As the world goes increasingly digital, many of us have amassed sometimes large collections of non-physical assets such as digital photos, music, movies, eBooks, cryptocurrencies and more on our computers, smartphones, portable media players, hard drives and other devices.
When an individual passes away, someone must step in to manage the estate, settle outstanding obligations, and help ensure that assets are transferred according to the will or applicable state law.
Many families want to provide financial help to children or grandchildren as they take meaningful steps forward, whether that’s buying a first home, paying down high‑interest debt, or launching a new business.
Creating an irrevocable trust can feel daunting.
When considering what to pass down to heirs, it’s easy to focus on bank accounts and real estate. But the items with the most importance often aren’t the most valuable on paper.
This checklist was created to help you organize your affairs. Your individual situation will dictate other items which may need to be addressed. We suggest discussing your plans with the executor of your will as well as consulting with your legal, financial, and tax advisors. The time to get these professionals involved is before an event occurs – plan ahead. If you wait, chances are the lack of preparation may cost you and your heirs more money, time, and frustration.
A beneficiary designation states to whom your assets will pass after your death. These types of designations are assigned to specific assets. For example, your employer’s 401k plan will have a beneficiary designation, which is separate from your personal IRA.
Talking with your children about disability and/or death can be a difficult task for most people. Parents spend the better part of their financial lives working, saving and planning only to end up avoiding proper communication and planning with their children on the topic of death. Parents often do not discuss their estate plans with adult children out of fear that this will only cause tension and improper incentives. But in my experience as an attorney and financial advisor, the most successful planning results come from good communication.
I’m often asked this question: “With the federal estate tax exemption amounts being so high, do I really need an estate plan?” The answer I give is “Absolutely yes!”
