An eligible designated beneficiary refers to an individual designated as a retirement account beneficiary. The designation is crucial as it provides certain tax advantages and influences the distribution of the account after the original account holder's demise....
Estate Planning
Addressing sibling rivalries during estate planning
Estate planning is a nuanced process, and it largely centers around ensuring that your assets go where you want them to upon your death. You can also use estate planning tools to designate suitable individuals to take care of your financial interests and health...
How to talk to your loved ones about your estate plan
You're already ahead of many people if you've decided to create an estate plan. But the process doesn't end there. Talking openly with your family and loved ones about your plan is a crucial next step. Having this conversation can be tricky, but it's essential for...
How can I ensure my parents’s estate plans are up to date?
As your loved ones grow older, ensuring their affairs are in order becomes increasingly important. One critical aspect of this is confirming that their estate plans are current. Estate planning is a process that involves making arrangements for the distribution of...
How military survivor benefits fit into your estate planning
If you’re a current or retired member of the military, your estate plan likely won’t look much different than the typical civilian’s. Of course, every person’s estate plan is unique, depending on their marital status, whether or not they have children, what kind of...
Why DIY estate planning can be problematic
Estate planning is an important process that, in part, clarifies how your assets will be divided should you pass away. You can also utilize an estate plan to nominate guardians for your minor children and address your healthcare needs should you become incapacitated....
Reasons why it’s never too early to consider estate planning
Planning for the future is important in today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world. And estate planning is an excellent way to organize your affairs. This can ensure your wishes are respected. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly assume that estate planning is only...
Making charitable giving a part of your estate plan
You’ve given to charity in numerous ways throughout your lifetime. This is a pursuit that you hold dear and you want it to remain a part of your legacy. While much of the estate planning process centers around passing on assets to your loved ones, there can be much...
How to make estate planning more manageable
Estate planning is crucial, yet it's associated with complexity, a quality that can make some people avoid it. However, this is not entirely true. Of course, drafting estate plan documents requires knowledge and accuracy, but this does not mean it has to be difficult....
The importance of long-term care planning in your estate plan
Long-term care (LTC) planning is an integral part of an all-inclusive estate plan. Given increasing life expectancies and advancements in medical technologies, the likelihood of requiring long-term care or assistance in later life is on the rise. Without adequate...