Today’s families take many different forms. Some are blended through divorce and remarriage while others are built through long-term partnerships, adoption, or fostering. Families may include same-sex or opposite-sex couples; married or unmarried partners; or children from different relationships or no children. Many households also juggle the needs of aging parents or relatives with disabilities. […]
Continue reading…Top 3 Reasons Your Clients May Not Have an Estate Plan—and How You Can Help
During your discussions with other advisors or while reading industry publications, you have likely come across startling statistics about the number of Americans without an estate plan. The exact figures vary by survey and demographic, but the story they tell is consistent: Roughly two-thirds of Americans are unprepared to transfer their assets and care for […]
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12 Estate Planning Blunders You Cannot Afford to Make
Many people believe that a simple will is all they need to accomplish their goals for the future. However, a flawed estate plan can create just as many headaches, heartaches, and expenses for your loved ones as having no plan. Life changes, laws evolve, and even the best intentions can fall short, leaving family members […]
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Do I Need a Will or a Trust?
Yes, everyone needs a will, a trust, or both. These important tools ensure that your legacy will be carried out according to your wishes and allow you to provide for loved ones after your passing. A properly prepared trust can also help avoid probate, which is a lengthy, public, and often expensive court process that […]
Continue reading…National Centenarians Day: Planning for a Longer Life (and Legacy)
Who wants to live to be 100? That depends on who you ask. Whatever the answer, one thing is clear: The odds of reaching that milestone are rising, along with the length of retirement and the number of life changes that come with it. Life expectancy gains in the US since the turn of the […]
Continue reading…Stepfamily Day: What Does Step Mean to Your Clients?
Happy National Stepfamily Day to those who celebrate it! Amid shifts in modern family structures and demographics, you likely have clients who are part of a stepfamily with something to celebrate on September 16. National Stepfamily Day is a celebration of second chances and overcoming the unique challenges of integrating different family members and adjusting […]
Continue reading…Happy National 401(k) Day!
Bookending the first week of September with Labor Day is a less recognized holiday that deserves more attention from planners, advisors, and savers: National 401(k) Day. Though we are in an era of generally declining economic confidence, many Americans are still somewhat upbeat about their retirement savings. However, how they feel about their retirement may […]
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Why a Trust for Your Child Should Mature with Your Child
From the moment a child is born, a parent feels an instinctive drive to protect and nurture. We childproof our homes, carefully choose schools, offer guidance through adolescence, support their careers, and watch with pride as they start their own lives. The desire to be there for them extends beyond emotional and physical care. Finances […]
Continue reading…National Centenarians Day: Planning for a Longer Life (and Legacy)
Who wants to live to be 100? That depends on who you ask. Whatever the answer, one thing is clear: The odds of reaching that milestone are rising, along with the length of retirement and the number of life changes that come with it. Life expectancy gains in the US since the turn of the […]
Continue reading…Stepfamily Day: Smart Estate Planning for Blended Families
Happy National Stepfamily Day to all who celebrate it! Amid shifting family structures, there is a good chance that you are part of a stepfamily—or know somebody who is—which makes September 16 a perfect day to celebrate. At its heart, National Stepfamily Day is a celebration of second chances and the resilience it takes to […]
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