Retirement Watch Weekly
What is a Grantor Trust?
A grantor trust is one in which the grantor retains control of its income and assets. Grantor trusts are a type of living trust that is created during the lifetime of the individual who creates it. The grantor typically is self-appointed as the trustee to maintain control over the assets. The grantor can then name […]
What is a Variable Annuity and How Does it Work?
Variable annuities are a specific type of contract issued by an insurance company that requires the annuitant, or the annuity owner, to choose from a variety of investments to put the principal. The funds put into the investment are called the principal, and the payouts received by the annuity owner are contingent upon the […]
Estate Planning for the Growing Unmarried and Single Population
In last week’s edition of Retirement Watch Weekly, I presented Estate Planning for “Modern Families.” There’s a lot more ground to cover, so let’s dive right back in – starting with estate tax implications for single people. Under the estate and gift tax, singles do not have the advantage of the marital deduction. An unmarried […]
At What Net Worth Do You Need a Trust?
Trusts are typically thought of as tools for the wealthy, however, affluence is not a prerequisite to reap the benefits of owning a trust. Trusts can be useful estate planning tools for many people, but it may not be worth the expense for people who do not have many assets. Background: What is a Trust? […]
Bob’s Journal for 7/16/20
Some Notable Events That Grabbed My Attention This Week Good News on the Coronavirus Front There has been a surge of positive news in the last few days about the prospects for one or more vaccines against the coronavirus. The German firm BioNTech, which is partnering with Pfizer on a vaccine, is indicating it plans […]
Heirs and Beneficiaries – Why Traditional Estate Plans Won’t Work for Modern Families
The make-up of the modern family has changed quite a bit over the years. Therefore, traditional estate plans won’t work well for many families these days. A traditional plan is for couples who are in their first and only marriage and have only kids from that marriage. Different plans, tools, and strategies might be needed […]
The Best IRA Planning Ideas After the SECURE Act
In my new Retirement Watch Spotlight Series, I’ll share my newest breakthrough strategies for protecting your assets and growing your portfolio, including how to prepare for the next market downturn. Click here now to learn more. […]
