1. Everybody needs a Will, EVERYONE!!!
A Will tells the world exactly where you want your assets distributed when you die. It’s also the best place to name guardians for your children. Dying without a Will — also known as dying “Intestate” — can be costly to your heirs and leaves you no say over who gets your assets. Even if you have a trust, you still need a will to take care of any holdings outside of that trust when you die.
2. Put a Basic Estate Plan in place!!!!
Such a plan ensures that your family and financial goals are met after you die. An Estate Plan has several key elements. They include: a Will; Power of Attorney; Memorandum Disposition of Tangible Personal Property; and a Living Will or Health-Care Proxy (Medical Power of Attorney). For some people, a Trust ( there are many variations), may also make sense. When putting together a plan, you must be mindful of both Federal and State laws governing your estate.
3. Take an Inventory of your Assets, NOW PLEASE!!!
Your assets include your Investments, Retirement Savings, Insurance Policies, and Real Estate or Business interests. Ask yourself these three questions: Whom do you want to inherit your assets? Whom do you want handling your financial affairs if you’re ever incapacitated? Whom do you want making medical decisions for you if you become unable to make them for yourself?
4. Get a Trust!! Trusts aren’t just for the wealthy.
Trusts are legal mechanisms that let you put conditions on how and when your assets will be distributed upon your death. They also allow you to reduce your estate and gift taxes and to distribute assets to your heirs without the cost, delay and publicity of the Probate Court, which administers Wills. Some also offer greater protection of your assets from creditors and lawsuits.
5. Discuss your Estate Plans with your Heirs!!
Inheritance can be a loaded issue. By being clear about your intentions, you help dispel potential conflicts after you’re gone. This will prevent many disputes and or confusion amongst family and friends, as well as ensure who will be the guardians of any children after you are gone.
6. Know The Federal Estate Tax Exemption!!! — the amount you may leave to heirs free of Federal Tax.
In 2012, Estates under $5 million are exempt from the tax. Amounts above that are taxed up to a top rate of 35%. In 2013, barring Congressional action, the Exemption falls to $1 million, and the top rate jumps to 55%.
7. Discuss how to best provide for your Spouse!!! May leave an unlimited amount of money to your spouse tax-free, but this isn’t always the best tactic.
By leaving all your assets to your spouse, you don’t utilize your Estate Tax Exemption, and instead increase the surviving spouse’s Taxable Estate upon their death. That means your children are likely to pay more in estate taxes if your spouse leaves them the assets upon his/ or her death. It also defers the tough decisions about the distribution of your assets until the second Spouse’s death.
8. Know how to give Charitable Gifts that keep on giving!!
If you donate to a Charitable Gift Fund or Foundation, your investment grows tax-free and you can select the charities to which contributions are given both before and after you die. I could assist you in how to set up a Charitable Gift Fund.
9. Contact Me!!
The initial step is to contact me by e-mailing – kim@kimesquire.com, or you can send me a message within the questions or comments section located on the top right side of this page. Certainly, all communications are kept confidential. You will hear back from me with 48 hours.