Millennial Estate Planning Facts and Tips
Millennials typically have a lower net worth than their parents, and they carry substantial student loan debt. Additionally, they aren't saving enough for retirement. What's more, since they are often responsible for children, older adults, and sometimes household pets too, it's never too early to start putting...
The Effect of 529 Plans on Estate and Gift Taxes
For the most part, grantors are required to give up all control of gifted assets. This has many people so afraid of estate tax inclusion that they are completely repelled from this option, but the 529 plan provides the single exception to the rule. Section 529 of the IRC states that no amount can be included in...
Estate Planning with High Interest Rates
Creating an Estate Plan When Interest Rates Are High In 2022, the Federal Reserve hiked the federal funds rate several times, which resulted in interest rates increasing by a considerable amount. Interest rates for a 30-year mortgage are just over 6% at the moment, which is much higher than the low of 2.65% that was...
Why You May Need to Sue a Trustee
A trust is an estate planning tool that lets you benefit beneficiaries both during your lifetime and after your death in a manner you feel is best. Unfortunately, there are times when the beneficiaries may want to void a trust or remove or sue a trustee. You could be required to pursue litigation in these situations....
What Does Mental Health Have to Do With Estate Planning?
Why You Need to Consider Mental Health in Estate Planning An estimated 19.9% of Americans hold a diagnosis of a behavioral or mental health issue at any time. Mental illness affects people of all ages and from all walks of life. If one of your heirs has a mental or behavioral health diagnosis that impacts their...
Estate planning for your college-age children
Reasons to Include Your College-age Children in Your Estate Planning A majority of parents expect to fully pay for their child's college education. If you or your spouse were to pass away while one or more of your children are still in college, this could impact your ability to meet their financial needs and ensure...
Estate planning for physicians
Why Physicians Need to Create an Estate Plan Over the average career of a physician in the United States, a practicing doctor can expect to earn at least $6.5 million. Many physicians earn much more, and they may also accumulate assets that heirs may disagree about after the doctor's death. Establishing an estate...
Estate Planning in Light of Inflation
Creating an Inflation-Proof Estate Plan Inflation is affecting more people in recent years, no matter who you are or what your estate planning style is. From 2011 to 2022, the inflation rate has risen from 3.2% to 8.3%. Regardless of what your estate plan looks like, feeling at least some of the impact of inflation...
Tips on picking your estate plan agents and fiduciaries
Five Tips for Picking Your Estate Plan Agent and Fiduciaries Fiduciaries for an estate plan can include agents, trustees, or executors, which is why selecting fiduciaries is essential for any estate plan to be successful. Around 67% of Americans do not have an estate plan. If you want to make an estate plan that...
Pay attention to your beneficiary designations
Beneficiary Mistakes You Don't Want to Make Any assets held in your estate at the time of your death will likely be subject to probate. New Jersey probate is a simple process that should be completed in one month’s time, assuming that no one launches a preemptive challenge to the Will, called filing a Caveat, or...