Have You Been Appointed Estate Executor? Five Mistakes to Avoid

March 24, 2023 by Christopher Briggs, RRC®, CIM® in Estate Planning

Administering an estate can be a time consuming and complex task, often occurring during an emotionally difficult time. It isn’t uncommon for mistakes to be made, which can lead to increased tax liabilities, conflict with beneficiaries or, worse yet, litigation. Equally concerning, the executor may be held personally liable for any errors. If you have been appointed as executor, being aware of these potential pitfalls may help as you contemplate the role.

Estate Planning

You Asked: Transferring Family Property to the Next Generation

August 4, 2022 by Carly Broetz, BBA in Estate Planning

With the arrival of summer comes cottage and cabin season once again! Many family properties have been owned over generations and there is often a desire to keep them in the family for decades to come. Yet, many children do not have the funds needed to buy the property.

Real Estate

Wealth transfer: Preparing the next generation

June 28, 2022 by Christopher Briggs, RRC®, CIM® in Real Estate

Intergenerational wealth, on our TV screens at least, conjures images of Succession’s Logan Roy dismissing one of his weasel kids with a sneer and expletive. Roy, the fearsome patriarch, who built his business from nothing, watches in disgust as the heirs to his throne – who do no work of any note - connive and backstab in an effort to win the keys to more money and power.

Estate Planning

Estate Planning: The Benefits of Giving While Alive

December 10, 2021 by Iwona Nicastri, CFP® in Estate Planning

Estate planning often involves preparing for what happens after death. Yet, consider that giving while living can also play a complementary role within an estate plan. While the obvious personal benefit is the satisfaction of seeing your gift at work, consider that there may be other benefits, including financial ones, from giving while alive:

Estate Planning

Retire Up to 30 Percent Wealthier: Why Not More?

August 31, 2021 by Jake Steele in Estate Planning

You may have heard an oft-repeated advertisement in the media today that suggests that by reducing investment management fees, you have the potential to retire up to 30 percent wealthier. While few would choose to forego this amount down the road, it may be worthwhile to take a deeper look at these claims.

Estate Planning

Estate Planning: Having End-of-Life Discussions with Loved Ones

August 17, 2021 by Jake Steele in Estate Planning

It is understandable that many of us prefer to avoid the subject of end-of-life planning, or at least try to put it off until the last moment. Yet, the pandemic should remind us of the importance of these discussions.

Estate Planning

Estate Planning: Preparing for a Wealth Transfer

July 27, 2021 by Jake Steele in Estate Planning

With over one trillion dollars of inheritances expected to be passed along over the next decade, taking action to preserve wealth across generations has never been more important.1 Does your estate plan protect this wealth transfer? Here are some considerations:

Estate Planning

Your Estate Plan: Is a Review in Order?

March 30, 2021 by Carly Broetz, BBA in Estate Planning

When was the last time you reviewed your estate plan? While this should be done at least every five years or when personal circumstances change, the pandemic reminds us of the value in revisiting plans when circumstances around us also change.