The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult times in a person’s life. Nothing can truly prepare a person for such a loss. However, dealing with the financial stress of frozen bank accounts can exacerbate the stress. Without proper planning, your significant...

The mortgage business is booming in many parts of the country. Historically low interest rates have created an almost frenzied environment with homeowners scrambling to refinance their home loans at these low interest rates. Even a few tenths of a percentage point of...

Don’t assume your estate will automatically go to your spouse when you die. If you don’t have an estate plan, your spouse may have to share your estate with other family members. If you die without an estate plan, the state will decide where your assets go. Each state...

A new administration usually means that tax code changes are coming. While it remains unclear exactly what tax changes President Biden’s administration will usher in, two possibilities are that he will propose lowering the estate tax exemption and eliminating the...

Preparing and organizing your financial information will bring peace of mind to you today and relieve your loved ones’ burden in the future. The goal is to make and maintain an accurate list of accounts and passwords and relevant contact names at financial...

Many websites offer customized, do-it-yourself wills and other estate planning documents.  Although such products are seemingly convenient, using them could create serious and expensive legal problems for heirs. These digital services appear to offer a cost-effective...

Revocable trusts are a very popular and useful estate planning tool. But the trust will be ineffective if you do not actually place your assets in the trust. Revocable trusts are an effective way to avoid probate and provide for asset management in the event of...

My family and I don’t own much. Can’t we put off planning until we can afford it? You shouldn’t. It is crucial to give legal authority to a person of your choice who can care for your children if anything should happen to you. You don’t want your children to become...