(925) 449-5674

Estate

Why Everyone Needs an Estate Strategy

This is an Estate Strategy educational infographic with five numbered sections on a green background.This is an Estate Strategy educational infographic with five numbered sections on a green background.Section one covers Probate, and states that Probate is the legal process that wraps up a person’s legal and financial affairs after their death. Probate can be costly and easily take months or years, depending on the state. While no estate strategy can completely eliminate the risk of an extensive probate, managing the probate process may be possible with a valid will and assets that avoid probate.Section one covers Probate, and states that Probate is the legal process that wraps up a person’s legal and financial affairs after their death. Probate can be costly and easily take months or years, depending on the state. While no estate strategy can completely eliminate the risk of an extensive probate, managing the probate process may be possible with a valid will and assets that avoid probate.This section includes a list of assets that avoid probate, such as property held in a trust, Jointly held property that isn’t common property, Death benefits from insurance policies, Property given away before you die, Assets in a pay-on-death account, and Retirement accounts with a named beneficiary.This section includes a list of assets that avoid probate, such as property held in a trust, Jointly held property that isn’t common property, Death benefits from insurance policies, Property given away before you die, Assets in a pay-on-death account, and Retirement accounts with a named beneficiary.Section two explains Living Wills. A Living Will outlines instructions on how to handle difficult decisions regarding your estate. Despite the importance of this document, only 32% of Americans have one. The number one cited reason for not having a will is procrastination.Section two explains Living Wills. A Living Will outlines instructions on how to handle difficult decisions regarding your estate. Despite the importance of this document, only 32% of Americans have one. The number one cited reason for not having a will is procrastination.Section three discusses Tax Exemption Strategies, noting that in 2024, the estate and gift tax exemption is 13.61 million dollars. Potentially hundreds of thousands of additional American households can take advantage of these strategies, passing on some of or all their assets free of estate taxes. Less than 1out of every 1,000 estates will exceed the exemption. Section three discusses Tax Exemption Strategies, noting that in 2024, the estate and gift tax exemption is 13.61 million dollars. Potentially hundreds of thousands of additional American households can take advantage of these strategies, passing on some of or all their assets free of estate taxes. Less than 1out of every 1,000 estates will exceed the exemption. Section four covers Living Trusts. These trusts are managed by a trustee and can help reduce estate taxes. Created and funded while you are alive, Living Trusts are composed of assets you choose to put into them. Managed by a trustee (usually you), the assets are structured to pass to a beneficiary, or beneficiaries, automatically upon your death, much like a will.Section four covers Living Trusts. These trusts are managed by a trustee and can help reduce estate taxes. Created and funded while you are alive, Living Trusts are composed of assets you choose to put into them. Managed by a trustee (usually you), the assets are structured to pass to a beneficiary, or beneficiaries, automatically upon your death, much like a will.Section five explains Power of Attorney, specifically durable power of attorney documents. These function as a written authorization empowering a person to execute personal and legal matters on your behalf. A good strategy may be to pick a person who either has some experience in these fields or has the necessary qualities to handle these decisions. This is often a spouse or adult child.Section five explains Power of Attorney, specifically durable power of attorney documents. These function as a written authorization empowering a person to execute personal and legal matters on your behalf. A good strategy may be to pick a person who either has some experience in these fields or has the necessary qualities to handle these decisions. This is often a spouse or adult child.The final portion lists the sources used in the creation of this infographic.The final portion lists the sources used in the creation of this infographic.
 

Related Content

Budget Check Up: Tax Time Is the Right Time

Tax preparation may be the perfect time to give the household budget a check-up.

5 Benefits of Working in Retirement

Here are 5 reasons why you may consider working through retirement.

Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?

This calculator compares the financial impact of leasing versus buying an automobile.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?


Thank you! Oops!

What is the Value of Your Business?

Ascertaining the value of your business is important for a variety of reasons.

A Meal for All Generations

When it comes to generational differences, knowing the facts can be difficult.

A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List

Longer, healthier living can put greater stress on retirement assets; the bucket approach may be one answer.

View all articles

Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?

This calculator compares the financial impact of leasing versus buying an automobile.

Contributing to an IRA?

Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

View all calculators

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

Estate Management 101

A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one factor to consider—when it comes to managing your estate.

18 Years Worth of Days

The average retirement lasts for 18 years. What will you do with your days?

View all videos