When it comes to estate planning, many individuals often wonder whether they should have a will, a trust, or both. Both wills and trusts are important legal documents that serve different purposes in managing one’s assets and distributing them after death. However, it’s not uncommon for people to ask, “Can I have both a will […]
Author: Tim O'Brien
Difference Between Will and Trust
Planning for the future is a responsible step everyone should take, and part of that planning involves deciding how you’d like your assets distributed after you’re gone. Two of the most common tools for this purpose are wills and trusts. While both serve similar purposes, they have distinct differences. In this blog post, we’ll break […]
Must-Have Winter Documents
The holidays have (for the most part) wrapped up and winter break is about to come to a close. While all the parents are busy celebrating the kids going back to school, there is a crucial task to be done that is often overlooked: designating legal guardians for your minor children. Legal guardians are the […]
Understanding Estate Planning
Estate planning is an important process that involves more than just managing wealth; it encompasses decisions that impact an individual’s assets and liabilities both during their lifetime and after death. While many may associate estate planning with the wealthy, it is a valuable tool accessible to everyone. This comprehensive post, adapted from an Investopedia article […]
Do You Have a Succession Plan?
I enjoy working with small business owners. As a small business owner myself, I appreciate the responsibility that owners take on, whether it is to your family, your clients or customers, your team, and any partners you may work with. Many businesses are not sufficiently liquid to keep the company going and the owner’s family […]
Legal Changes at Age 18
You and your child have probably already discussed what they will do after high school: some have selected colleges or trade schools and some may be following a different path. Whatever path they land on, there are some important considerations once your child celebrates their 18th birthday. Your child’s transition from childhood to adulthood brings […]
Start Year-End Tax Planning 2
Last week we looked at four different ways to lower your tax liability for 2023, from adjusting your tax withholding to strategically planning your medical procedures. In this week’s blog, we discuss four more tax-saving methods you can use right now to owe fewer taxes come April 2024. If you missed part 1 of this […]
Start Year-End Tax Planning 1
We just got through Halloween, so it might seem early to think about your 2023 taxes, but it really is the perfect time to look at your financial situation and make some strategic moves that can help you minimize your tax liability come April. Year-end tax planning isn’t a last-minute activity; it’s a series of […]
10 Events to Review Estate Plan 2
As we talked about last week, many view estate planning as something you complete one time and then check off your to-do list for good. But the reality is that to keep your estate plan working for you, your plan needs to change when your life changes. To make sure any big changes in your […]
10 Events to Review Estate Plan 1
You may have thought that creating a Will or Trust is a one and done experience. You check that box and then your family and assets are protected forever after. Many lawyers out there work this way, so it’s not surprising that many people think this. After all, you worked with a lawyer, they drafted […]