When you create an estate plan that includes a living trust, you’ve taken an essential step toward protecting your home and family from the cost of court. However, many people don’t realize that placing their home in a trust requires updating their homeowner’s insurance policy. Without this crucial step, you could face a devastating scenario: […]

Every year on February 1st, we observe National Unclaimed Property Day – a reminder of the staggering $60 billion in forgotten and abandoned assets currently held by state governments across America. And this isn’t just spare change we’re talking about. These are life insurance policies, forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, retirement funds, and other valuable […]

When disaster strikes, time is your most precious resource. Whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, or flood, being ready to act can make all the difference for you and your loved ones. Having a clear plan helps you stay calm and focused during emergencies. In this article, we’‘ll walk you through how to prepare for evacuation, […]

You know that uneasy feeling when you think about what everyone you love would do, if (and when) something happens to you? That nagging voice reminding you that you still haven’t created a will or trust or updated the estate plan you do have? As we enter 2025, it’s time to stop pushing those thoughts […]

When preparing for college expenses, understanding how financial aid and estate planning intersect can make a significant difference. This article will break down the essentials of how asset ownership influences aid eligibility, offer actionable strategies to increase the chances of receiving aid, and highlight estate planning tools that can protect your wealth while optimizing support […]

The end of the year can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a time to set yourself up for credits and deductions that can put real money back in your pocket come tax time this April. From the Earned Income Tax Credit to residential energy improvements and even adopting a child, there are a wealth of […]

The desire to make a difference doesn’t end when we’re gone. For many people, incorporating charitable giving into their estate plan provides a way to support causes they care about while creating a lasting legacy. Whether you want to establish a scholarship fund, support medical research, or help your local community, thoughtful charitable planning can […]

When it comes to planning for your family’s future, the options can feel overwhelming. Should you get a will? Create a trust? What happens if you do nothing at all? These aren’t just academic questions – your choices today will impact your loved ones tomorrow. In this second installment of a two-part Q & A […]

When it comes to estate planning, we get many questions about many topics. One of the most common questions we hear concerns account ownership and asset management. Understanding how accounts are titled and who has access to them isn’t just about convenience—it’s about ensuring your assets transfer smoothly to your loved ones while protecting them […]

When legendary singer Tony Bennett passed away in July 2023, he left behind an estimated $100 million estate and, unfortunately, a family divide threatening to tarnish his legacy. His daughters Antonia and Johanna Bennett are now suing their brother, Danny, who serves as trustee of their father’s estate, alleging a lack of transparency and potential […]