Certain topics can be difficult to broach with clients. Delivering bad news such as “You can’t afford to retire yet”; addressing sensitive life events such as death, divorce, or job loss; managing family conflicts; and challenging bad financial habits or unrealistic expectations rank high on that list. Many of these tough talks involve revealing a […]
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How to Get Organized to Meet with Your Estate Planning Attorney
You have decided to meet with an estate planning attorney to get your affairs in order and ensure that your loved ones are protected. Now that you have scheduled the appointment, it is time to get yourself organized and prepare for the first meeting. Before You Meet with Your Attorney Taking the time to sort […]
Continue reading…The Overlooked Risk in Every Estate Plan: Disability
Disability is often treated as a remote possibility, something that happens to other people. Yet one of the most persistent blind spots in planning conversations is disability risk. Disability is not limited to conditions that we are born with. It can arise for anyone, at any age, across income levels, and in virtually any circumstance. […]
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Why Retirement Is the Right Time to Revisit Your Estate Plan
Retirement can mean many different things to different people. For some, it opens up a new world of travel, experiences, and creative pursuits. For others, it may herald quiet days at home with a good book, a steaming mug of tea or coffee, and no other plans for weeks. Between those extremes are countless ways […]
Continue reading…Advising Families of Disabled Loved Ones:How to Integrate Special Needs Planning into Financial Strategy
Many famous figures have argued that how a society treats its most vulnerable members is a measure of its humanity and moral character. As Mahatma Gandhi famously observed, a society is ultimately judged not by its wealth or power but by how it uplifts those who need help the most. The same principle may apply […]
Continue reading…Protecting Those You Love:Estate Planning When a Family Member Has a Disability
Many famous figures have argued that how a society treats its most vulnerable members is a measure of its humanity and moral character. As Mahatma Gandhi famously observed, a society is ultimately judged not by its wealth or power but by how it uplifts those who need help the most. Government programs such as Social […]
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Emotions the Estate Planning Process Can Bring Up and How to Address Them
People often have a ready list of reasons—or depending on how you look at it, excuses—for putting off completing their estate plan: “I just haven’t gotten around to it yet”; “I don’t own anything of value”; “It’s too complicated”; “It’s too expensive”; “My family can handle things when I’m gone”; or “I’ll wait until I’m […]
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Retirement Planning for Business Owners
Many employees save for retirement by participating in their employer’s 401(k) plan and maybe even opening an individual retirement account (IRA) or Roth IRA for additional savings. As a business owner, planning for retirement requires more effort, foresight, and strategy. In addition to navigating the wide range of retirement account options available to business owners, […]
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Committed, Protected, Prepared: Estate Planning Tips for Unmarried Partners
More couples than ever are building deep, lasting relationships without ever walking down the aisle. Whether by choice, circumstance, or principle, many Americans are opting out of marriage—but not out of commitment. Data indicate that cultural norms regarding marriage in the United States have undergone significant shifts over the past several decades. Consider the following: […]
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Avoid Living Probate: How to Keep Guardians and Conservators Out of Your Estate
While many proactive individuals understand the importance of having a comprehensive estate plan, they often assume that their plan addresses only what happens after they pass away. However, a comprehensive estate plan is also meant to positively impact your life by planning for and providing necessary protections while you are still around to reap the […]
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