Labor Day Reflections and Your Legacy

August 26, 2024

Labor Day, observed in the United States on the first Monday in September, is not only the unofficial end of summer but also a celebration of the contributions and achievements of American workers. Originating from the labor movement and the quest for better working conditions, Labor Day also provides an opportunity to think about your […]

How Beneficiary Designations Put Your Family at Risk

August 19, 2024

ESTATE PLANNING,

You’ve worked hard to build your assets and secure your family’s future. Like many responsible adults, you’ve named beneficiaries on your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and maybe even your banking and investment accounts. It feels good to know you’ve put something in place for your loved ones. But here’s the truth many financial advisors, […]

Would $23,000 Make a Difference to You?

August 12, 2024

ESTATE PLANNING,

Imagine discovering thousands of dollars that belong to you, only to be told you can’t have it. This frustrating scenario became a reality for a woman named Dale Benerofe, a Georgia resident, when she found $23,000 in unclaimed property from her deceased parents. Her tragic story sheds light on a little-known issue that affects millions […]

Would You Make This Million Dollar Mistake?

August 5, 2024

ESTATE PLANNING,

Imagine this: You’re in your twenties, just starting your career. You fill out a form at work, naming your live-in significant other as the beneficiary of your retirement account. You start contributing to your retirement account, and it begins to grow. Fast forward 28 years – you’ve long since ended that relationship, lived a full […]

Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 4 of 4: Elvis and the Scammers

July 26, 2024

ESTATE PLANNING,

For the last few weeks, we’ve discussed celebrities and how they planned for their deaths. We started with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, so ending our 4-part series with the King of Rock, Elvis Presley, seems fitting. You may be wondering why I’ve chosen to talk about a man who’s been dead since 1977. […]

Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 3 of 4: Jay Leno’s Case is No Laughing Matter

July 22, 2024

ESTATE PLANNING,

For the last two weeks, we’ve discussed celebrities and how they planned (or didn’t!) for their deaths. In this third installment of our four-part celebrity series, we discuss a topic that no one wants to think about as it may seem to be a fate worse than death: incapacity. Unlike death, not everyone will become […]

Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 2 of 4: Vanilla Ice Has Thoughts

July 15, 2024

ESTATE PLANNING,

This week, we’re continuing to look at the lives of 4 celebrities and how they’re preparing for the inevitable (or didn’t!). Last week, we examined Michael Jackson’s planning and the holes in his plan that resulted in his family being embroiled in court and conflict for 15 years and counting (if you missed it, go […]

Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 1 of 4: Michael Jackson

July 9, 2024

ESTATE PLANNING,

What is it about celebrities that always draws us in? For whatever reason, we just can’t resist a good, juicy celebrity story. Maybe it’s because we can relate in some way, or maybe we feel like we can’t relate and that’s what makes celebrities interesting. Their lives always seem attractive but somehow… just out of […]

Value Freedom? Here’s Why an Estate Plan Is Your Declaration of Independence

July 2, 2024

ESTATE PLANNING,

As you celebrate the Fourth of July and all it represents – freedom, independence, and the pursuit of happiness – take pride in the ultimate American liberty: the right to decide your own affairs, even after death or in the event of incapacity. An estate plan, specifically a Life & Legacy Plan, is the way […]

The Surprising Connection Between Men’s Health and Estate Planning

June 24, 2024

ESTATE PLANNING,

June marks Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about health issues predominantly affecting men and encouraging the early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. So this month, let’s turn the focus to you, gentlemen. You already know that taking care of your health allows you to prolong your life […]