IEP

Showing 17–32 of 376 results

  • Estate Planning Pitfall – Your estate is tied too closely to specific gifts

    Year End 2022
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 350

    Abstract: A person’s will is designed to provide for the disposition of his or her possessions and tie up any loose ends in the estate. To accomplish these goals, one may include specific bequests to named beneficiaries. However, doing so may result in unintended outcomes. This brief article illustrates this point using two fictional scenarios.

    Read More

  • A spouse’s inheritance rights vary state by state

    Year End 2022
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 669

    Abstract: If a person is preparing to get remarried, estate planning likely isn’t top of mind. However, depending on the state he or she lives in, his or her spouse has property rights that apply regardless of the terms of the estate plan. This article takes a closer look at spousal rights and details strategies available to limit them.

    Read More

  • Who should you name as your children’s guardian?

    Year End 2022
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 619

    Abstract: Parents of young children likely have put a lot of thought into raising their kids, ranging from schooling to activities to religious upbringing. But what happens if a parent (or both) should unexpectedly die? This article explains why it’s so important to name a guardian in one’s estate plan.

    Read More

  • A living trust and a pour-over will – Two estate planning documents working in tandem

    Year End 2022
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 878

    Abstract: Comprehensive estate planning often goes much further than simply having a will. For instance, one can provide for transfers of assets to a living trust (also known as a revocable trust) to supplement the will. For many, the best part of this strategy is that the trust assets don’t have to pass through probate. An additional step can be taken by creating a pour-over will. This article explains how a living trust and a pour-over will work together. A sidebar explains the differences between a revocable and irrevocable trust.

    Read More

  • Estate Planning Pitfall – You sell real estate for $1

    October / November 2022
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 276

    Abstract: If a family member offers to sell a piece of property to another member of the family for $1, it may not end up being the great deal it initially seems. This brief article uses an example to explain the potential tax consequences that can result from selling property for $1.

    Read More

  • Is a split annuity strategy right for you?

    October / November 2022
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 665

    Abstract: The average length of retirement is 18 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And with today’s medical technology, it could last significantly longer. Thus, a major challenge is balancing the need to maintain one’s standard of living while preserving as much wealth as possible for the family to enjoy after death. This article details how a split annuity may be one strategy to consider. It creates a current income stream while preserving wealth for the future.

    Read More

  • Qualified charitable distributions – Use QCDs to transfer IRA funds to charity

    October / November 2022
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 688

    Abstract: An individual after retiring, or if retiring soon, may be more inclined to make donations to charity. However, he or she may receive little or no tax benefit from the contribution, depending on whether the person itemizes deductions. This article explains how transferring qualified charitable distributions directly from an IRA to a qualified charitable organization can help achieve charitable goals.

    Read More

  • Now’s the time to review your estate plan

    October / November 2022
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 847

    Abstract: That estate plan an individual created years ago should be dusted off and carefully reviewed. One may find it to be out of date or in need of minor tweaking. In any event, it’s likely that some changes are required. The end of the year is an optimal time to act. Get a fresh start on the upcoming year by taking time now to review and revise the estate plan as needed. This article provides several questions to consider when reviewing an estate plan. A sidebar details the benefits of creating a trust.

    Read More

  • Estate Planning Pitfall – You didn’t make specific references in a letter of instruction

    August / September 2022
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 275

    Abstract: A letter of instruction provides insights into the management of a person’s affairs after death. But the letter won’t be of much help if it’s vaguely written. This brief article suggests specific references to include in the letter.

    Read More

  • QTIP trust – Strange name, powerful trust

    August / September 2022
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 645

    Abstract: A qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trust is an odd sounding name for an estate planning technique. Nevertheless, it can be a valuable strategy, especially for someone who’s currently in a second marriage. Essentially, this trust provides future security for both a surviving spouse and children from a prior marriage, while retaining estate planning flexibility. This article details the ins and outs of a QTIP trust.

    Read More

  • Family businesses would be wise to consider IRC Section 6166

    August / September 2022
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 909

    Abstract: It’s true that because of the current record-high gift and estate tax exemption amount, most families don’t have to worry about transfer taxes. However, there are high net worth individuals who must continue to work to reduce their estate tax liability. In fact, these taxes continue to place a burden on families with significant amounts of wealth tied up in illiquid closely held businesses. This article explores the ways Internal Revenue Code Section 6166 can provide relief by allowing the estates of family business owners to defer estate taxes and pay them in installments if certain requirements are met.

    Read More

  • Does your family situation call for a spendthrift trust?

    August / September 2022
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 721

    Abstract: For those who have concerns that an heir might squander his or her inheritance, drafting a spendthrift trust might be the solution. This trust may incorporate various tax benefits, including taking advantage of the federal gift and estate tax exemption. But that’s not its primary focus: Its main purpose is asset protection. This article explains how a spendthrift trust works and why it’s important to choose the right trustee. A sidebar details the reasons why a professional is needed to create the trust.

    Read More

  • Estate Planning Pitfall – You haven’t coordinated your estate plan with your spouse

    June / July 2022
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 305

    Abstract: Estate planning can be complicated enough when a person doesn’t have a spouse. But things can get even trickier for married couples. Even if the couple have generally agreed on most major issues in the past — such as child rearing, where to live and other lifestyle choices — they may not be on the same page when it comes to making critical estate planning decisions. This brief article details how to best coordinate one’s estate plan with a spouse.

    Read More

  • Net gifts – A gift-giving technique that makes sense in certain situations

    June / July 2022
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 598

    Abstract: Lifetime giving is a smart strategy to reduce a person’s taxable estate. However, if one’s $12.06 million federal gift and estate tax exemption has been exhausted, his or her gifts may be fully taxable at the 40% rate. In this case, consider making “net gifts.” This article explains that this technique requires the gift’s recipient to agree to pay the gift tax as a condition of receiving the gift, thus reducing the gift’s value for gift tax purposes.

    Read More

  • Why contingent beneficiaries matter

    June / July 2022
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 721

    Abstract: A will provides for the disposition of one’s worldly possessions, including a house, investments and other property. These go to the beneficiaries named in the will. In addition, this foundation is usually supported by documents for trusts, retirement plan accounts and life insurance policies. They also have designated beneficiaries. But the process may be a little more complicated than it first seems. Of course, one must list the primary beneficiaries in these documents, but it’s also imperative to include “contingent” beneficiaries for peace of mind. This article explains why naming contingent beneficiaries is critical.

    Read More

  • Will your will be contested?

    June / July 2022
    Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 882

    Abstract: A person’s will may be challenged based on its validity, its terms or even his or her mental capacity at the time it was drafted. Although state law generally controls these matters, there are guidelines to follow. This article examines who can contest a will and when and how one may be able to discourage discord. A brief sidebar explains certain protections available outside of the probate process.

    Read More