Articles about wills and trusts
What is a will and why do you need one?
A will is a legal document that establishes who will receive your assets from your estate and can appoint guardianship of minors.
Types of wills and trusts
What are the differences between a basic will, pour-over will, tax-saving will, living trust and more? Learn more about wills and trusts in this informative article.
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
Wills and trusts are an important part of estate planning. Wherever you are in the planning process, know your options.
What does the executor of a will do?
When named the executor of a will there are many responsibilities to fulfill.
Questions about Social Security survivor benefits
Who is eligible for Social Security survivor benefits? We break down what survivor benefits are, explain how to claim survivor benefits and identify who qualifies.
Preparing a living will and end-of-life care choices
It’s not the most pleasant task, but outlining your preferences in a living will is important.
Charity comparison: Where does your money go?
Questions to ask so you can be assured your giving makes the impact you want.
Avoiding probate
The probating of a will permits a court of law to supervise the transfer of assets from the decedent to his or her heirs.
The basics of setting up and using a trust
There are many important things to consider when establishing a trust. This useful financial tool can help ensure that your assets are used to provide for your children.
Estate planning articles
When should I update my estate plan?
Marriage, death and divorce are definite times you should review your estate plan. Here are some others.
What is a life annuity?
A life annuity may help provide you with a paycheck for the rest of your life.
How long to keep documents before shredding
Do you know how long to keep tax records, bank statements, utility bills and other important documents? Here are some suggestions to help.
What to consider when choosing a beneficiary for life insurance or other financial accounts
Learn what a beneficiary is and factors to consider when naming a beneficiary.
Review your estate planning checklist
This handy estate planning checklist form can provide thought-starters for tasks involved with planning your estate.
Financial wellness tips to help improve your financial future
Get ahead and learn how to improve financial wellness through simple spending, saving and budgeting tips.
Estate planning for individuals with special needs
How to use life insurance to help a special needs child or adult
From life insurance to a special needs trust, here's what you need to know to keep your loved one financially secure.
The basics of setting up and using a trust
There are many important things to consider when establishing a trust. This useful financial tool can help ensure that your assets are used to provide for your children.
Take time to create a financial emergency plan
It's hard to plan for the worst when times are good, but if a financial emergency strikes, you'll be happy you did.
Financial Goals by Age: A Decade-by-Decade Approach
Help take the guesswork out of your lifelong financial goals, including your retirement goals, short-term goals and other financial to-do’s at any age.
What is a special needs trust?
Learn how a special needs trust could help address the lifelong financial needs of a loved one with special needs.
What does the executor of a will do?
When named the executor of a will there are many responsibilities to fulfill.
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