Retirement Watch Weekly
How Markets Affect Estate Planning Strategies
In our visits the last couple of months we discussed how declining asset markets and interest rates affect estate planning. Since then, treasury interest rates appear to have hit a bottom. It is time to look at a few strategies that will produce greater tax benefits when interest rates are higher. Some estate planning strategies […]
Unitrusts and Your Estate Plan
Once upon a time all trusts were annuity trusts or income trusts. As the economy and markets changed, these trusts failed to meet their creators’ goals and often caused problems. To solve the problems, the unitrust was created. Like all financial planning solutions, the unitrust is good but not the tool for all situations. Estate […]
Reverse Mortgages Coming of Age
Reverse mortgages are booming. The number of reverse mortgages issued is growing at a rapid rate (though the actual number still is fairly small), and mortgage options available are increasing. More options give older homeowners more potential benefits but also increase the potential to make mistakes. The industry’s preferred term for reverse mortgages is Home […]
Should You Take that Early Retirement Offer?
With the economy slowing more people have to face one of work life’s more difficult issues: Should the early retirement offer be accepted? Evaluating the value and merits of a buyout offer can be difficult, because the offer contains many parts. Here is a summary of key points to consider when a buyout offer is […]
Trustee Strategies for the 21st Century
Trusts are part of more and more estate plans. Often trusts are used to hold and manage assets for younger generations. Sometimes the beneficiaries are too young or inexperienced to manage the assets. Other times the older generation is afraid the younger generation might not resist the temptation to spend direct gifts of the property. […]
How Market Fluctuations Create Estate Planning Gifting Opportunities
Few people realize changes in the markets and economy affect estate plans. The changes create opportunities. Strategies that were not viable or were borderline in the past will preserve more wealth today. When the markets or interest rates change significantly, it is a good idea to meet with an estate planner and take a fresh […]
Why Triple Tax Benefits Are Not For Everyone
Few tax strategies provide as many benefits as charitable remainder trusts. The trusts generate a current income tax deduction, remove assets from the estate, shelter asset appreciation from capital gains taxes, and provide income for life or a period of years. Yet, CRTs are a paradox. On the one hand, they seem underused. Many people […]
Safeguard Your Will and Estate Plan from Legal Challenges
Few events disrupt an estate plan and family harmony more than a will contest or other challenge to the plan. The specific challenges might not be predictable, because they often are triggered more by emotions than finances. But the risk of a contest almost always is present, and estate owners should know that they can […]
