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...
Category: Estate Planning
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...
Creating an Estate Plan for a Relative Who Has a Disability
Planning for a loved one with a disability requires thought and care. It’s not just about financial support—it’s about ensuring their needs are met in a way that protects their well-being and independence. Many families worry about balancing providing for their relatives while preserving access to government benefits. By creating the right...
Updating Your Estate Plan When Your Children Move Out
Watching your children leave the nest is a moment filled with pride and possibility. As they embrace independence, you may find yourself adjusting to a quieter home and thinking about what comes next for your family. This life change can spark new conversations about the future, from redefining your own goals to...
Starting a New Job? Here’s Why You Should Update Your Estate Plan
Starting a new job is an exciting milestone that can bring fresh opportunities, challenges, and goals. Whether it's a higher salary, better benefits, or a change in location, this shift can significantly impact your financial and personal life. It's also a chance to reflect on your long-term priorities and ensure you're on...
Can a Trustee Be a Beneficiary in California?
Choosing a trustee is one of the most important decisions when setting up a trust. In California, many families wonder if a person managing the trust can also be someone who benefits from it. While the answer is yes, this arrangement calls for a thoughtful approach to balance responsibilities and interests....
How to Handle Cryptocurrency in Your Estate Plan
As cryptocurrency gains popularity, more people are integrating digital assets into their financial portfolios. However, unlike cash or stocks, cryptocurrencies exist entirely online, often protected by complex passwords and private keys. This unique setup can create challenges for loved ones if clear instructions aren’t left behind. Planning ahead can provide peace of...
ABLE Account vs. Special Needs Trust: Which Is the Better Option?
When you’re planning for the future of a loved one with a disability, ensuring they have financial support without jeopardizing their access to benefits is key. Two common options, ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts, each offer distinct ways to manage funds while safeguarding eligibility for essential government programs. These financial tools...
How to Successfully Amend an Existing Trust
Life doesn’t stand still, and neither should your trust. As circumstances shift—whether through new family members, changes in assets, or evolving goals—updating your trust keeps it aligned with your intentions. Amending a trust is a proactive way to ensure that your plans reflect your current wishes, protecting your loved ones and...
