When one sets out to create a sound estate plan and protect assets for beneficiaries, careful planning is critical. It is important to consider the recipient of a particular asset and the difficulties he or she may face that could pose a threat to the asset itself. This is especially true for those who wish to leave assets to a beneficiary who already carries a great deal of debt or deals with creditors using collection tactics.
Is it time for you to open a Roth IRA?
Many people find that they simply don't know what estate planning and investment tools are a good fit for them, especially once they consider more complicated strategies and products that include both benefits and restrictions. One of the most commonly misunderstood financial products used today is a Roth individual retirement account, or Roth IRA.
Does California have an inheritance tax?
While many people throughout the country envy California for our beautiful landscapes and wonderful weather, others wonder how it is possible to live here under what may look like excessive taxation compared to other states. This is sometimes a misguided notion, as California does not use all the forms of taxation available.
Should you consider establishing a living trust?
For many people who realize it's time to put together some estate planning documents to protect their assets, a living trust provides both protection and flexibility. While there are many kinds of trusts, most offer protection at the expense of flexibility, or vice versa.
Are you divorcing the executor of your estate?
Regardless of the nature of your estate and the duties that the executor of your estate must perform, it is important to review your estate plan every three to four years to refresh your memory of the details and to make sure your current choice of executor is correct. In many instances, you may find that your executor needs to be replaced.
Should you fund an incentive trust for your heirs?
Some estate-planning tasks require more finesse than others. Such is the case when considering whether to add an incentive trust to your estate plan.
