
Did Little Richard Have a Smart Estate Plan?
Little Richard was 87 when he died, which means the pop revolution he helped popularize — rock and roll itself – is now old enough to collect Social Security.

Little Richard was 87 when he died, which means the pop revolution he helped popularize — rock and roll itself – is now old enough to collect Social Security.

A trust can be used to manage estate taxes, shelter assets from creditors and pass on wealth to future generations. A family trust is a specific type of trust that families can use to create a financial legacy for years to come. There are several benefits to creating one, although not every family necessarily needs one. If you’re curious about where this type of trust might fit into your family’s estate plan, here’s what you need to know.

Charitable giving comes in many forms. Some people donate annually to their favorite charities, while others may volunteer their time or professional services.

Most consumers are familiar with the beneficiary designation form they complete when opening an IRA or 401(k). The form designates who receives the asset, if the account owner dies. However, these forms can create confusion, unintended bequests and family turmoil, if not adequately monitored.

Planning for the end of your life can be intimidating. When you are a farmer, your business is not only your livelihood and your passion, but, often, it is also intermingled with your family life. For that reason, estate planning — arranging for the management of your assets once you die — is especially important for aging farmers.

When is the last time you updated your will? Could your beneficiaries have changed? If you have a trust, did you actually fund it? Is your plan ready for the new SECURE Act? Here are five mistakes you don’t want to make.

Adding an adult child to your house deed, or giving them the home outright, might seem like a smart thing to do. It usually isn’t.

If you’ve heard of trust funds but don’t know what they are or how they work, you’re not alone. Many people know just one key fact about trust funds: they’re set up by the ultra-wealthy as a way to protect passing on significant sums of money to family, friends or entities (charities, for example) after they pass away.

If you are quarantined or under a lockdown and can’t get to a notary, how can you get your will, trust and other documents executed? Don’t give up. There are ways to get it done without leaving home.

You’ve considered how you want your estate to be distributed after you die. Hopefully, you’ve even written a will to make sure your wishes will be followed. So, your estate is planned…right?