Surveys conducted in 2024 by Caring.com and Ameriprise Financial revealed a troubling trend: Americans are falling behind on estate planning. The Caring.com survey revealed that only 32% of Americans have a will – a 6% decline from 2023. The Ameriprise survey found that 52% of couples lack estate plans. These statistics highlight a dangerous disconnect between understanding the importance of estate planning and taking action. Let’s examine these misconceptions and their potentially devastating consequences. Myth 1: “I don’t have enough assets to need an estate plan.”  This dangerously narrow thinking ignores that estate planning isn’t just about financial wealth. It’s… View Post

You know that uneasy feeling when you think about what everyone you love would do, if (and when) something happens to you? That nagging voice reminding you that you still haven’t created a will or trust or updated the estate plan you do have?  As we enter 2025, it’s time to stop pushing those thoughts aside and take action to protect the people you love most. Many people avoid estate planning because they think it will be complicated, expensive, too time-consuming, or emotionally challenging. But the truth is, not having a plan, or having an out-of-date plan, is far more… View Post

When someone asks you to be the executor of their estate, it might seem like a straightforward responsibility – distribute assets according to their will and handle some paperwork. However, as many executors discover, the role involves far more complexity, time, and emotional labor than expected. Understanding these challenges now can help you better prepare, whether you’re creating your estate plan or considering serving as an estate executor.  But first, a note about terminology. If someone creates a will, the term used for the person who handles the estate is “executor.” If someone creates a trust, the person who handles… View Post

As we approach Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation with unwavering dedication. Your military service demonstrated a profound commitment to protecting America’s future – and now it’s time to protect your family’s future through thoughtful estate planning I call Life & Legacy PlanningⓇ. Just as you approached missions with precision and care during your service, attending to your Life & Legacy Planning with the same attention to detail can ensure your loved ones are well-cared for and your legacy is preserved.  In this article, I will help you understand the… View Post

In today’s rapidly evolving “gig economy,” you might be torn between hiring full-time employees or independent contractors (ICs). This choice carries significant implications for your business, affecting everything from your bottom line to your legal obligations. Understanding the pros and cons of hiring ICs and knowing how to protect your business becomes crucial as the work landscape shifts. This article will guide you through the benefits and pitfalls of working with ICs and provide essential steps to safeguard your business from potential legal and financial risks. The Allure of Independent Contractors When you’re running a business, especially a small or… View Post