We make them with the best of intentions, New Year’s resolutions. At the end of the month up to 40% of us will resolve to accomplish something in 2020. Yet, not unsurprisingly, a mere 8% of us will actually keep those resolutions and succeed in our goals. Some of the most important resolutions we will set center on family and money. Though estate planning doesn’t typically come to mind when you think “resolution,” Read More
Our 2019 Family Gift Guide
Happy Holidays! I’m behind schedule this year. By now, I have usually finished my holiday shopping. This year, I have barely started. Having been burned in years past for having my shopping completed early, I am taking a new approach in 2019. In addition to celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas, I have two daughters who have very different replies to “what would you like for a gift?" One daughter likes me Read More
An Introduction to the Legacy Interview
What if you could hear your loved one’s voice long after they’ve passed? What if it could be something more than a clip of conversation or laughter from an old home video? What if you could hear them speaking about their memories, their achievements, and their advice? Speaking directly to you? Unfortunately, this is something you won't get to experience with loved ones you’ve already lost, but imagine if you could Read More
National Estate Planning Awareness Week Oct 21-28, 2019: Planning for All Stages of Parenthood
Did you know that October 21-28 is “National Estate Planning Awareness Week?" Estate planning is an often overlooked area of personal financial management. By some estimates, 70% of American parents do not have an estate plan! Most mistakenly hear the word “estate” and assume “estate planning” is just for the Bill Gates, Elon Musks, or Warren Buffets of the world. Estate planning, however, is for Read More
3 Reasons to Update Your Estate Plan
Estate planning is a way to celebrate your life and all that you have built by making sure your property and assets are handled according to your wishes after you pass on. Having an estate plan in place affords you the reassurance that when the time comes, your affairs will be handled in the manner you have intended. People often (incorrectly) assume that once they create their estate plan they never have to think Read More
Five Benefits of Having an Estate Plan in Place
At our firm, we view estate planning as an opportunity to celebrate your life and all that you have built. Creating an estate plan affords you the opportunity to plan for the future of those you love and to ensure they will be protected and receive assets you have worked hard throughout your lifetime to acquire. Estate planning gives you the peace of mind of knowing that when your time comes, your wishes will be Read More
Understanding the Difference Between Godparents and Guardians
When welcoming a new child into a family, there are many important decisions that need to be made. Among the most important will be making sure your child is properly cared for no matter what the future brings. A common misconception among parents today is that the people that they have named as godparents will automatically be those chosen to become legal guardians should the biological (or adoptive) parents pass Read More
Taking a Vacation? Make Sure You Plan For The Unexpected.
Vacations are a great way to get away with family, have fun and make great memories. If you are preparing for your summer vacation, don’t overlook the importance of preparing (or updating) your estate plan. Give yourself peace of mind as you travel, while minimizing the potential stress your loved ones would face if something were to go wrong. Below is a list of the things you should have in place, or review, Read More
Making Plans with Your New Grad in Mind
Congratulations! Your child has recently graduated high school or college and is ready to start moving out on their own! While this stage of life certainly comes with many mixed emotions, most parents are proud to see their children entering adulthood and “leaving the nest.” You’ll certainly have some extra free time (and quite possibly, extra free money) in the years to come! Time and money aside, you still want to Read More
Understanding the Responsibilities of a Trustee
Whether setting up a legal trust or being asked to serve as a trustee, it is essential to clearly understand the rights and responsibilities of the trustee role. When a legal trust is created, a person or an institution (such as a bank or law firm) must be named as the trustee. This individual or entity will have control over the management of the assets contained within the trust, making clear the need to fully Read More
