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Showing 81–96 of 384 results
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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.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – Your spouse failed to designate you as beneficiary of his or her IRA
March / April 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 300
Abstract: One advantage of inheriting an IRA from a spouse is that the other spouse is entitled to transfer the funds to a “spousal rollover IRA.” But what happens if the original IRA owner mistakenly named a trust as beneficiary of his or her IRA, or failed to name a beneficiary at all? This brief article details IRS guidance, in the form of a private letter ruling, related to this specific circumstance.
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Wealth preservation and estate planning go hand-in-hand
March / April 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 614
Abstract: A central tenet of any estate plan is the protection of your assets. Asset protection strategies can range from simple to quite sophisticated. This article explores several asset protection strategies, with the main takeaway being that it’s best to begin planning earlier rather than later.
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E-wills: Are they ready for prime time?
March / April 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 684
Abstract: Today, most people communicate, shop, bank and even sign documents online. But one area that hasn’t yet embraced the digital revolution is estate planning. Most people continue to execute wills and related documents with paper and ink at a lawyer’s office in the presence of witnesses and a notary public. This is beginning to change, though. One example is electronic wills. This article details the Uniform Electronic Wills Act.
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Creating an education legacy
March / April 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 911
Abstract: For many people, an important goal of estate planning is to leave a legacy for their children, grandchildren and future generations. And what better way to do that than to help provide for their educational needs? One way to do so is to establish a family education trust that invests in one or more 529 plans. This article details that strategy. A sidebar explains what happens when there are unused funds in a 529 plan.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – You have significant frequent flyer miles
January / February 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 282
Abstract: For those who have accumulated hundreds of thousands or even millions of frequent flyer miles, it’s worth their while to address the miles in their estate plans. The reason is that the value of the miles can be significant. This brief article explains how to address this asset type in an estate plan.
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Making the most of charitable donations
January / February 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 677
Abstract: Conventional wisdom says that an illiquid taxpayer who wishes to make a charitable contribution is better off donating appreciated assets rather than cash. However, in some cases, it’s preferable to liquidate appreciated assets and donate cash, especially since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act temporarily increased the limit on deductions for cash donations to public charities from 50% to 60% of adjusted gross income (AGI), compared to 30% of AGI for appreciated assets. This article explains the factors that must be considered when making charitable donations.
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There’s no time like the present to draft your will
January / February 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 732
Abstract: A well-crafted, up-to-date will is the cornerstone of an estate plan. Importantly, it can help ease the burdens on your family during a difficult time. This article details what a will should address.
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Now or later – When’s the right time to transfer your wealth?
January / February 2020
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 899
Abstract: To gift or not to gift? It’s a deceptively complex question. The temporary doubling of the gift and estate tax exemption is viewed by many as a “use it or lose it” proposition. But giving away wealth now isn’t right for everyone. Depending on one’s circumstances, there may be tax advantages to keeping assets in one’s estate. This article explains the tax consequences of making lifetime gifts vs. bequests at death. A sidebar details how to build flexibility into an estate plan.