Estate Planning
Everyone should consider estate planning. Without a solid estate plan in place, a large portion of your estate could be needlessly lost to taxes, fees, administrative expenses and probate.
Estate planning is the process of making sure your assets are distributed according to your wishes; giving what you have to whom you want, when you want and how you want – at the smallest possible financial and emotional cost, under applicable tax and legal requirements.
Taxes & fees alone can reduce an estate by as much as 55%
ESTATE PLANNING STARTERS
Estate planning is a very personal exercise. Use this short checklist to help you focus on some of the more important issues.
- Do you and your spouse have wills which were drafted or reviewed within the last year?
- Does your will name a guardian for your minor children if both you and your spouse are deceased?
- Have you considered the advantages of a living revocable trust, such as avoiding probate?
- Do you have the right amount and type of insurance (life, disability & critical illness) ?
- Has your insurance portfolio been reviewed within the last two years?
- Would you like to make gifts to your favorite charities during life or at death?
- Have you planned for the continuation or sale of your business interests?
- Have you decided who should inherit your property after your death and that of your spouse?
- Have you planned for your children’s or grandchildren’s education?
- Have you arranged for the long-term care needs of your spouse and parents?
- Are you sure your estate plan is up-to-date and takes advantage of all potential tax savings strategies?
Talk to a Sentinel Financial representative today and they will help you gain answers to the questions above.