
How an Annuity Beneficiary Works
Who you choose as the annuity beneficiary may impact how the annuity income is taxed if you pass away.

Who you choose as the annuity beneficiary may impact how the annuity income is taxed if you pass away.

A life estate is a type of property ownership or tenancy that grants an individual the right to use and enjoy a property for the remainder or their life. It gives an ownership interest to someone else.

As divorce and second marriages become increasingly common, more people find themselves raising children who are not biologically their own. Estate planning for blended families should address this unique situation.

As the calendar turned to 2023, many of us took a moment to think about resolutions. I want to lose 10 pounds. I want to read things that aren’t just about work. I want to learn how to play pickleball. Or maybe this year I’ll give a relationship another shot. Maybe I’ll even remarry.

A common financial mistake married farm couples make occurs when the first spouse dies, and the surviving spouse fails to ‘elect portability.’

A joint and survivor annuity provides lifetime income payments for an annuity owner and their survivor. You contribute a lump sum of money to the joint and survivor annuity and can usually start receiving income almost immediately.

You and your spouse may visit the same primary doctor, financial advisor and tax preparer. However, what about preparing your wills?

A SLAT is an irrevocable trust set up while both spouses are still alive, in which one spouse is the designated beneficiary of the other spouse.

Getting a step-up in basis when each spouse dies can be a big tax advantage. It has not been available to those who live in common-law states. However, it may now be–through a community property trust.

Traditional, very simple estate planning may not be sufficient to accomplish estate planning goals in many blended family situations.