Perhaps you have been working on your estate planning for the last ten weeks, along with our blog post series on the topic. Maybe you have been working at it for a longer or shorter period of time–but that is immaterial. No matter how long you spend putting your estate plan together, the documents and [...]
Estate Planning – Funeral Arrangements
Funeral arrangements are often the frightening obstacle that prevents most estate planning. Thinking about what will happen to us when we die is often something most people avoid, regardless of belief in an afterlife. Even in that case, it is rare that we are eager to set aside our plans for funerals, burial, and other [...]
Estate Planning – Insurance
When it comes to the impact of insurance on estate planning, most of this discussion will focus on disability insurance and life insurance. However, it’s always a good idea to look at other insurance products–we will touch on that in more detail soon. First, there are two crucial questions to ask yourself if you do [...]
Estate Planning – Living Wills
A living will is connected to a healthcare power of attorney or healthcare proxy (read our blog entry from last week here) in that it stipulates your wishes regarding healthcare, specifically that which is designed to prolong your life. This document contributes to your estate planning process. Decisions that fall into this category include (but [...]
Estate Planning – The Power of Attorney
Estate planning isn’t only for when you, someday, pass on, but rather for that or any situation which incapacitates you so that someone else needs to make decisions in your stead. For this reason, the power of attorney exists. When beginning to think about who you will select to act under your power of attorney, [...]
Estate Planning – Beneficiaries
When it comes to estate planning, one of the best things you can do to ensure a smooth transition of control of your estate is to keep your beneficiary information up to date on all pertinent documents. Doing so will prevent confusion and delay in processing your estate. You can either choose to conduct a [...]
Estate Planning: Executors
The executor or executrix of your estate will have the task of seeing to it that your last wishes and your will are realized. When beginning the estate planning process, many think that an heir has to be an executor of the estate, however, you may elect anyone you wish to fill this role. In [...]
Estate Planning: Writing a Will
When it comes to estate planning, many are intimidated by the idea of having a will because getting a will is an acknowledgment of our own mortality. However, a will provides peace of mind—not only in that your money will be handled as you wish when the time comes, but that your wishes in general [...]
Estate Planning Part 1
How do you know when it’s time to start planning your estate? Certain life events, such as marriage, having children, etc… can be triggers to begin or update your estate plan, but it’s never too soon to begin considering how you want your estate handled. This process can seem complicated and daunting, and for that [...]
BBB: A Tarnished Business Reputation?
What happens when an entity’s business reputation is cracked? Much like a cracked foundation in a house, damage can seep in. We’ve mentioned the importance of keeping your business’ reputation polished in previous posts, but it bears mentioning again, particularly in light of the latest expose on the Better Business Bureau in Los Angeles. You [...]