A lot of focus is placed on acquiring assets and security by advancing your career and making wise financial investments. However, what is often overlooked is how these assets are titled and the effect on your financial situation. Unforeseen complications can arise when you have properties and assets titled in ways that create conflict within a
While a charitable remainder trust (CRT) can be an excellent tool for charitable giving and estate planning, a wealth replacement trust is sometimes a better option. When you establish a charitable remainder trust, you transfer appreciated property to an irrevocable trust and designate a charity as the beneficiary. A portion (or all) of the assets
As the country prepares for the presidential election, there is one talking point President Obama’s team may use often. During his term, the stock market has regained the losses endured at the end of Bush’s term. It is a good talking point because it is true: At the end of 2008, the Dow Jones had
The U.S. could experience some rather drastic tax changes in the near future. For instance, if the so-called Buffett Rule passes, capital gains taxes would increase from 15% to 30% for those with incomes above $250,000 or those with a $1 million in hard assets. Another looming tax hike are the Bush tax cuts that
When it comes to estate planning, the focus usually rests on methods to avoid probate court and minimize tax assessments against your estate. Other priorities are the issues of ensuring that your assets are given out in accordance to your wishes, as well as determining who will make medical decisions if you are incapacitated. However,
There are few things as traumatic as dealing with the death of a parent, sibling, or spouse. It is a reality that we will all face at some point in our lives, and when we do, the pain experienced is often exacerbated by the legal issues death often brings. Dealing with insurance companies, locating and
When it comes to the tenets of proper investing and personal finance, some rules have been discussed so often that even non-experts know them: Do not get deep into debt, save money for a rainy day, buy life insurance, and do not try to day trade. There is one rule, however, that is considered the
In popular media, there is a fascination with the differences between everyday Americans and the wealthy. However, in reality, the rich and the average American often use their money in the same ways. The rich routinely give to charity, and while the amounts they give are high, as a group they do not give more
