by Christine | Sep 10, 2012 | Estate Planning, Funeral Planning |
The old adage “nothing is certain but death and taxes” is very true. Since income taxes occur on an annual basis we think about them frequently. Our own death, however, we seldom think about or plan for. That’s a problem. Admittedly, it’s fairly difficult to plan for...
by Christine | Sep 7, 2012 | Estate Planning, Gift |
Given the uncertainty surrounding next year's taxes, here is a reassuring thought: One of Uncle Sam's most useful tax benefits isn't expiring, shrinking or otherwise under threat after 2012. Experts call it the "annual gift exclusion." Been...
by Christine | Sep 6, 2012 | Estate Planning, Marriage, Retirement |
For couples over the age of 60, cohabitation is becoming increasingly common, even when the partners would prefer to get hitched — a decision that's often financially driven. "This is absolutely a growing trend." Marriage is a big decision, whether...
by Christine | Sep 5, 2012 | Estate Planning, Trusts |
Can you force a grandchild to take a drug test in order to receive an inheritance? Insist your heirs use trust funds only for tuition at your alma mater? Make sure your wife's future husbands can't run through money you worked hard to earn? In many cases, the...
by Christine | Sep 4, 2012 | 2013, Estate Law, Estate Tax, Gift Tax, Trusts |
“You Must Act Now!” “The Now Moment Has Arrived.” Late-night infomercial pitchmen? Nope. Wealth planners breathlessly warning prospective clients that they have only until Dec. 31 to seize a “historic” opportunity to transfer millions to kids and grandkids, tax free....
by Christine | Sep 4, 2012 | Estate Planning, Family Business, Small Business, Succession Planning |
There are a number of reasons you might want to put your name on your business. But before you launch your eponymous company, project yourself into the future—the very reason you’ve chosen to name your company after yourself may be the reason you...
by Christine | Aug 31, 2012 | Gift, Inheritance, International Taxation, IRS |
What about foreign gifts and inheritances? These rules aren’t as well publicized but the stakes are huge. Have you received a gift or inheritance from a loved one living in a different country? The IRS wants to know about it, and failing to notify them could cost you....
by Christine | Aug 30, 2012 | Estate Planning, Estate Tax, Portability |
The Internal Revenue Service in June issued guidance for an estate-tax law Congress passed late in 2010. The IRS recently issued new guidance on an important estate tax issue for married couples regarding the portability of individual estate tax exemption between...
by Christine | Aug 29, 2012 | Elder Law, Estate Planning, Marriage, Wills |
Nearly 2.5 million Americans die each year, and many haven’t signed the basic documents needed to protect loved ones. But let’s say you took this important step. How often do you need to revisit your estate plan? Estate planning is not a single event, but rather a...
by Christine | Aug 28, 2012 | Elder Law, Estate Planning |
Parents, it's time to be an adult when it comes to talking to your kids about your late-in-life planning. At the core of proper planning is the understanding that there’s simply no time like the present; it’s the only time to ensure the future, to make your...
