When establishing a trust, you need to give serious thought to choosing your successor trustee—the person who will administer your trust once you’re no longer able to do so. This individual ideally should be: Someone you trust implicitly. Someone who is organized,...

If you’re thinking about giving your children their inheritance early, you’re not alone. A recent Merrill Lynch study suggests that these days, nearly two-thirds of people over the age of 50 would rather pass assets to their children early than make them wait until...

Estate plans are living, breathing creations. Your life can and will change due to new births, children getting older and other shifts in the family; changes to your portfolio, career and business; and changes to your health, where you live and your core values....

As poet Robert Burns mused centuries ago, "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry." Despite thoughtful effort and a concerted strategy, you cannot prepare for every emergency. A car accident, sudden illness, workplace injury or chronic medical condition can...

As social beings, people like helping others and giving back to our communities. We are innately drawn to working, living, and growing together. Today, with our busy lives and high cost of living, it can be hard to find the time and resources to invest in the...

When you establish a trust, you name someone to be the trustee. A trustee does what you currently do with your financial affairs: collect income, pay bills and taxes, save and invest for the future, buy and sell assets, provide for your loved ones, keep accurate...

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...

Revocable Living Trusts have become the basic building blocks of estate plans for people of all ages, personal backgrounds, and financial situations. For some, however, a Revocable Living Trust may not be necessary to achieve their estate planning goals or may even be...

A recent study conducted by Texas Tech University concluded that a person's ability to make smart financial decisions peaks at age 50. This decline was observed in both men and women, showing that both sexes are equally vulnerable to financial fraud as they age. 4...

A resume is a 'snapshot' of your experience, skill set, and education which provides prospective employers insight into who you are and how you will perform. Imagine not updating that resume for 5, 10, or even 15 years. Would it accurately reflect who you are? Would...