(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

What is the Value of Your Business?

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

Working With A Financial Professional

A financial professional is an invaluable resource to help you untangle the complexities of whatever life throws at you.

Simple 401k

See how increasing your 401(k) contributions today could affect your balance at retirement.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?


Thank you! Oops!

Do You Owe The AMT?

If you want to avoid potential surprises at tax time, it may make sense to know where you stand when it comes to the AMT.

Inflation and the Real Rate of Return

Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.

U.S. Personal Savings Rate

What can be learned from the savings rate?

View all articles

How Much Home Can I Afford?

Estimate how much home may fit within your budget based on income and expenses.

How Compound Interest Works

Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

Inflation & Retirement

See how inflation over time could affect the purchasing power of your retirement income.

View all calculators

Behavioral Finance

An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.

The Facts About Income Tax

Millions faithfully file their 1040 forms each April. But some things about federal income taxes may surprise you.

The Power of Compound Interest

Learn how to harness the power of compound interest for your investments.

View all videos