For many people, family pets are not just pets, but family. As such, they deserve to be part of a family estate plan. Even for those who have a less dignified view of pets, however, should consider making them part of their estate planning. One doesn't have to be rich...
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Month: December 2012
Will dispute over Kinkade estate settled outside court
The legal dispute over the $60 million estate of Thomas Kinkade, "Painter of Light," has reportedly been settled, just in time for Christmas. As our readers may already know, Kinkade died back in April after accidentally overdosing on alcohol and Valium. We wrote...
New year to bring changes in estate and gift tax law, P.2
In our previous post, we mentioned that the ever changing gift and estate tax law is set to change again in a couple weeks. Now there is now only a tiny window of time to take advantage of the current very favorable conditions for passing on wealth. Once again, if...
New year to bring changes in estate and gift tax law, P.1
Many of our readers may already be aware of the big changes coming to the estate and gift tax in 2013. Essentially, the current exemption amount and tax rates are set to shift in the coming year back to their pre-2001 numbers.Through the end of the year, the gift and...
To live for now, or plan for later?
Pepsi is marketing their product using the phrase "Live for NOW" and it appears that many these days are doing just that. Americans are using the resources they have available to them today that they could save for tomorrow in the hopes that they will either not need...
Expect the unexpected and plan for it now
Prior to further addressing 'Common mistakes made in IRA planning' with part two, we will be discussing current events that demonstrate for us the need for preparation for the unanticipated. While the likelihood of a snow storm in Georgia is quite low, the latest to...
“Spiritual” estate planning: boomers look to pass on values with their wealth
While much of estate planning focuses on ensuring our material wealth is passed on to the right people and in the right way, there is a definite spiritual component for many people. "Spiritual" estate planning is becoming particularly popular among baby boomers intent...
Common mistakes made in IRA planning, P.1
Individual Retirement Accounts are widely used investment tools for retirement. To get the most out of an IRA, though, special estate planning considerations come into play. While IRAs are often used to provide for heirs directly or through a trust, the extent to...
Reminder: estate tax to increase in the new year
As we've mentioned in the past, the start of 2013 will see a substantial increase in the estate tax, often referred to by many as the death tax. While Congress still has the ability to take action in the next few weeks to prevent this from happening, this appears to...