NING, Ding, Grat. Ilit, Crat, Crut, Qtip. So what are these oddly named trusts and what do people who need them need to know? Ever been to a place where you don't understand the language? Learning a new language is no easy task. At least when it comes to French…
… Large-scale strategic philanthropists are forcing family foundations of all sizes "to re-examine whether they're approaching their giving in a way that's likely to have the biggest impact." And, sometimes, as Pierce has found, a bigger impact can come from foundations of smaller sizes. Small family charities and foundations can…
Much is undoubtedly delivered with great love and compassion. But, sadly, it is also provided by family members who have no caregiving skills. Deciding on medical care later in life or setting it up for a loved one is a difficult process that should be thoroughly evaluated. While there are many…
Stop saying everyone knows what you want. Everybody probably doesn’t know. Or in their grief, they may not be able to make the decisions you would have preferred. If you don’t leave written instructions, emotions or unresolved issues can get in the way. The amount of frustration a family goes…
Asset protection is the process of employing risk management products and legally acceptable solutions to ensure a person’s wealth is not unjustly taken. Ever heard of the rule of entropy? Roughly, it says that things tend toward chaos. So it is with business and the chaos of litigation. If you…
For many years, when an individual outgrew a proprietorship, a corporation was the norm. Today, limited liability companies (LLCs) are popular. But despite the inroads of the LLC, corporations persist. But there are key differences between S and C status. If you own a business or are chosen to inherit…
Choosing whether assisted living would be the right option can be a complex decision requiring a dispassionate evaluation of the situation and careful consideration. The challenges of helping an aging parent plan for their late-in-life care can be strenuous. There are financial, medical and even emotional aspects of this type…
Death of the borrower triggers the loan payoff, but the estate and heirs will never owe more than what the home is worth. Family homes are unique assets. And like many assets, family homes can be as complicated as they are meaningful. Even when heirs inherit a home with no…
Estate freezing, under the right circumstances, can become a vital component of an intelligent wealth preservation strategy. A “frozen asset” can be viewed as an investment that refuses to move with the market. Fewer things are more annoying to a savvy investor! If an investment isn't growing, what is the…
"Understanding that AD may contribute to almost as many deaths as the two leading killers in America, heart disease and cancer, is an eye-opening figure that may convince the public and policy makers that AD funding should be increased," James said. As you plan for old age, and even while…