Estate planning, which includes drawing up a will, does not only apply to wealthy people.If you pass away without a will, a state court generally decides who gets your assets and, if you have children, who will care for them.Some assets need to be addressed separately, including retirement accounts and life insurance.
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USA Today Article: Don’t leave grieving relatives searching for your passwords
Here's how to organize your digital life before you die
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There was a time when you didn’t worry much about your email account, or the website you bought years ago, or your usernames and passwords for various financial and other accounts.
But now you do....
Kiplinger Article: Should I Start Gifting Money (or Even My House) to My Kids?
As for giving away your money while you’re still alive to see it go to the ones you love, there are pros and cons to think about. But when it comes to your house, giving that away is probably a really bad idea.
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When thinking about estate planning,...
At Surprenant & Beneski, You Get the Best of the Team Approach
Article appears as it was written CapeCod.com
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Consulting an attorney may seem like a daunting move that comes with many questions. Who do you consult? How do you know you’re getting the best advice? Who should you trust?
The team approach at Surprenant & Beneski,...
AgingCare Article: How to Handle Social Security Benefits When a Senior Dies
One aspect of managing a loved one’s final affairs that most people aren’t familiar with is how to handle their last Social Security retirement benefits check. Surviving family members often incorrectly assume that the estate is entitled to keep the beneficiary’s final payment or that it can be spent on things like...
MarketWatch Article: How to talk about estate planning with your family this holiday season without starting a fight
By: Nora Garvey
Taking the emotions out of death and financesAs families gather for the holidays, talking about long-term financial security and trusts may not be top of mind. Death and finances are often two of the most uncomfortable topics for families to talk...
NY Times Article: With Adult Children Home, Now’s the Time: Talk About Your Money
By John F. Wasik
Riding out the pandemic with family presents the perfect chance to lay it all out: priorities, account balances, end-of-life directives.
For far too many families, financial planning is akin to scheduling dental surgery. The prospect of pain and discomfort prompts many to...
ElderLawAnswers Article: The Coronavirus Pandemic Presents Ample Reasons to Reevaluate Your Estate Plan
The coronavirus health emergency is a reminder that life is unpredictable, and it makes sense to be prepared. It may sound self-serving, but the threats to life and finances posed by the pandemic offer ample reason to reevaluate your estate plan -- or create one if you haven't already.
Kiplinger Article: A Guide to the Softer Side of Estate Planning
Once you've written your will, pat yourself on the back. Then get back to work to spell out your wishes on what could be far more important than how your assets are divided. Your family's harmony could be a stake.
Written by: Casey Robinson, CFP
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NerdWallet Article: Estate Planning: A 7-Step Checklist of the Basics
Here's what estate planning is and 7 things you can do to get started.
Written By: Kay Bell
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You don’t have to be rich to need estate planning. Your estate includes everything you own, and it can be any size, which is why...