The recent passing of television star Florence Henderson, known for her portrayal of the mother “Carol Brady” on “The Brady Bunch ,” offers us a chance to talk to our clients in blended families about the importance of updating estate planning documents whenever someone is recently divorced or remarried. The reason for Carol Brady’s first… Read More »
Posts By Author: Christine WeinerPage 4
Love Your Pet? Guarantee It Can Live the Good Life without You
Why You Should Include Your Pets in Your Estate Planning People may have laughed at Leona Helmsley, and more recently Joan Rivers, for setting up her dogs to live the (very) good life without her. But the fact is, including furry family members in estate plans is on the rise: a good thing, given an… Read More »
An Updated Estate Plan: Your Best Weapon Against Wealth Transfer Curveballs
While most of us are familiar with the saying “Nothing’s certain but death and taxes,” it’s important to remember that life and tax codes change all the time—and that some of these changes can put your estate plan intent at risk. Take the Treten family, for example. In 2008, Leonard and Eileen Treten, founders of… Read More »
Blended Families and Your Estate Plan: How to Get It Right and Keep the Peace
The idea of “family” has changed dramatically over the last few generations. As a society, we’ve shifted away from thinking of family as a father, mother and children to one that—through divorce and remarriage(s)—can potentially comprise multiple sets of parents and offspring. Throw in the recent legalization of gay marriage and you’re looking at a… Read More »
Cover Me: Why a Durable Power of Attorney for Asset Management is a Smart Part of Your Estate Plan
In 2007, pop singer Britney Spears had a highly publicized meltdown. Caught on camera shaving her head, attacking a paparazzo with an umbrella and otherwise calling her sanity into question, Spears’s father took steps to contain his 26-year-old daughter’s erratic behavior and protect her multi-million dollar estate. While today, Jamie Spears’s actions appear to have… Read More »
5 Common Estate Planning Mistakes That Are Costly—And Easy to Avoid
Most people don’t like thinking about death or who will get what after they die. But refusing to take time to plan your estate can have costly tax implications. Proper planning will not only ensure your wishes are carried out, but prevent your family from losing a huge chunk of your assets unnecessarily—in some cases,… Read More »
8 Tips to Ensure Your Will Goes Your Way
It’s a sad fact of life that money often brings out the worst in people—and that the biggest offenders tend to be family members. While no one likes to think about dying and loved ones carrying on without us, a little planning and communication can go a long way towards ensuring your final wishes are… Read More »
Do Your Boomer Clients Know Who Will Be Their Caregivers As Elders?
In the 1960s, they were the face of the future. In the 2030s, they’ll be the face of the largest senior population in U.S. history. Born roughly between 1946 and 1964, they’re the Baby Boomers. These days, millions of them are caring for an aging parent, whether helping with grocery shopping and paying bills or… Read More »
IRS Issues Key Tax Ruling 2013-17
In our Aug. 8th article, we addressed the financial and tax issues of clients in same sex marriages that would be affected by the Supreme Court’s summer ruling striking down the 1996 Defense of Marriage. The IRS recently announced its interpretation of that ruling. This is a major topic for financial advisors, accountants and attorneys… Read More »
Keep Clients from Becoming Squeezed As Part of the ‘Sandwich Generation’
Your clients have worked hard all their adult years, raising children and changing careers with the times, while aiming toward a great retirement. But perhaps a family elder is increasingly in need of assistance, financially and otherwise, because she’s nearly outlived her retirement nest egg. And so, your clients invited her to live with them…. Read More »