAST). This article details how FASTs work.
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Sidestep the probate process to avoid the public eye
May / June 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 804
Abstract: Probate can be time consuming and expensive, and perhaps its biggest downside is that it’s public. In fact, anyone who’s interested can find out what assets a person owned and how they’re being distributed after one’s death. This article takes a closer look at the details of the probate process and strategies available to keep much or even all of one’s estate out of probate.
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The SECURE Act – What it means for your retirement and estate plans
May / June 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 874
Abstract: The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act is one of the most significant pieces of retirement plan legislation in years. In addition to affecting retirement planning strategies, the new law may also impact a person’s estate plan, especially if the beneficiaries will inherit IRAs or employer-provided retirement accounts. This article details the key changes in the SECURE Act and explains its impact on estate planning. A sidebar examines the new law’s benefits to small business owners.