There is a more complete form of estate planning called legacy planning that you may want to consider. Your legacy plan could contain some financial elements, but you can also include some things that money cannot buy that are very valuable as well. Let’s look at some of the components that could be included in your legacy plan. Wealth Preservation We are going to primarily focus on possibilities that have nothing to do with money, but we should discuss the value of wealth preservation for … [Read more...]
Estate Plan Revisions May Be Necessary
As estate planning lawyers, all too often we speak with people that are looking for “damage control.” They find themselves in difficult circumstances because they did not plan ahead in advance appropriately. Of course, we do everything that we can to provide assistance after the fact, but most often there is only so much that can be accomplished. They say that the only certainties of life are death and taxes, and everybody prepares for April 15th each year. Strangely enough, the majority of … [Read more...]
Estate Planning Thoughts for Veterans Day
November 11 is Veterans Day, and people around the country are taking some time to remember the contributions that have been made by former service members. In this post we would like to share some thoughts about retirement and estate planning for veterans. The Basics Veterans have the same concerns that we all do when it comes to estate planning. You want to make sure that you are taking all the appropriate steps with regard to the transfer of your assets after you pass away. It is also … [Read more...]
Hagman Legacy Includes Philanthropic Foundation
People who are fortunate enough to enjoy significant financial success are often in a position to create a charitable foundation. When you take this step you can leave behind a profound legacy as your name is associated with philanthropy into perpetuity. The actor Larry Hagman died at the age of 81 recently, and he will certainly be missed. Though he played a rather unlikable character on the classic television series Dallas, people who knew him say that he was a very nice person who made the … [Read more...]
Take Steps to Keep Your Wealth Intact
Estate planning for high net worth families is extraordinarily important given the realities of the federal estate tax and any damage that could be done via litigation. In addition to these protections you also have the ability to reach out and support nonprofit entities that you believe in while gaining tax advantages in the process. This may seem self-evident to anyone who has the financial savvy to have accumulated a significant store of wealth. You must, however, be diligent because constant … [Read more...]
What is Legacy Planning?
We all leave behind a legacy when we die -- what your legacy is depends on how much time and effort you put into creating it prior to your death. You don’t have to have a vast fortune in order to create a legacy plan; however, the wealthier you are, the more important it is to create a legacy plan that is consistent with your objectives. A legacy plan is your chance to elaborate on your basic estate plan. Your basic estate plan allows you to determine who will receive your assets when you die. A … [Read more...]
Considering Your Legacy
The dictionary definition of the word "legacy" will tell you that your legacy involves gifts of property and monetary assets after your passing. This is of course a large part of it, but there could be more to shaping your legacy than simply arranging for the passing of your assets to your family members. Depending on your resources exactly how you go about this can vary considerably. There are those who will make a donation that is specifically used to finance some type of building project. … [Read more...]
Is 2012 A Good Year To Give Gifts?
When you consider the subject of estate planning it is useful to recognize the fact that it is an ongoing process. Your initial estate plan is going to be based on a snapshot of your life as it existed at that time. Clearly, things do not stand still and events happen in your life that often times render your existing estate plan obsolete. Things like changes in marital status and additions and subtractions to the family would fit this description. In addition, there are things that take place … [Read more...]
Working While Receiving Social Security
Some view Social Security as their primary retirement plan. The reality is that this program is a basic safety net that may not provide the financial resources needed for a comfortable retirement. That said, since most are required to pay into the program it can be viewed as welcome supplement to retirement if nothing more. There are several commonly asked questions that people who are engaged in retirement planning often ask. The first question most people have involves the age of … [Read more...]
The Finer Details Of Inheritance Planning
Inheritance planning is really a comprehensive endeavor and it entails more than simply directing the transfer of assets via the execution of documents. There are numerous practical considerations that require communication with family and loved ones. Some feel as though they will always have time to communicate their wishes at some point in the future when they have more time. For many the topic of death is s difficult topic to discuss. Though these concerns are certainly understandable, … [Read more...]
