The passing of a loved one is heartbreaking, but the aftermath can become even more painful if disagreements over their personal belongings tear your family apart. These disputes, primarily when centered around meaningful objects, can leave lasting wounds that may never fully heal.
When Matthew Perry, the beloved star of Friends, passed away last year, the world mourned the loss of a comedic icon. However, as details of his estate began to emerge, a curious puzzle presented itself: why did he seem to have less money than you’d expect?
Most people think “estate planning” is the same as drafting a will or trust. This is a common misconception. Estate planning isn’t about certain documents but more like a good lasagna recipe.
The allure of Do-It-Yourself estate planning through AI is substantial, especially when you think your situation is simple. But here’s the truth: estate planning is not just about creating a set of documents, and it’s almost always more complicated than you think.
This fall, we invite you to take a meaningful pause and reflect on the legacy you’re building through your life’s work. Your hard work deserves to be protected. You can ensure that everything you’ve built is passed on exactly as you wish, safeguarding your values and assets for future generations. It’s a call to action to take control of your future, celebrate your achievements, and secure a legacy reflecting your identity.
As a professional in the field, I've seen many financial advisors, accountants, and even other lawyers suggest that naming beneficiaries on your accounts is sufficient, and that you don’t need an estate plan. However, they often overlook the potential risks to your family's financial future.
Imagine discovering thousands of dollars that belong to you, only to be told you can't have it. It’s called “unclaimed property,” money that’s yours but has been handed over to the government without your knowledge. And it happens more often than you may think.
Imagine this: You're in your twenties, and you fill out a form at work naming your significant other as the beneficiary of your retirement account. Fast-forward 28 years—you've long since broken up, lived a full life, and died, and your ex gets your now-million-dollar nest egg. Sound far-fetched? It's not.
In this last installment of our four-part celebrity series, we spotlight Elvis, the King of Rock. Although he passed away in 1977, his estate can teach us valuable lessons, even in 2024, about the importance of estate planning and how to avoid falling prey to scammers.