by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Dec 17, 2012 | Uncategorized
When most people think about an estate, they envision vast expanses of land, a stately home and great wealth. However, in truth, just about everyone has an estate.Today, an estate is made up of everything a person owns, which includes personal possessions as well as a...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Dec 17, 2012 | Uncategorized
The divorce rate is rising most rapidly among the 50+ age group in the U.S., and estate planning experts are advising boomers to look at tax and retirement consequences when creating a favorable settlement for both parties. Here are some tips:Create a financial plan...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Dec 17, 2012 | Uncategorized
If you have been asked to be the executor of a family member or close friend’s estate after they die, you might agree without really knowing what the job entails. Many people have done so, to their lasting regret.Being the executor of an estate is a big...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Dec 4, 2012 | Uncategorized
This year, December may be the kindest month for those who wish to set up a grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT) for the benefit of children or grandchildren or provide a family member with a loan.That’s because the “hurdle” rate for a GRAT is only...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Dec 4, 2012 | Uncategorized
While we don’t know yet what the new estate and gift tax structure will be for 2013, what we do know is that the unprecedented opportunity to pass along wealth via gifts will expire at the end of this month. If you are able to still take advantage of the 2012...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Dec 4, 2012 | Uncategorized
If you don’t have a New Year’s resolution in mind yet for the end of this month, consider making estate planning in 2013 a priority. Not only because we be faced with changes in the federal tax structure, but because it is one of the single best things you...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Dec 4, 2012 | Uncategorized
There are approximately 10,000 baby boomers – the generation born between 1946 and 1964 – turning 65 every day. California has the most boomers of any state – 8.9 million – according to a recent survey by MainStay investments. Some more...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Dec 3, 2012 | Uncategorized
If you’re a baby boomer, then you should already have an estate plan. But if an estate plan has been on your perpetual “to do” list that has never gotten done, here are 5 tips to get you on your way now:Create a will. This most basic estate planning...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Nov 20, 2012 | Uncategorized
If you’re like most Baby Boomers, your working life is probably vastly different than that of your parents – starting with the fact that, if you are married, both of you are probably working. One or both of your parents probably labored for the same...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Nov 20, 2012 | Uncategorized
Trusts are generally used to preserve and manage assets for trust beneficiaries, but there are certain trusts designed to help you achieve a special purpose, like caring for a special needs person, protecting assets from being spent unwisely or simply minimizing...
