Estate planning might not be the first thing on your mind, but having a plan in place now can protect your future. Life moves fast, and unexpected situations can happen at any age. Whether you have savings, digital accounts, or personal belongings you care about, making decisions now helps avoid confusion later....
Can I Be a Beneficiary If I Do Not Live in California?
If you have been named as a beneficiary in a will or trust, you may wonder whether living outside of California affects your ability to inherit. The good news is that where you live does not prevent you from receiving what was left to you. Many beneficiaries no longer reside in the...
How to Safeguard Your Life Insurance Policy with Estate Planning
Life insurance offers a way to provide financial security for your loved ones after you’re gone. But without careful planning, the payout may not reach your beneficiaries as smoothly as you intend. Delays, taxes, and unexpected claims can reduce the amount they receive or tie it up in legal processes. The good...
Can I Start an Estate Plan Before Marrying?
Marriage is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with financial and legal changes that can affect your future. Many people focus on wedding plans and joint accounts without considering long-term protection for their assets and loved ones. If you have property, savings, or specific wishes for how your estate should be...
What Happens If You Forget to Put an Asset into Your Trust? A Pour-Over Will Can Help
What happens if I forget to put an asset into my trust? This is a question that many of our clients ask during our meetings. Creating a trust is one of the best ways to protect your assets and ensure they are distributed according to your wishes. But life moves fast, and...
What Is a Charitable Remainder Trust Used For?
A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) allows you to support causes that matter to you while maintaining financial benefits during your lifetime. This trust provides a way to donate assets, receive an income stream, and ultimately give to charity. By setting up a CRT, you can reduce taxes, increase financial security, and create...
Understand This Key Estate Planning Checklist If You Are About to Retire
Reaching retirement is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with important decisions about the future. Now is the time to ensure your wishes are clearly documented and your financial and healthcare plans are in place. Without proper planning, your loved ones may face unnecessary complications or legal challenges down the road....
Tips on Choosing Your Beneficiaries
Deciding who will inherit your assets is one of the most meaningful choices you’ll make in your estate plan. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your relationships, values, and the legacy you want to leave behind. By thoughtfully choosing your beneficiaries, you can provide support to loved ones, honor charitable causes, or...
How Your Health Savings Account Factors Into Your Estate Plan
Your Health Savings Account (HSA) isn’t just about covering medical bills—it’s also an asset that can play a meaningful role in your financial legacy. With its tax advantages and flexibility, an HSA has the potential to provide benefits well beyond your lifetime. Whether you’re building your estate plan for the first time...
Why You Should Revise Your Estate Plan in the New Year
The New Year is the perfect time to take stock of where you are and where you’re headed. While we often focus on setting personal or professional goals, it’s also a great opportunity to revisit the plans that protect your family and future. Life changes quickly, and an estate plan that felt...
