Category Archives: Wills and Trusts

Quick Reference Trust Funding Chart

Assets Change Ownership to Trust Make Trust the Beneficiary Real Estate ✅ Bank Accounts ✅ Investment Accounts ✅ Retirement Accounts (IRA, 401(k)) ✅ Life Insurance Policies ✅ Business Interests ✅ Vehicles ✅ Personal Property (Jewelry, Art, etc.) ✅ Safe Deposit Box ✅ Annuities ✅ Collectibles (Coins, Stamps, etc.) ✅ When using a trust-based estate plan, […]

How to Prevent 5 Major Estate Planning Mistakes

Avoid These Estate Planning Mistakes Estate planning is essential to ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for after you pass away. However, many people make significant estate planning mistakes that lead to stress, delays, and financial loss. In this article, we’ll explore the top five estate planning mistakes to avoid […]

Ramsey Misses the Mark: The True Value of Trusts for Texans

Understanding the Benefits of Trust Planning: A Response to Ramsey When it comes to estate planning, the options available to protect your assets and ensure your loved ones are cared for can be overwhelming. While financial expert Dave Ramsey offers valuable advice on many financial matters, his recent article on living trusts overlooks some critical […]

How to Choose the Right Medical Power of Attorney

When planning for future healthcare decisions, selecting a Medical Power of Attorney agent is a crucial step. This person will make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. It’s essential to choose someone you trust implicitly, as their decisions could significantly impact your health and well-being. Understanding the Role […]

How to Choose the Right Financial Power of Attorney

Key Factors to Consider when Choosing a Financial Power of Attorney under Texas Estates Code 752 When planning your estate, selecting the right person to serve as your financial power of attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make. This individual will be responsible for managing your finances if you are unable […]

How to Choose the Right Trustee for Your Trust

When establishing a trust, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is selecting the right person or entity to manage it (the Trustee). This individual or organization oversees the trust’s assets, making distributions to beneficiaries, and ensuring everything operates according to your wishes. It is essential to pick the right person for this role […]

Checklist of Steps to Take When Your Spouse Dies

When a spouse dies, it can be an incredibly overwhelming and emotional time. Knowing what steps to take immediately after the death can help ease some of the burden during this difficult period. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the necessary tasks from the moment of death. 1. Immediate Steps After Your Spouse […]

Living Trust vs. Testamentary Trust: Which is Right for You?

Understanding the Differences Between a Living Trust and a Testamentary Trust When planning your estate, choosing the right trust is crucial. Trusts come in many forms, but two of the most common are a living trust and a testamentary trust. While both serve the purpose of managing and distributing your assets, they have distinct differences, […]