As Veterans Day approaches, we honor the courageous men and women who have served our country with dedication and resilience. Veterans’ legacy of service speaks to their commitment to protecting America's future. Now, it’s time to consider how you can protect your family’s future through a comprehensive estate plan, or what I call a Life & Legacy Plan. Learn more about your Veteran’s basic planning essentials.

Much like a military mission, estate planning requires attention to detail, foresight, and a commitment to those who depend on you. In this article, we'll explore the unique estate planning opportunities available for veterans and steps to ensure your family benefits fully from your legacy of service.

Retirement is one of those milestones we all think about but rarely feel fully prepared for, especially among Gen-Xers and Millennials. You’re juggling responsibilities—raising children, advancing your career, and even caring for aging parents. Amidst all these demands, retirement planning may often take a back seat, yet it’s crucial. As you navigate your unique financial situations, collaborating with a financial planner can significantly enhance your retirement strategy. Learn more about why you need financial and estate planning.

Are you approaching retirement? Or, are you already retired? If so, estate planning is a key part of your overall financial strategy. Many people focus on building their retirement nest egg. But, ensuring those assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes is just as important. For Gen-X and Baby Boomers nearing, or in retirement, estate planning provides peace of mind, safeguards your family, and ensures your legacy is preserved. Read on to learn how estate planning fits your retirement goals.

You have worked hard to build your wealth and provide for your family's future. Whether you've accumulated wealth through years of prudent saving, wise investments, or successful business ventures, preserving that wealth for your children, grandchildren, and future generations is likely a priority. One of the most effective tools available for this purpose is the Dynasty Trust. Read on to learn how Dynasty Trusts can preserve wealth across generations.

Estate planning is often associated with retirees or those nearing the end of life. But, as you approach retirement, it's crucial to start thinking about your financial future and how to protect your assets. Estate planning is a critical step in ensuring that your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are cared for, no matter what the future holds. For pre-retirees near Garner, North Carolina, understanding the basics of estate planning is crucial to ensuring that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.

Imagine you review your state’s unclaimed funds list. You discover thousands of dollars that belong to you. You’re excited! You go to collect the money. You’re told you can’t have it. What? Welcome to the reality of unclaimed property risks.

As you know, the Fourth of July and all it represents freedom, independence, and the pursuit of happiness. But, don’t forget, estate planning equals freedom as well. Estate Planning gives the right to decide your own affairs, even after death or in the event of incapacity. An estate plan, specifically a Life & Legacy Plan, is the way to express your liberty. It’s your personal Declaration of Independence.

Are you an LGBTQIA+ non-biological parent? June's arrival sparks a flurry of Pride celebrations reminding you of the remarkable progress the community has made. These celebrations also shine a light on the ongoing fight for full equality. As a non-biological parent, you may face unique legal hurdles. Ensure you properly protect your parental rights. Marriage may not be enough to cement your parental rights. But, marriage plus estate planning gives you the maximum peace of mind. So, read on to learn som essential LGBTQIA Estate Planning Tips for Non-Biological Parents.

When you think of estate planning, a Will is usually the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, most people who contact me tell me they don’t need anything complicated for their estate. They say I just need a Will. Indeed, Wills have a reputation as the number one estate planning tool. Wills can be seen all over TV shows and movies, from the dramatic “reading of the Will” (which rarely happens in real life) to characters plotting how best to defraud their billionaire uncle’s Will in order to inherit his lavish estate.

As dementia progresses, estate planning must become more proactive and strategic than ever to avoid court and conflict over your loved one’s wishes in the future. If dementia becomes too advanced before planning is complete, the question of who will manage your loved one’s assets and care will be left to a judge who doesn’t know your loved one or their wishes.

You want to find an attorney you like who will understand your family’s needs. But, there are other considerations at stake. You also have to consider the cost of the attorney you’re hiring. You want to know whether they can meet your immediate needs. And, whether the attorney will be there for you in the long term. 

As we approach the holiday season, it's essential to consider the true richness of the inheritance we leave behind for our loved ones. Beyond monetary assets, our values, stories, and experiences form a legacy that lasts for generations. To intentionally capture and pass down this Family Wealth Legacy, Personal Family Lawyers® advocate for a unique planning process that involves a recorded interview – a Family Wealth Legacy Interview.