There are many ways to approach estate planning. Most Americans are aware that a will provides a key role in managing their estates. Living trusts are another extremely powerful tool, often used in conjunction with wills, to ensure your beneficiaries receive your...
Your estate is your most vital asset. Gifting your estate to your loved ones after your death is a powerful tool to preserve your family's future. After you pass, a Personal Representative (known in some states as an “Executor”) of your choice honors your final wishes...
What is a trust, generally? A trust is an estate planning tool that allows an individual to transfer assets to a vehicle for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries. There are 3 major roles in a trust: Grantor/Owner/Creator/Settlor – This is the person, people, or...
There is a misconception that trusts are only useful for people with very large estates. The truth is, trusts can benefit numerous people, because they may provide more control over the estate planning process than a will alone. If you have ever wondered whether a...
A trust serves as a multipurpose tool when working on an estate plan. It can fund charities, create financial security for loved ones, help your beneficiaries avoid taxation and protect personal assets. It can even go into effect while you are still alive which is...
Once a comprehensive estate plan is in place, you might think that your planning is complete but estate plans require periodic updating. Changing circumstances may require changes to your estate plan. As examples, changing circumstances regarding your family, your...
Parents of children who have special needs know how complicated their lives can get. Many times, special needs children require specialized medical care, dedicated equipment, and many times a personal care assistant. Minnesota parents love their children and may worry...
One of the unfortunate guarantees in life is that no one lives forever. At some point in time everyone will pass away. People wish to ensure that their possessions are given to certain individuals or entities, which may include: family members, friends, charities or...
Trusts are some of the most powerful tools in estate planning. They can be set up to achieve many purposes, including protecting personal assets, avoiding taxes, providing for vulnerable loved ones, or providing funds for a charitable cause. Trusts can even go into...
The 2017 Tax Reform Act provided opportunities for individuals and couples who do a little planning to continue to make the most of their charitable giving and save a few tax dollars as well. One of the biggest changes was that the Tax Reform Act eliminated personal...
