If you want to leave a robust financial legacy for your family, a financial plan alone is like trying to guide a boat with just one oar. It’s only part of the big picture for your overall monetary health. A well-informed financial plan is worth your time for several...

If you are part of the baby boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964), you may also find that you are a member of the sandwich generation, with responsibilities to both your parents (now or in the future) and your children. This should change the way you think...

Every parent wants to make sure their children are provided for in the event something happens to them while the children are still minors. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives often want to leave some of their assets to young children, too. But good...

For many, passing along religious beliefs and values to the next generation is just as important as passing along financial wealth and tangible assets. Estate planning creates many opportunities to do this, including: * End-of-Life Care. A health care power of...

Many young families put off estate planning because they are young and healthy, or because they don't think they can afford it. But even a healthy, young adult can be taken suddenly by an accident or illness. And while none of us expects to die while our family is...

Clients often tell me they are wanting to “get their affiars in order” so their spouse or children do not have to worry about it later.  While this will be different for everyone, here is a recent Wall Street Journal article (with a depressing title!) that provides a...

Here is a good summary of the recent estate and gift tax changes voted into law last week.

IRAs are among the largest assets inherited by heirs and beneficiaries. These accounts have been able to grow to such large amounts because income taxes are deferred until the owner begins to take distributions, usually after reaching age 70 1/2 . Those who inherit an...

Blended families face some interesting challenges when it comes to estate planning. Often, the parents have a hard time deciding to how to provide for their “new” family while still providing for their own children. This week, I want to show some common scenarios that...

RAs are among the largest assets inherited by heirs and beneficiaries. These accounts have been able to grow to such large amounts because income taxes are deferred until the owner begins to take distributions, usually after reaching age 70 ½. Those who inherit an IRA...