blog & insights

How a Community Property Trust Could Save You From Heavy Taxation Down the Road

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When it comes to your family’s legacy, every dollar you can save from tax collection counts. One way to keep your assets out of the hands of the IRS is the formation of community property trusts. How does a community property trust (CPT) work? CPTs save you money on taxes by adjusting or “stepping up”…

Investment, Insurance, Annuity, and Retirement Planning Considerations

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If your clients choose to use a Standalone Retirement Trust (SRT) to provide asset protection benefits for their beneficiaries, then the tax-related asset allocation strategy would be essentially the same as without an SRT, with one small exception. Consider skewing your investment plan toward: loading retirement accounts and inherited retirement accounts with bonds, REITS, and…

HELP! This Probate Is Taking Forever!

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After a loved one dies, his or her estate must be settled. While most people want the settlement process to be done ASAP, probate can take between 18 and 24 months. Yes, you heard that right. The time delays create unnecessary stress. 5 Reasons Probate Takes So Long There are many reasons why probating a…

3 Famous Pet Trust Cases and the Lessons We Can Learn from Them

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Things don’t always go according to plan. On the other hand, sometimes pet owners can get a bit creative when providing for their pets. Let’s take a look now at 3 famous cases involving pet trusts and distill important lessons from them. David Harper and Red David Harper, a wealthy, reclusive bachelor in Ottawa, Canada,…

Wills vs. Trusts: A Quick & Simple Reference Guide

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Confused about the differences between wills and trusts? If so, you’re not alone. While it’s always wise to contact experts like us, it’s also important to understand the basics. Here’s a quick and simple reference guide: What Revocable Living Trusts Can Do –That Wills Can’t Avoid a conservatorship and guardianship. A revocable living trust allows…