Understanding the Pros and Cons of Probate in Estate Planning In estate planning circles, the word “probate” often carries a negative connotation. Many financial planners recommend keeping accounts and property out of probate whenever possible, especially for individuals with significant assets. However, probate exists for an important reason. It is a system designed to protect…
Secure Their Future: Estate Planning Starts with Your Priorities Thinking about what happens after we are gone is never easy, but it is one of the most meaningful ways to protect and care for the people we love. A well-crafted estate plan reflects your values, safeguards your assets, and ensures your wishes are honored. It…
How Digital Assets Fit Into Your Estate Plan In today’s world, so much of what we own lives online. When someone passes away, an executor is responsible for gathering, protecting, and managing all estate assets. That is straightforward when assets are physical, but digital property brings new challenges. An executor cannot manage what they cannot…
Thinking of Naming an Executor? Here’s What You Need to Know Have you been asked to serve as an executor, or are you choosing someone to fill this role in your own estate plan? Before saying yes, or assigning the responsibility, it’s important to understand exactly what the executor does and why the choice matters.…
Leaving a Legacy with Purpose: How Conditional Gifts Encourage Responsibility When it comes to leaving a legacy, most parents want their hard-earned assets to bring long-term security, not short-term spending sprees. That is why more families today are choosing to leave inheritances with purpose and protection in mind. A thoughtful estate plan can ensure your…
Americans Remain Generous but Fewer Are Giving Americans continue to stand out as some of the most generous people on the planet.In 2025, the United States ranks among the top nations for both wealth and giving, ninth in per capita GDP and fifth on the World Giving Index. Yet, behind this reputation for generosity, a…
Worried About an Adult Child’s Future? You’re Not Alone, and You’re Not Without Options Estate planning is not just about passing down wealth; it is about protecting the people you love. But what happens when one of those people is struggling? Whether it is addiction, a rocky marriage, or financial irresponsibility, these challenges can make…
Creating a Positive Legacy Through Estate Planning We believe that a positive and optimistic attitude can extend to your estate plan and family legacy. Rather than focusing primarily on negative goals, such as preventing a spendthrift child from wasting their inheritance, view your estate planning as an opportunity to pass along your values and positivity…
Who Can Pay for an Estate Plan? Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Every adult should have an estate plan, yet surprisingly, most Americans do not. The perceived cost of creating one is among the most cited reasons for a lack of estate planning. The consequences of not having an estate plan can…
Sometimes, pet owners can get a bit creative when providing for their pets’ future care. The following three famous cases involving pet trusts offer some important lessons. David Harper and Red David Harper, a wealthy, reclusive bachelor in Ottawa, Canada, left his entire $1.1 million estate to his tabby cat, Red. To ensure his wishes…