"Estate planning discussions do not need to be dramatic or formal," TrustCounsel of Florida states. The discussions can begin with simple questions: If something happened to one of us, would the other have clear authority to act? Do we agree on how assets should be...
estate and tax planning
Take Some Estate Planning Documents –No Need to Call Me In the Morning
"Less stress leads to better sleep, improved health, and a greater sense of security. And, at its core, estate planning is about reducing stress", North Carolina estate planning and elder law attorney Greg McIntyre observes. "While most people associate estate...
Has College Planning Become an Estate Planning Problem
My financial planner friends called my attention to a curious headline in Financial Advisor Magazine: "How Student Loans Became Part of Estate Planning". The premise underlying the title: "Under the loan provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed...
In Estate Planning, Get Down to the Details
Getting more specific in your estate plan prevents family disputes and ensures your exact wishes are met, an article from the Indiana University's Office of the Vice President & General Counsel points out. "Getting more specific" means replacing broad categories...
Before and During –Not After –Estate Planning Talk
"When it's love vs. money, Americans prefer the hefty bank account," the results of a Northwestern Mutual survey of 4,375 U.S. adults revealed. A majority of couples in a serious relationship, the survey revealed, feel financial compatibility is more important than...
On Charitable Terms
People make split-interest charitable gifts to balance philanthropy with their personal financial needs. As Fidelity Charitable explains, clients can achieve several goals using split-interest charitable giving: Generating lifetime income without triggering immediate...
Wine and Estate Planning — More Similar Than You Think
"Wine and investing are more similar than you think", Bryce Sanders tells financial advisors, suggesting they use wine-related analogies to create "aha" moments in conversations with their clients. Interestingly, several of the analogies Sanders mention apply to the...
Talking About Giving — Where’s the Disconnect?
Last week in our Geyer Law blog, Cara Chittenden discussed the fact that estate planning attorneys, CPAs, and financial planners each have a role in helping clients as they prepare to sell a business. It appears, from recent studies, however, that when it comes to...
Before the Business Sale, Bolster the Estate Plan
Last week in our Geyer Law blog, Cara Chittenden discussed the importance of having estate planning attorneys, CPAs, and financial planners work together to help clients realize their goals. Nothing demonstrates the need for precisely that kind of coordination than...
To Do the Estate Planning Tango, It Often Takes Even More Than Two
" By organizing and structuring your estate plan, you can avoid confusion, hefty tax implications, and the potential for family disputes," a Cornerstone Wealth piece points out. But accomplishing those three goals often involves a team with at least three key...

