In the sea of financial planning wisdom, there are too few messages about the importance of mindset. Gone are the days when simply saving money was enough to get you to retirement. With pensions practically a thing of the past, it takes more than just a big piggy bank to afford retirement. Saving strategies aside,…
Trusts vary in their structure, funding, and terms, so it’s hard to know how divorce will impact your trust without review. It’s safe to say, without question, your trust (and really your entire estate plan) should be reviewed during your divorce to prevent unforeseen negative outcomes. The impact of a divorce on your trust can…
A celebrity’s image and likeness can continue to produce considerable income after death. This type of intellectual property is considered part of your estate, and the IRS can tax its value. In the case of pop star Michael Jackson’s estate, that recently meant an IRS bill to the tune of $64.5 million, years after his…
Of the handful of major life events that require your serious consideration, few are as emotionally charged as how to leave your assets for loved ones at the time of your death. This often complex process is accomplished via testamentary documents such as wills and trusts, which have recently become available for purchase online as…
Mortgaged property may be transferred into a revocable living trust as a measure to avoid probate and provide greater control over how the property is distributed to beneficiaries. Unlike property which the grantor owns free and clear of encumbrances, mortgaged property requires additional considerations prior to placing it in a trust. The process for funding…
President Richard Nixon named Warren Burger chief justice of the Supreme Court in 1969. Burger’s court upheld the 1966 Miranda decision, and Burger voted with the majority in the court’s landmark 1973 decision, Roe v. Wade, establishing women’s constitutional right to have abortions. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1988. In summary,…
If you have ever met someone who repeatedly sabotaged their life or seemed to have a hard time moving things forward, despite the best of intentions, it may be that they were dealing with unprocessed grief. Most people have never been taught to deal with grief and as a result are stuck dealing with confusing…
Multi-generational households are becoming the new (or maybe it’s really old) in vogue way to handle the care of aging parents. And we’re all for it so long as you consider the implications and set your family up for success. With Mom or Dad moving in, you can anticipate some extra expenses, not just financially,…
As your family size grows, there is lots to prepare for and consider. Welcoming a new family member can be a joyous occasion, and requires some planning. Adding a new family member can affect your finances and create a need for more protections. Reassessing your insurance coverage might not be at the top of your…
When I met Anshul in college, I was driving a black sports car. She can say what she wants, but I know she liked it. When we got married in 2006, I gave up that car and exchanged it for a 4-door sedan – my Lexus ES. I still remember the day when I said…
As a parent, you are most likely quite accustomed to managing the legal and medical affairs of your children, as circumstances require. If your child requires urgent medical attention while away from you, a simple phone call authorizing care usually can do the trick. But what happens when those “children” turn 18, and are now…
Many of us are too afraid of death to carefully consider what happens to our bodies after we die. Unfortunately, failing to plan for that event can leave your wishes unattended to and your family grief struck and unsure how to honor your wishes. And the larger truth is that facing your death proactively creates…
Completely disinheriting a child or grandchild should be reserved for extreme circumstances. And, if those circumstances exist in your family, it’s critical to ensure that you’ve taken the proper planning steps so that you are not leaving your loved ones with a guaranteed lawsuit or other conflict after you are gone. Read on, if you…
Those new to the business world often lack the first-hand experience of initiating and building healthy business relationships. But protecting these vital relationships with carefully crafted business agreements—such as those for co-owners, suppliers and clients—is essential to growing a new business without risk of being taken advantage of or of burning valuable bridges. To decrease…
Are you approaching retirement? Not sure how you can ensure a smooth transition from working life to retired life? Walking away from regular paychecks and employer-provided benefits can feel a little nerve wracking. Minimize the impact of these major life changes by planning accordingly. Time It Get your timing right. Review and understand your employer’s…
Divorce can wreak havoc on your finances. But what many divorced couples don’t realize is that they can expect to face recurring financial challenges during tax season for years after the divorce is finalized. While divorce is often adversarial, leaving both spouses with animosity in its wake, tax season is an opportune time to put…
What can we learn from earlier generations? Quite a bit, says Brendon Burchard, but only if we ask the right questions. Brendon Burchard, famed personal development trainer and author of The Motivation Manifesto (Carlsbad, Hay House, 2014) says asking your mother, father and/or another loved one these 32 important questions can teach you valuable lessons about love,…
You’ve put in the time to get your business off the ground and now you’re up and running. You have a product or service that’s selling well, team support to keep everyone happy and a proven income model. Congratulations! You’ve overcome the biggest obstacle to business sustainability. Surviving the startup phase is often the toughest…
You don’t need to be a US citizen to own a US business Yes, there’s a lot to know when weighing the pros and cons of establishing your international business in the US. Foremost, know this: you do not need to be a US resident to form a business in the United States. With that…
Even after death, celebrities are highly publicized for their mistakes, many of which we make ourselves. This time last year, superstar musician Prince died suddenly, leaving no will, and the management of his substantial estate fraught with legal complications and added costs. It’s easy to assume that the wealthiest among us have all their ducks…
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