One of the most eloquent responses to Robin Williams’ death came from his best friend Billy Crystal, who posted on Twitter simply: “No words.” When someone close to us dies — especially in a sudden and tragic way — the grief is so deep that we truly don’t have words to describe it. And while […]
If you own real estate, chances are you have purchased insurance to protect the property against damage or loss. But have you taken the necessary steps to protect your assets against lawsuits or probate? If you own rental properties, there is likely a nagging fear in the back of your mind about being sued by […]
While most parents have the best intentions when it comes to teaching their children about handling finances wisely, sometimes the lessons don’t take. In addition to concerns about spendthrift behavior, some children experience substance abuse or have mental issues that make giving them access to wealth a problem. This is where a trust can be […]
Casey Kasem, the celebrity radio host who counted down America’s Top 40 popular songs for decades, died on June 15 at the age of 82 and left behind an estimated $80 million fortune. He also left a family feud of biblical proportions between his surviving spouse and his three children from a prior marriage. And […]
Maria Shriver knows the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease firsthand. Her beloved father Sargent Shriver, founder of the Peace Corps and one-time candidate for Vice President of the United States, died of the disease in 2011 after being diagnosed in 2003. Often called “the long goodbye,” Alzheimer’s disease affects more than five million Americans and its […]
Gifting assets can be a useful estate planning tool if you need to reduce your estate tax bill or for long-term care planning purposes. You need to be sure, however, that your gift does not cause any unforeseen problems for you or the person receiving your gift. Here are five questions you should always ask […]
It’s no surprise that Americans spend more time planning their summer vacations than they do planning their estate. After all, a vacation is a trip you want to go on, while the “eternal trip” is not. However, wouldn’t you travel with more peace of mind if you knew you had taken the necessary steps to […]
If you have young children, chances are your summer activities include some careful planning to keep them safe from harm. Unfortunately, even with proper precautions in place, accidents do happen – and not just to children. Have you planned for what would happen to your children if you were the one involved in a tragic […]
Rock musician Sting recently announced that his children will not inherit his estimated $300 million fortune, saying these riches are “albatrosses around their necks.” The product of a British working class background, Sting is currently one of the world’s wealthiest musicians, but says he will not be passing that fortune on to his six children. […]
If you’re the parent of a new graduate from high school this year, congratulations! I know you’ve put a lot of time and effort toward that diploma, and whatever their next step in life will be, you surely want to protect them just as much now as you always have. So before you pack your […]
