A summary of the changes in the estate tax, gift tax, generation-skipping transfer tax, step-up in basis, and recommended gifting strategies over the next eight years. Featuring a chart that highlights all the changes through 2010. (Published in Vital Times, July 2002. Updated January 2005 and April 2008.)
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The honest unvarnished truth is that the vast majority of business owners and individuals fail to take simple precautions to protect and preserve their personal and business wealth.
A detailed outline of the major declarations contained in, and an objective analysis of Michael Jackson´s Will. Written by Alan G. Orlowsky, President of Orlowsky & Wilson, Ltd. in Lincolnshire, Illinois.
When a loved one is dying, you may be too distraught to think rationally about that person´s financial and legal affairs. But someone will need to take care of those matters, to protect your loved one´s estate and prevent matters from falling into neglect or chaos. Hopefully you won’t need this checklist soon, but keep it in a safe place – you will need it someday. (Published in Vital Times, October 2002)
Help protect your parents from the ravages of estate taxes, fraudulent investments, and unscrupulous creditors; and preserve their wealth for the sake of future generations.
Benefit your favorite charities and enjoy generous tax advantages, using such tools as charitable remainder trusts, donor-advised funds, and charitable foundations.
Frankly I am often stunned by the endless mistakes smart folks, just like you, make in planning their estates…or failing to plan, as the case may be.
If you’re worth less than $3 million and are still in pretty good health, the answer may be yes.
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Alan Orlowsky reviews several books, software products, and websites that help you create wills, living trusts, powers of attorney and more.
The blending of two families, often involving sets of children from previous marriages, can create complex challenges.
How you can avoid making them, and save yourself a fortune.
Many people believe that as soon as their estate planning documents are signed, witnessed, and notarized, their estate plan is final. They often overlook important post-document-signing tasks. Omitting these tasks can undo an otherwise brilliant plan.
Smart planning involves preparing key documents such as a will, trusts, and powers of attorney; giving gifts and making charitable donations; and buying adequate life insurance.
Serving as a successor trustee involves numerous responsibilities. Upon the death of the primary trustee, your job would be to manage the trust assets, distribute funds to the beneficiaries, and file annual reports and tax returns, among other duties. Before you accept the honor, read this article.
If you receive a large bequest or gift, you will have to address issues of income tax, disposing of real estate, estate planning, investing, discretionary spending, charitable donations, privacy, etc. (Published in Personal Finance, 9/12/01. Updated June 2005 and April 2008.)
Five steps you can take now to protect your estate from disgruntled heirs. (Published in Vital Times, March 2003)
The biggest obstacle to smart estate planning is the fear of losing control of your wealth. But a good estate plan can make you feel more secure, not less.
If you anticipate a frivolous and/or false challenge to the validity of your will by an heir who feels slighted, you may want to add a no-contest provision that essentially cuts off anyone who contests the document. But beware – it’s not for everyone. Includes a sidebar on legal grounds for contesting a will or trust.
By taking three simple precautions now, you can prevent – or at least minimize – feuding between your adult children over their inheritance when you die.
Investing in today’s confusing and volatile financial markets, with a myriad of financial products to choose from and numerous arcane rules and regulations to cope with, often involves the help of an experienced financial planner.
Leave assets to your grandchildren without paying estate tax twice.
Many people don’t want to contemplate their own death, some fear giving up control of their finances, and others avoid estate planning because of strained family relationships. This article, coauthored by a psychologist, suggests ways to overcome those obstacles.
The federal estate tax will “phase out” over the next nine years, but then will return, unless Congress changes its mind. (Published in Personal Finance, July 11, 2001; and in The Big Picture newsletter, November 2001. Updated April 2008)
Taking over a loved one’s finances can be tricky. In the worst case scenario, you must go to court to have your parent declared legally disabled. But there are a few steps you can take to avoid legal action.
Your circumstances change, and so should your estate plan. Review your plan after certain landmark events, including a catastrophic illness, the death of a spouse, your marriage or divorce, the birth of a grandchild, etc.
To schedule your free initial consultation, email or call us today! 847-325-5559.
