In my experience, most people remember to do basic estate planning tasks like adding beneficiaries or a Transfer on Death designation to important financial assets. But what about your home? Just designating a beneficiary in your will or assuming the home will pass to your children could create problems for your heirs. After all, probate […]
I recently went through the heavy and mournful experience of making end-of-life decisions for a close family friend. Luckily, she had planned for the worst and provided clear instructions to the appropriate people about her wishes. It made things a bit easier, but it really drove home the importance of planning ahead and crafting a […]
In these uncertain economic times, I often get questions from clients about hyperinflation and whether to be worried about it. While the US has experienced periods of higher inflation in the past (many people remember the ‘70s, when prices went up an average of 7 percent a year), over the past 30 years inflation has […]
The last thing anyone wants to think about is losing their spouse to an accident or illness. The topic itself feels morbid and sad to most people, one that is best avoided for as long as possible, but in fact this subject should be addressed far ahead of time. I sadly just lost a longtime […]
In addition to wills and trusts, there are many tools available to you in developing an estate plan. While different tools are appropriate for different asset classes, family structures, and goals, it is important to know about the possibilities. In this article, I’ll focus on the Transfer on Death, or TOD, designation, which can help […]
Here are your 2011 Key Tax Planning Numbers to get a head start on the new year. This piece lists key figures for 2010 and 2011 in the following planning areas: Individual income tax planning Investment planning Education planning Retirement planning Business planning Estate planning Protection planning Government benefits See Your 2011 Key Planning Numbers
Congress approved a new Estate Tax law last Thursday, December 17 2010 after nearly a year of speculation about its future. The new rules provide for a $5 million dollar exemption with a top tax-rate of 35%. This is obviously a far cry from the $1 million dollar exemption and 55% maximum rate originally scheduled […]
I sometimes hear from clients that estate planning sounds like something that only the very rich need to think about. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, an estate plan is, at its most basic, a critical part of ensuring that your wishes are carried out should you become incapacitated or pass away. […]
Brad holds the following registrations:
4, 7, 24, 63, 65, Life & Health (LA-513612 NY)