Category Archives: Estate Planning-General
The Informed Caregiver
Did you know that we, humans, have added more years to our life expectancy in the past century than in all of history to this point? According to Stanford University’s Center on Longevity, most people living in the mid-1800s only lived to see their mid-30s. Today, the average life expectancy is 78. At this… Read More »
Great Expectations
All of us have expectations, some great and some small, some of ourselves and some of others, some we verbalize and some we leave unspoken. They are in every relationship — from professional to familial to personal to romantic. Sometimes our expectations are met, making us feel happy and contented, like we’re “on the… Read More »
The Benefits of Hoarding
The term “hoarding” has a negative connotation today. It conjures up visions of a house stacked to the ceiling with stuff, leaving only a little goat path for the occupant to get from one point to another. People hoard all sorts of things – papers, collectibles, food and even animals. Although a lot of… Read More »
An Estate Planning Primer
Estate planning can be defined as the process of putting an individual’s financial affairs in order and telling their loved ones what’s important to them. The most important goals can be stated as follows: (1) maximize the individual’s enjoyment of his or her estate during his/her lifetime; (2) protect themselves, their loved ones, and… Read More »
Your Obituary
It is certain, you shall not carry anything out of this world, except maybe your reputation. Did you hear the story about Alfred Nobel? When Nobel’s brother died, a newspaper ran a long obituary of Alfred Nobel, believing that it was he who had passed away. Sentences in the obituary similar to this one… Read More »
Disclaiming the Inheritance
Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson had seven adult children and a clan of grandchildren when they passed away. Their trust stated that their house was to be sold and that all the proceeds, plus all of their other assets, be divided amongst their seven children, the oldest of whom where twins, Keith and Kevin. Keith,… Read More »
Wise Estate Planning
It is good to do your estate plan and even better to do it wisely. After years in this ever-evolving and complex business, I can attest that not all estate plans are created equally. Some serve their purpose well, bringing organization and peace where there was once uncertainty. Others, however, cause headache (for the… Read More »
Resolve to Lighten Your Load
“But I am not a hoarder!” How many times have I said, I mean heard, that phrase? As Americans, we can accumulate an awful lot of stuff. That’s okay — it is our right to have as much stuff as we want. An issue comes into play, however, when our heirs have to deal… Read More »
Yes, No, But Not Maybe So
If there is ever a time to be 100% clear, bold, and direct, estate planning is one of them. Whether you are making a simple will or a detailed living trust, your words should leave no room for confusion, uncertainty, or ambiguity. Any time an “hhhmm” or a “maybe so” arises from an estate… Read More »
Strike One … Strike Two
My husband loves baseball, so much so that when we go to a major city he sometimes makes it a point to visit the local baseball stadium. He is fond of saying corny stuff like “Baseball is precious, that’s why it is played on a diamond”. As for me, I thought it might be… Read More »