Estate Planning Blog

For many parents, transferring real estate to their children is an important part of their estate planning process. There are several ways that parents can do this, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Crafting a carefully considered estate plan can ensure that asset distribution aligns with both your intended legacy and your beneficiaries’ needs.

Just under half of Americans have a will, according to data from Gallup. J.P. Morgan Wealth Management data suggests that this number may even be lower, especially among Black and Hispanic investors.

One-quarter of Americans said inflation has caused them to think about estate planning, the survey said. Two out of three Americans said they don’t have any kind of estate planning documents.

While more than half of Americans believe estate planning is essential, a mere 33% actually have a living trust or will. And one out of three respondents who don’t have a will reason that they don’t think they have sufficient assets to warrant estate planning.

A study by the financial services research firm reveals just how big a problem family secrets can be, as reported in Financial Advisor’s recent article “Family Wealth Transfers Undermined by Secrecy.” Most asset holders plan to share their wishes and intentions with family members before they die. However, the research reveals only about half actually…

Memorabilia collections, by their nature, are specialized and unique. When considering your estate planning, it's important to think about what you require of your beneficiaries — if you’re not planning on selling your collection — and how you can make that process as easy as possible for your family. What will your spouse or children have to deal with as they dispose of the items?