by Christine | Jan 17, 2014 | Estate Planning, Roth IRA |
Conversions from regular IRAs to Roth retirement accounts increased more than nine times in 2010, rising to $64.8 billion from $6.8 billion in 2009, according to data released [January 3rd] by the Internal Revenue Service. As reported in Bloomberg on the day of an IRS...
by Christine | Jan 16, 2014 | Charitable Giving |
Want to better understand the mistakes charities make, so you can do a better job in your own philanthropic endeavors? With the yearly end-of-year run on charitable giving now behind us for 2013, and year-end stresses subsiding, this might be a good time to consider...
by Christine | Jan 15, 2014 | Uncategorized |
… Make sure that you understand what is in your trust. Other issues, particularly those related to tax issues, will require consulting with an estate planning professional. Do you have a trust? Trusts are powerful estate planning tools, those of which should be...
by Christine | Jan 14, 2014 | Estate Law, Estate Planning, Wills |
Estate planning is a difficult topic to address because it requires you to think about a world without you in it. No one likes to reflect on their own demise, which is why many people simply put estate planning off for another day and only get around to it when the...
by Christine | Jan 13, 2014 | Estate Law, State Law |
Even if you live (and, well, die) in a state that doesn't have an estate tax, your estate could be nicked if you own property or other tangible assets (such as a plane or a boat) in a state that does. We tend to spend so much time talking about the federal...
by Christine | Jan 10, 2014 | Digital Estate Planning, Elder Law, Estate Planning |
What would happen to your e-mail accounts if you suddenly died? Are familiar with the notion of a digital estate? What happens to your online bank accounts, emails, social media and your entire digital presence on the web when you pass away? Imagine a world without...
by Christine | Jan 9, 2014 | Beneficiary Designation, Elder Law, Estate Law, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), Inherited IRAs |
We say it over and over again. Check your beneficiary forms! Don't let your retirement funds go down the drain. Anything involving the court system is rarely quick and painless (probate anyone?). Fortunately, IRAs can easily be transferred to your loved ones...
by Christine | Jan 9, 2014 | Estate Planning |
“Money can be divided pretty evenly, but the teacup that grandma always used? Maybe there’s only a $2 value associated with that teacup, but because of the sentimental value and the emotions around it, that causes the controversy.” While it is easier to think about an...
by Christine | Jan 8, 2014 | Estate Planning, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) |
One big advantage of the trusteed IRAs: IRA owners can prevent their beneficiaries from spending down the accounts right away. An IRA is a very powerful tool, if you use it right. Your IRA can essentially serve estate planning purposes beyond simple retirement funding...
by Christine | Jan 7, 2014 | Estate Planning |
With the new year comes new "incentive" to improve your life and becoming more organized, which could include "cleaning up" your closets or "cleaning up" your legal affairs. Many of my clients who have made the pledge to organize and...
