Why Plan Your Estate?
if you postpone planning until it is too late, you run the risk that your intended beneficiaries -- those you love the most -...
Read moreWe are in the midst of one of the most substantial intergenerational transfers of wealth in history. Referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” it is expected to continue for another couple of decades. Baby boomers are the primary source of the wealth being transferred to younger generations across the United States. Some estimates put the amount of assets that will be transferred at over $68 trillion.
This transfer has the potential to reshape individual financial futures and the broader economy. For many, this inherited wealth will provide opportunities that weren’t previously available, such as early retirement, investment opportunities, or funding for personal passions. However, it can also come with complexities that require careful planning and decision-making. Here’s a guide to approaching and managing an inheritance wisely.
Receiving an inheritance often follows the loss of a loved one, making it an emotionally charged experience. It’s important to take time to process your grief before making any major financial decisions. Many financial experts recommend waiting at least six months before making significant financial changes. During this time, consider consulting a financial professional and an estate planning attorney to lay the groundwork for a well-informed approach.
Inheritances can come in many forms, including cash, real estate, retirement accounts, stocks, or valuable items such as jewelry and collectibles. Understanding the types of assets you’re inheriting will help you determine how to handle them. For instance:
Working with the right experts, including financial advisors, tax advisors, and estate planning attorneys, can help you navigate the complexities of managing an inheritance. These professionals can offer insight into:
If you don’t already have an emergency fund, setting aside a portion of the inheritance can help create a safety net for unexpected expenses. Wealth management experts typically recommend saving about six months’ worth of living expenses in a low-risk, easily accessible account.
Eliminating high-interest debt, such as credit card balances, can be one of the best uses of an inheritance. Reducing debt can improve financial flexibility and lower long-term costs, freeing up future cash flow for other investments or needs.
Investing a portion of the inheritance can help you grow your wealth over time. Some options include:
Many people find meaning in using part of their inheritance to give back. If you want to support charitable causes, consider setting up a donor-advised fund or making direct donations. Charitable giving can also provide tax advantages, especially for large inheritances.
Inheriting money or other assets can be a real financial windfall, but the inheritance can disappear quickly or cause problems. Be aware of pitfalls such as these:
An inheritance offers the chance to think about your legacy and future generations. Consider how you want to use this wealth to support your family, community, and personal values. Setting up an estate plan or trust can help ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, protecting your legacy for the future.
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Be sure to consult with your estate planning attorney. They can discuss your specific situation and help you create an estate plan that will help you protect your inheritance and achieve your legacy goals.
if you postpone planning until it is too late, you run the risk that your intended beneficiaries -- those you love the most -...
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Read moreFor most people, receiving an inheritance is something good, but for a nursing home resident on Medicaid, an inheritance may?...
Read moreIn addition to nursing home care, Medicaid may cover home care and some care in an assisted living facility. Coverage in your state may depend on waivers of federal rules.
READ MORETo be eligible for Medicaid long-term care, recipients must have limited incomes and no more than $2,000 (in most states). Special rules apply for the home and other assets.
READ MORESpouses of Medicaid nursing home residents have special protections to keep them from becoming impoverished.
READ MOREIn addition to nursing home care, Medicaid may cover home care and some care in an assisted living facility. Coverage in your state may depend on waivers of federal rules.
READ MORETo be eligible for Medicaid long-term care, recipients must have limited incomes and no more than $2,000 (in most states). Special rules apply for the home and other assets.
READ MORESpouses of Medicaid nursing home residents have special protections to keep them from becoming impoverished.
READ MORECareful planning for potentially devastating long-term care costs can help protect your estate, whether for your spouse or for your children.
READ MOREIf steps aren't taken to protect the Medicaid recipient's house from the state’s attempts to recover benefits paid, the house may need to be sold.
READ MOREThere are ways to handle excess income or assets and still qualify for Medicaid long-term care, and programs that deliver care at home rather than in a nursing home.
READ MORECareful planning for potentially devastating long-term care costs can help protect your estate, whether for your spouse or for your children.
