Most people think estate planning is all about avoiding probate and taxes so they can maximize what they leave their loved ones. There is a far more important reason to “put your house in order.”
Posts Categorized: Asset Preservation
Estate planning lets your will rule after you’re gone | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Dallas Business News
There are some basic mistakes you really don’t want to make when it comes to estate planning. This article highlights some of the biggest boo boos.
From THE NEW YORK TIMES (SEPT. 15, 2010): DEVISING STRATEGIES WHILE THE ESTATE TAX IS IN LIMBO
The federal estate tax is scheduled to rise from the ashes on January 1, and many Hawaii families will feel its bite unless Congress changes current law.
From THE TIME HERALD (SEPT 22, 2010): THE NEED FOR PLANNING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS
If your ohana includes someone who has special needs, you should be aware of the planning opportunities that can provide for that person without sacrificing eligibility for benefits.
from THE NEW YORK TIMES (SEPT 23, 2010): AT STEINBECK’S GETAWAY AS HEIRS’ FEUD REVIVES
The quaint little house Steinbeck called “my little fishing place” is the focus of a long-running and bitter family estate battle, pitting the surviving sister of the author’s third wife, Elaine, against his oldest son and a granddaughter. Even the best planning can’t prevent all conflict, but there are things you can do to discourage it.
From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES (SEPT 16, 2010): SENATE APPROVES OBAMA’S SMALL-BUSINESS AID PACKAGE
Last week, on a 61-38 vote, lawmakers pass the bill, which would create a $30-billion small-business lending fund and give $12 billion in tax breaks to encourage companies to invest and hire. This wee, the bill passed the House 237-187. President Obama is expected to sign shortly.
From REUTERS (SEPT 15, 2010): PERSONAL FINANCE: THE YEAR-END TAX PLANNING CHALLENGE
Congress and the White House are busy jockeying for position on whether — and for how long — to extend the Bush income tax cuts that expire at the end of this year. It’s time for you to get busy, too. With just a little more than three months left in 2010, you’ve got to make sure your own tax situation is in order.
Wealth Matters – Preparing Children to Be Safe at College – NYTimes.com
Another installment in the list of things you really don’t want to think about (but should) when you send your kids off to college. A little bit of awareness of potential problems can go a long way to keeping your loved ones safe.
Wealth Matters – Insurance Options for College Students and Their Parents – NYTimes.com
Something you may not want to consider, but should, when you send your kids off to college. Not a bad idea to talk with your insurance advisors about how to deal with risk of loss and protection from potential liability vis-a-vis your budding scholars.
From THE IRS (AUG 31, 2010): YOUR GUIDE TO AN IRS AUDIT
The Internal Revenue Service has launched a new online video series, Your Guide to an IRS Audit, to help small business taxpayers and their tax preparers better understand the IRS audit process.