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Estate Planner

Showing 1–16 of 380 results

  • Estate Planning Red Flag – You’re not sure whether your trust deposits are fully insured

    September / October 2023
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 268

    Abstract: Recent bank failures have increased concerns about the availability of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) coverage for bank accounts held in trust. The rules regarding insurance of trust accounts are complex, and new rules will take effect on April 1, 2024. This brief article explains how the new rules simplify the calculations of FDIC coverage.

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  • QTIP trust – The right trust for your blended family

    September / October 2023
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 598

    Abstract: If a person is currently in a second marriage and has older children from the first marriage, this trust may be of interest: a qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trust. It can provide future security for both a surviving spouse and any children from a prior marriage. Plus, it can provide flexibility to an estate plan. This article explores the ins and outs of a QTIP trust.

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  • Can you undo an irrevocable life insurance trust?

    September / October 2023
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 656

    Abstract: For years, people have been setting up irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs) to avoid estate tax on the death benefits paid out under their life insurance policies. But what if they have an ILIT that they no longer need? This article explains a person’s options for pulling a life insurance policy out of an ILIT or even unwinding the ILIT entirely.

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  • Preparing for 2026 – Four ways to build flexibility into your estate plan

    September / October 2023
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 973

    Abstract: On January 1, 2026, the federal gift and estate tax exemption amount set by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will sunset. If an estate exceeds, or is expected to exceed, 2026 exemption levels, one should consider implementing planning techniques today that can help reduce or avoid gift and estate tax down the road. However, what if a person isn’t ready to give significant amounts of wealth to the next generation? Perhaps he or she wants to hold on to assets in case circumstances change. Fortunately, there are strategies available to take advantage of the current exemption amount while retaining some flexibility to access wealth should the need arise. This article details four such strategies. A sidebar explains why a person must be careful of running afoul of the reciprocal trust doctrine.

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  • Estate Planning Red Flag – You’re considering a self-directed IRA

    July / August 2023
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 297

    Abstract: An IRA can be a valuable tool in a person’s retirement and estate planning arsenal, but what if he or she isn’t satisfied with its performance? One option is to set up a “self-directed” IRA. This brief article explains what a self-directed IRA is and lists its potential risks.

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  • Decisions, decisions – Naming a successor fiduciary is important to an estate plan

    July / August 2023
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 602

    Abstract: Having a backup plan is never a bad idea. Indeed, the same line of thinking applies to a person’s estate plan. Specifically, it’s important to name a successor fiduciary. This person can step in and take over if the executor or a trustee is no longer able to perform their duties. This article details a fiduciary’s duties and describes the attributes of a good fiduciary.

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  • Contributing to a 401(k) plan – Traditional or Roth?

    July / August 2023
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 701

    Abstract: Most employers’ 401(k) plans provide the option of making contributions on a pre-tax (traditional) or after-tax (Roth) basis. Which option is the right choice depends on several factors, including a person’s current and expected future tax circumstances and estate planning goals. This article explains the differences between the two plan options, explores scenarios when one plan makes more sense over the other and discusses the estate planning implications.

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  • Estate planning in a digital world

    July / August 2023
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 907

    Abstract: Today, virtually everyone owns (or licenses) digital assets, from email and social media accounts to digital photos and videos to online banking and brokerage accounts. Unlike traditional, physical assets, digital assets leave little or no “paper trail.” Unless one’s estate plan specifically provides for them, it may be difficult for loved ones to access these assets — or even know that they exist. This article provides steps to take to ensure that digital assets are known and accounted for properly in an estate plan. A sidebar explains the ins and outs of drafting a digital asset protection trust.

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  • Estate Planning Red Flag – You revised your will by hand

    May / June 2023
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 273

    Abstract: 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 public. But what happens if a major life change necessitates a change? To avoid the time and expense associated with formally updating a will, it may be tempting to simply make the change by hand and initial it. This brief article explains why that is almost always a bad idea.

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  • Providing for your children – Should you use one trust or separate trusts?

    May / June 2023
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 608

    Abstract: One of the most effective ways to provide for one’s children in an estate plan is to set up trusts for them. Many parents’ estate plans call for their assets to be split into equal shares and used to fund a separate trust for each child. But, depending on one’s circumstances, it may be preferable to pool assets into a single “pot” trust. This article details how a pot trust works and lists its benefits.

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  • Update your will with a codicil

    May / June 2023
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 611

    Abstract: On the completion of a will, a person generally knows that there would come the day when he or she would need to make a change. Perhaps the person recently welcomed a new grandchild to the family or maybe went through a divorce. Whatever the case, after a major life change, the will may need a quick fix. This article explains how a person can update his or her will with a codicil.

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  • SECURE 2.0 provides a boost to your retirement and estate plans

    May / June 2023
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1029

    Abstract: The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 expands on the changes made by the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019. Enacted in late 2022, SECURE 2.0 can help people save more for retirement, which, in turn, can provide more wealth to share with their loved ones. This article examines the highlights of SECURE 2.0. A sidebar explores how the new law affects Section 529 plans.

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  • Estate Planning Red Flag – You haven’t planned for the death of beneficiaries

    March / April 2023
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 306

    Abstract: When one plans for the disposition of his or her estate, it’s critical to understand what happens if a child or other beneficiary predeceases the person. There’s no one right way to deal with this contingency, but to avoid unintended results the estate plan should spell out, with precise language, how the estate should be divided among loved ones. This brief article details a few scenarios that can play out if vague language is used in an estate plan.

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  • Estate planning and asset protection planning go hand in hand

    March / April 2023
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 607

    Abstract: Business owners understand the importance of protecting the company’s wealth from the claims of creditors and lawsuits. Doing so ensures that more wealth will be available to pass to family members. This article explains that the way a business is structured can affect its level of asset protection. It also discusses strategies to build asset barriers.

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  • Influencing your heirs – 4 tips for an effective incentive trust

    March / April 2023
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 675

    Abstract: Estate planning isn’t just about sharing wealth with the younger generation. For many people, it’s equally important to share one’s values and to encourage their children or other heirs to lead responsible, productive and fulfilling lives. One tool for achieving this goal is an incentive trust, which conditions distributions on certain behaviors or achievements that you wish to inspire. This article explores four strategies that can increase the effectiveness of an incentive trust.

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  • Funding long-term care expenses: What are your options?

    March / April 2023
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 936

    Abstract: Few things can derail an estate plan as quickly as unanticipated long-term care (LTC) expenses. Most people will need some form of LTC (such as a nursing home or assisted living facility stay) at some point in their lives. And the cost of this care is steep. This article explores a few options to fund LTC expenses so that a person won’t deplete his or her nest egg. A sidebar details tax benefits available to offset LTC expenses.

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