These three legal documents have similar names but they are quite different in terms of the estate planning goals they help you accomplish. A will directs how a person’s estate is to be administered and how his or her assets will be distributed after death. The person who creates the will is called the Testator while the individual who settles the estate is known as the Executor. Naming the Executor and specifying “who gets what” in advance can help eliminate family infight

For many, an estate plan is created and never looked over again – until it’s necessary to do so. But did you know that you should really look at your estate plan as something that grows and changes with you? Think about what has happened in your life since the last time you looked over your estate plan. Maybe you bought a new home, got married, or welcomed your second child. Each of these events demonstrates exactly why keeping your plan up to date is just as important as cre

The statistics are rather alarming. In 2005, 50 percent of Americans had a will; today, only 32 percent of us have one. Meanwhile, only one in three Americans over the age of 55 has a durable power of attorney, and a mere 41 percent of this same demographic has advance health care directives. Why is this? According to statistics culled from a range of sources, Americans lack estate plans for the following reasons: 47 percent say “they haven’t gotten around to it” 29 percent t

Here are some additional planning tips to bring you peace of mind in the new year. Review your asset allocation. The start of the new year is an excellent time to reassess your investment portfolio to make sure your asset allocation is where it should be to accomplish your investment goals. Additionally, a stock, mutual fund or other investment that out-performed the market two years ago may not have done as well in 2025. If so, take a long, hard look at it. Make a detailed m

For many families, planning for the future means more than just wills and trusts—it also involves preparing for the rising costs of long-term care. Medicaid, the government program designed to assist with healthcare costs for those with limited financial resources, plays a critical role in covering long-term care expenses. However, many individuals are surprised to learn that qualifying for Medicaid often requires careful estate planning. With Medicaid making headlines lately

In the hustle and bustle of our youthful years, contemplating estate planning may seem like a task meant for a far-off future. Yet, the importance of having crucial documents in place cannot be overstated, even for those under the age of 40. Particularly, health care directives and powers of attorney are not just for the older generation; they are essential tools for safeguarding our well-being and financial affairs, especially as we embark on new life chapters. It’s Not Just