When you hear about Medicare taxes, you probably do not also consider how it affects investments. However, these new taxes can impose higher costs both on wages and net invested income. If you are concerned about how the Medicare tax may affect your estate or retirement plan, speak with an…
A lot of people assume that estate planning is just for the old and the wealthy; however, that is not the case. As a Daily Finance article discusses, when you are in your thirties, planning for your eventual passing is not usually a top priority, but most estate planning experts…
Making the move from working to retiring requires smart planning and decades of preparation. You may have married, bought a home, raised children, and enjoyed a successful career – all of which you are ready to fully enjoy. As you make the transition to retirement, here are some key steps…
Prenuptial agreements, or prenups, are almost always associated with marriage and divorce; however, they can also be a powerful tool for estate planning. This type of agreement can be used to clarify the rights and responsibilities of both spouses if one suddenly passes away. A prenuptial agreement can be used…
Knowledge of estate planning is not simply for those creating an estate plan, but is important for anyone named as an heir or beneficiary, as well. One of the most devastating, confusing, and stressful times in your life comes when you lose a loved one, and in those moments you…
According to the Pew Research Center, the number of never married Americans is at an all-time high. In 2012, almost twenty percent of all adults over the age of 25 had never been married, compared to only nine percent in the same age bracket back in 1960. The research center…
In a major victory for art collectors, the Fifth Circuit court recently gave a $14.4 million estate tax refund and affirmed the use of fractional interest discounts for artworks to reduce estate taxes. Rejecting the government’s random assessment of a 10% discount on the valuation of the art, the Fifth…
All across the country there are cemeteries for people and cemeteries for pets. Virginia has become the third state in the nation to pass a law allowing pet owners to be buried with man’s best friend. Joining New York and Pennsylvania, Virginia’s new law went into effect in July and…
Celebrity estate plans often come with extraordinary wealth and considerable resources. However, celebrities are still not immune to estate planning issues and the consequences of poor planning. Several recent celebrity estate planning issues in the news have highlighted the importance of proper estate planning getting the professional advice that you…
According to estate planning professionals, almost 65% of Americans do not have a basic will or estate documents drafted. Although it is nice to think that your family will be able to take care of your estate and know your wishes, the truth is that if you do not have…