
Estate Planning
Your Money is too
Important to Leave to Chance!
Everyone needs estate planning!
Without a solid estate plan in place, a large portion of your estate
could be needlessly lost to taxes, fees, administrative expenses and
probate. Estate taxes alone can reduce an estate
by as much as 55%!
Estate planning is the process of making sure your
money goes where you want it to go; giving what you have to whom you
want, when you want, and how you want - at the
smallest possible financial and emotional cost, under applicable
tax and legal requirements.
Estate Planning Starters
Estate planning is a very personal exercise.
Use this short checklist to help you focus on some of the more
important issues.
-
Do you and your spouse have
wills which were drafted or reviewed within the last year?
-
Does your will name a guardian
for your minor children if both you and your spouse are deceased?
-
Have you considered the advantages
of a living revocable trust, such as avoiding probate?
-
Do you have the right amount
and type of life insurance?
-
Has your insurance portfolio
been reviewed within the last two years?
-
Would you like to make gifts
to your favorite charities during life or at death?
-
Have you planned for the continuation
or sale of your business interests?
-
Have you decided who should
inherit your property after your death and that of your spouse?
-
Have you planned for your
children's or grandchildren's education?
-
Have you arranged for the
long-term care needs of your spouse and parents?
-
Are you sure your estate plan
is up-to-date and takes advantage of all potential tax savings?
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