As a middle-class American, you may assume that trust funds are only useful for the very wealthy. However, if you own a home and have other assets you would like to pass on to loved ones, creating a living trust may be a smart financial choice. This important...
Breaking down the costs of a Texas funeral
End-of-life planning frequently involves guardianship, your estate and your care preferences. It also includes what happens after the end of your life—the funeral. Your family has a lot of emotions to work through during their time of grieving. Planning for these...
Selecting participants for your estate plan
When you think about planning your estate, you probably think mainly about your end-of-life wishes. Given that an estate plan does encompass the legacy you wish to leave behind, this train of thought makes sense. However, it may interest you to know that you will need...
How to choose an estate executor
Organizing your estate may seem like a daunting task. Not only are there several arrangements to make when arranging your affairs, but you must make important decisions regarding your property and assets. One of the most important decisions you can make involves...
What are some signs of elder abuse?
You expect people responsible for caring for the elderly to conduct themselves with compassion. While this is true in many cases, elder abuse is still far too common. While you cannot always prevent abuse before it starts, you can take steps to stop its damaging...
How do you pick a guardian for your children?
Your legal will lets you determine how you want to pass on and distribute your personal property after you die. This document also serves several other important purposes. According to the American Bar Association, you can designate a legal guardian for your children...
3 ways to keep undue influence out of your parent’s estate plan
Having a comprehensive estate plan is arguably the most effective way to maintain control over what happens to a person's assets after death. Still, because procrastination is easy when it comes to estate planning, most Americans do not have even a simple will. If...
Advance care planning – an overview
Estate planning involves more than deciding how people want their assets and property distributed upon their deaths. As important as including these types of provisions, people should also include advance care directives in their estate planning. Through advance care...
Why are retirees upsizing their homes?
As you reach retirement age, it is typical to start to downsize, get rid of what you do not need and focus on your estate plan. While most retirees choose a smaller, more manageable estate for retirement, the began to shift in recent years. According to CNBC, a study...
Which estate planning myths should you avoid believing?
While most people do not want to think about their estate plan, it is still an important document that guides your loved ones if something happens to you in the future. If you want an estate plan that protects your assets and your family's rights to their inheritance,...