
Take care when Gifting to an Heir
One of the biggest conundrums of estate planning is considering how, or even if, you can give money or property to your heirs in a manner that will help them.

One of the biggest conundrums of estate planning is considering how, or even if, you can give money or property to your heirs in a manner that will help them.

About 1.5 million Americans become widows and widowers in a normal year, but the pandemic has boosted that significantly. The National Center for Family and Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University estimates that about 380,000 of more than 700,000 people in the U.S. who have died from Covid were married.

That last will and testament you have tucked away? It may not be the last word on what happens to your stuff after you are gone. Instead, that legal document’s directives for doling out your wealth may be overruled by other paperwork and relevant laws.

Most of us associate 529 accounts as college savings vehicles. They’re flexible, allowing you to transfer assets to anyone, including yourself, for the express purpose of furthering the education of your beneficiary. However, did you know that a 529 can also be a powerful estate planning tool?

When there is a large inheritance at stake (or even when there isn’t), it is a great idea to get everyone on the same page. A family meeting can make that happen, and it can even be enjoyable.

If you’re planning an inheritance, be careful about leaving these assets to a loved one. They may create more trouble than they’re worth.

Most people have heard that each individual is allowed to gift $15,000 per year to another person without paying a gift tax. However, exactly what the gift tax is, and the consequences of going beyond $15,000, are less clear.

Inheriting an IRA from a parent has a unique set of rules you need to know, which will help you make the most of the money you inherit and avoid a tax-time surprise.

Recent studies estimate that 39.6% of Americans 65 years of age or older are victims of financial abuse.

Estate planning is a crucial part of any holistic financial plan, and financial advisors often work with estate planning attorneys for guidance in this area.