READ MOREIf steps aren't taken to protect the Medicaid recipient's house from the state’s attempts to recover benefits paid, the house may need to be sold.
READ MOREThere are ways to handle excess income or assets and still qualify for Medicaid long-term care, and programs that deliver care at home rather than in a nursing home.
READ MOREMost states have laws on the books making adult children responsible if their parents can't afford to take care of themselves.
READ MOREApplying for Medicaid is a highly technical and complex process, and bad advice can actually make it more difficult to qualify for benefits.
READ MOREMedicare's coverage of nursing home care is quite limited. For those who can afford it and who can qualify for coverage, long-term care insurance is the best alternative to Medicaid.
READ MOREMost states have laws on the books making adult children responsible if their parents can't afford to take care of themselves.
READ MOREApplying for Medicaid is a highly technical and complex process, and bad advice can actually make it more difficult to qualify for benefits.
READ MOREMedicare's coverage of nursing home care is quite limited. For those who can afford it and who can qualify for coverage, long-term care insurance is the best alternative to Medicaid.
READ MOREDistinguish the key concepts in estate planning, including the will, the trust, probate, the power of attorney, and how to avoid estate taxes.
READ MORELearn about grandparents’ visitation rights and how to avoid tax and public benefit issues when making gifts to grandchildren.
READ MOREUnderstand when and how a court appoints a guardian or conservator for an adult who becomes incapacitated, and how to avoid guardianship.
READ MOREWe need to plan for the possibility that we will become unable to make our own medical decisions. This may take the form of a health care proxy, a medical directive, a living will, or a combination of these.
READ MOREDistinguish the key concepts in estate planning, including the will, the trust, probate, the power of attorney, and how to avoid estate taxes.
READ MORELearn about grandparents’ visitation rights and how to avoid tax and public benefit issues when making gifts to grandchildren.
READ MOREUnderstand when and how a court appoints a guardian or conservator for an adult who becomes incapacitated, and how to avoid guardianship.
READ MOREWe need to plan for the possibility that we will become unable to make our own medical decisions. This may take the form of a health care proxy, a medical directive, a living will, or a combination of these.
READ MOREUnderstand the ins and outs of insurance to cover the high cost of nursing home care, including when to buy it, how much to buy, and which spouse should get the coverage.
READ MORELearn who qualifies for Medicare, what the program covers, all about Medicare Advantage, and how to supplement Medicare’s coverage.
READ MOREWe explain the five phases of retirement planning, the difference between a 401(k) and an IRA, types of investments, asset diversification, the required minimum distribution rules, and more.
READ MOREFind out how to choose a nursing home or assisted living facility, when to fight a discharge, the rights of nursing home residents, all about reverse mortgages, and more.
READ MOREUnderstand the ins and outs of insurance to cover the high cost of nursing home care, including when to buy it, how much to buy, and which spouse should get the coverage.
READ MOREWe explain the five phases of retirement planning, the difference between a 401(k) and an IRA, types of investments, asset diversification, the required minimum distribution rules, and more.
READ MOREFind out how to choose a nursing home or assisted living facility, when to fight a discharge, the rights of nursing home residents, all about reverse mortgages, and more.
READ MOREGet a solid grounding in Social Security, including who is eligible, how to apply, spousal benefits, the taxation of benefits, how work affects payments, and SSDI and SSI.
READ MORELearn how a special needs trust can preserve assets for a person with disabilities without jeopardizing Medicaid and SSI, and how to plan for when caregivers are gone.
READ MOREExplore benefits for older veterans, including the VA’s disability pension benefit, aid and attendance, and long-term care coverage for veterans and surviving spouses.
READ MOREGet a solid grounding in Social Security, including who is eligible, how to apply, spousal benefits, the taxation of benefits, how work affects payments, and SSDI and SSI.
READ MORELearn how a special needs trust can preserve assets for a person with disabilities without jeopardizing Medicaid and SSI, and how to plan for when caregivers are gone.
READ MOREExplore benefits for older veterans, including the VA’s disability pension benefit, aid and attendance, and long-term care coverage for veterans and surviving spouses.
READ MORE