On the surface, opening a joint bank account seems like a convenient way to handle shared expenses—whether with a spouse, aging parent, or business partner. These accounts can simplify bill payments and provide quick access to funds. But what many…
If you are fortunate enough to own a vacation home, you need to figure out what will happen to it after you are gone. Many people in this situation hope to keep vacation homes in the family. Guaranteeing that can…
Health care planning is a vital aspect of ensuring your wishes are respected when you’re unable to make decisions for yourself. However, selecting a health care surrogate and communicating your desires can be fraught with emotional and relational challenges—especially in…
Having a pet comes with many benefits. Pets may offer companionship and loyalty while quality time with your pet can decrease your stress levels. They can teach your children about responsibility and emotional skills. Their presence can also encourage you…
As we approach 2025, now is the perfect time to review your estate plan. Changes in laws, family dynamics, or financial circumstances can leave your plan outdated or ineffective. Whether you’ve just started thinking about estate planning or already have…
Life is full of unexpected twists, and while we can’t always predict the future, we can plan for it. Imagine this: you’re unable to make decisions about your health or finances due to an illness or injury. Who will step…
Does having more money lead to greater happiness? Some people will say yes, and others will say no. The answer is actually more nuanced. The effect income has on happiness can vary greatly depending on factors such as how much…
When it comes to securing your legacy and ensuring your loved ones are cared for, trusts are one of the most powerful tools in estate planning. Whether you're looking to avoid probate, reduce taxes, or protect assets, a trust can…
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released its tax inflation adjustment figures for tax year 2025. Annual Gift Tax Exclusion Effective January 1, 2025, you will be able to make individual gifts of up to $19,000 in the calendar year…
Estate planning allows you to ensure that your hard-earned assets are passed down according to your wishes. One of the most effective tools for this is the Revocable Living Trust, which gives you control over how and when your assets…