The objective of this discussion is to review some of the myths and realities of estate planning. A number of articles have been written on the subject but let's see if we can't put a different spin on it by keeping it simple. By dispelling some of the common misconceptions, we will have a better understanding of how important it is to take positive action to keep our estate plans in order.
One of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to their estate is that they simply fail to prepare a plan. Many people, especially the young and healthy, never even set up a Living Will. Living Wills are important to have at any age because they serve as a directive in the event that you become incapacitated. Even though far fewer young people plan their estates, more than twice as many 20-somethings die in car accidents than 60-somethings. Therefore, it is crucial that you plan your estate regardless of your age, health, or income level.
Your beneficiaries are those individuals who will inherit your estate when you die. It is important that you carefully consider and name your beneficiaries. Choose the appropriate individuals for the estate you will be leaving behind. Many times, beneficiaries are children and spouses. However, if you have young children, you may not feel comfortable setting up your estate so that they inherit a large sum of money directly. How will they spend it? Are you sure that they would make wise choices? If you would like to have more control over the estate after you die, then it is important that you set up a Trust for your beneficiaries. By establishing a Trust, you can allocate a certain portion of your estate towards a child's education, first home, or other purpose of your choosing. Consult with a qualified attorney for more information about how to set up your estate for your beneficiaries.
Getting estate planning tax advice on a continuing basis is important, because you may have to adjust your estate planning strategies as your financial situation and/or the estate tax laws change. Consulting with an estate planning tax expert as your circumstances change will ensure that your heirs are not left with any unpleasant surprises and that your final wishes will be honored as you desired.
A significant portion of your assets might be vulnerable to estate taxes after you die. However, there are ways to leave behind an estate without losing most of it to taxes. It is important that you consult with a qualified attorney to discuss the most strategic methods for establishing your unique plan. A well-crafted plan will ensure that your beneficiaries get the most benefit from your years of hard work.
Instead of repeal, reform of the federal estate tax is a possibility. Several key lawmakers were up for re-election in 2008 and they would have liked to see the estate tax issue resolved prior to Election Day. Such did not happen. Almost everyone agrees that something needs to be done to make the federal estate tax more predictable and user friendly. It seems that the current political climate could be the right time for reform. One possible reform is to freeze the 2009 rates and exemption amounts for 2009 and beyond with an exemption amount of $3.5 million per estate and a top tax rate of 45%. Only time will tell what happens, but one thing is certain, doing nothing and waiting for Washington to fix things is probably not in your or your family's best interests.
One of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to their estate is that they simply fail to prepare a plan. Many people, especially the young and healthy, never even set up a Living Will. Living Wills are important to have at any age because they serve as a directive in the event that you become incapacitated. Even though far fewer young people plan their estates, more than twice as many 20-somethings die in car accidents than 60-somethings. Therefore, it is crucial that you plan your estate regardless of your age, health, or income level.
Your beneficiaries are those individuals who will inherit your estate when you die. It is important that you carefully consider and name your beneficiaries. Choose the appropriate individuals for the estate you will be leaving behind. Many times, beneficiaries are children and spouses. However, if you have young children, you may not feel comfortable setting up your estate so that they inherit a large sum of money directly. How will they spend it? Are you sure that they would make wise choices? If you would like to have more control over the estate after you die, then it is important that you set up a Trust for your beneficiaries. By establishing a Trust, you can allocate a certain portion of your estate towards a child's education, first home, or other purpose of your choosing. Consult with a qualified attorney for more information about how to set up your estate for your beneficiaries.
Getting estate planning tax advice on a continuing basis is important, because you may have to adjust your estate planning strategies as your financial situation and/or the estate tax laws change. Consulting with an estate planning tax expert as your circumstances change will ensure that your heirs are not left with any unpleasant surprises and that your final wishes will be honored as you desired.
A significant portion of your assets might be vulnerable to estate taxes after you die. However, there are ways to leave behind an estate without losing most of it to taxes. It is important that you consult with a qualified attorney to discuss the most strategic methods for establishing your unique plan. A well-crafted plan will ensure that your beneficiaries get the most benefit from your years of hard work.
Instead of repeal, reform of the federal estate tax is a possibility. Several key lawmakers were up for re-election in 2008 and they would have liked to see the estate tax issue resolved prior to Election Day. Such did not happen. Almost everyone agrees that something needs to be done to make the federal estate tax more predictable and user friendly. It seems that the current political climate could be the right time for reform. One possible reform is to freeze the 2009 rates and exemption amounts for 2009 and beyond with an exemption amount of $3.5 million per estate and a top tax rate of 45%. Only time will tell what happens, but one thing is certain, doing nothing and waiting for Washington to fix things is probably not in your or your family's best interests.
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Frank Miller has a Debt Consolidation Blog & Finance, these are some of the articles: Style And Concept Choices For Your Checks You have full permission to reprint this article provided this box is kept unchanged.
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