“When a person is terminally ill, the emotional impact on the individual and caregivers cannot be overstated. Nevertheless, there also are financial implications to the diagnosis that cannot be overlooked. Astute planning can help the dying individual be physically comfortable and retain assets that can be passed to loved ones.”…

“When it comes to wills, as a financial planner, I’ve seen a lot of sad, unfortunate or just plain weird things happen over the years. Poor estate documents can lead to people accidentally cutting loved ones out of inheritances, paying big tax bills unnecessarily and saddling families with expensive, head-scratching…

“If you have a child who is addicted to drugs or alcohol, or who is financially irresponsible, you already know the heartbreak associated with trying to help that child make healthy decisions. If these are your circumstances, you are probably already worrying about how to continue to help your child…

“Estate planning is an important task that everyone should take the time to manage. We’re all familiar with the concept of a traditional will where you lay out what should happen to your assets, but the legacy of your digital life is important, too.” – Amanda Kooser Managing your digital…

“When spouses decide to divorce, the usual framework is a process involving attorneys and the court system. But as modern family life is complex, it is becoming more common for spouses to remain permanently separated yet not divorced. It’s a state of gray that many feel comfortable in. Unfortunately for…

“An estimated 27 percent of U.S. pet owners who have wills include provisions for their pets, but according to Fat Cats & Lucky Dogs, they’re often ill-conceived or inadequate. They simply leave Max the dog to Uncle Harry, for example, without covering expenses or backup caregivers. It’s preferable to leave…

Our hope, of course, is that everyone will take the time to get their will written and their estate plan in place. Having these documents simplifies things tremendously, both in life and in death. However, recent statistics tell us that half the US population has not yet completed this process.…

Getting your estate plan in place is a big accomplishment and an even bigger relief. However, don’t just place your documents on the shelf and mentally check them off your list. As this article outlines, one of the biggest mistakes people make with their estate plan is failing to keep…