Why Everyone Over Age 18 Needs an Estate Plan
Did you know that 80% of Americans do not have an estate plan? It’s a shocking fact. Likely this is because most people do not realize how important it is to have an estate plan in place should the unexpected – or even the expected – occur. If you are over 18, you need an […]
Traveling this Summer? Important Things to Do Before You Go
Before you take off for your summer vacation, there are a few important things you need to do in addition to packing and making sure reservations are in order. Among those on your checklist should be reviewing or completing your estate plan. Estate Planning for Summer Travel The last thing you want to think about […]
Putting a Home in a Living Trust
As a homeowner, estate planning is likely something you’ve thought about—perhaps you’ve even discussed it with family members. But when it comes to protecting your assets, your home is often your most valuable asset, both financially and sentimentally. One of the most effective ways to ensure that your home is passed seamlessly to your heirs […]
The Benefits of a Living Trust
A living trust is a type of trust that is created and funded during the grantor’s lifetime. It is a flexible and useful estate planning tool that can provide a number of benefits to individuals and families. Avoids Probate: One of the biggest benefits of a living trust is that it helps to avoid probate, […]
Estate Planning Checklist – Items to Consider
Review insurance policies (life, health, disability, etc.) to ensure coverage and beneficiaries are up to date. Consider creating a will to ensure assets are distributed according to wishes. Determine lifestyle needs in retirement and consider strategies for ensuring financial security. Make a list of assets and liabilities to determine total net worth. Consider setting up […]
Advance Care Planning Terms
Advance care planning (ACP) is a process of discussing and documenting an individual’s future healthcare preferences and decisions. ACP involves identifying and discussing medical treatments and interventions that an individual would want or not want in case they become unable to make decisions for themselves due to illness, injury, or cognitive impairment. This blog will […]
Planning for Incapacity: Documents to Have and Steps to Take
There is no question we are living longer. It’s not unusual these days for people to live well into their 90s – even to 100 – and sometimes beyond. This is great! It allows us more time to enjoy our loved ones. But with aging comes the inevitable health issues that can prevent you from […]
Your Living Will: What Can and Cannot Be Included
If you are seriously injured in an accident or have a medical crisis where you are unconscious and not able to speak for yourself, a Living Will lets you spell out what type of treatment you would want or not want. It provides guidance for doctors about how to treat you in given medical situations, […]
Estate Planning Basics: 7 Step Checklist
Creating an estate plan can be daunting. There is so much to consider: taking stock of your assets, deciding who inherits what, choosing responsible people to carry out your wishes. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow our 7-step checklist of basic estate planning. It will make things a lot smoother. The Estate Planning […]
Health Care Proxy vs. Living Will
A Health Care Proxy and a Living Will allow you to control your medical care wishes in the event you cannot communicate them, yourself. While both legally-binding documents carry out your health care decisions, they fulfill different purposes. The Health Care Proxy serves as your voice if you are unable to express your choices while […]