Category Archives: Estate Planning

Is the Industry to Blame for Americans’ Obsessive Worrying About Finances?

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Roger Billings

Should we be worrying? Chuck Jaffe of Market Watch reports on two recent surveys of Americans that show obsessive levels of worrying about finances. The 2015 “Life + Money Survey” from GoBankingRates.com, released this month, showed that Americans think more … Continue reading →






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What is a Pour-Over Will? – Estate Planning Basics

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Roger Billings

  It is time to get back to basics. A Living Trust takes the place of a Will. The Trust specifies how the estate is going to be disposed and who has the responsibility for carrying out its instructions. See … Continue reading →






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A Vacation Home for the Next Generation

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Roger Billings

Feeling nostalgic about summer vacations? Me, too. One of the most tangible forms of inheritance is a vacation home. Parents often express the wish that their children not sell the cabin in the woods. This is particularly so when it … Continue reading →






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The Bottom Line for Estate Plans

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Roger Billings

Lynn Balou, a financial planner in the San Francisco Bay area, published an update of important points to consider in estate planning. Her final exhortation summarizes well the purpose and effect of a good estate plan: Bottom line: Each of … Continue reading →






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Mistakes to Avoid in Beneficiary Designations

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Roger Billings

Many conscientious estate planners, who prepare careful and complete estate plans, give little thought to beneficiary designations for retirement accounts or life insurance policies. Sandra Feingerts of the Fisher & Phillips law firm has prepared a useful list of mistakes … Continue reading →






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Plant Planning? – Pittsburgh Woman Leaves Philodendron in Her Will

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Roger Billings

Ronna Scoratow’s philodendron is 42 years old. According to the Wall Street Journal: Ms. Scoratow has no children. Her siblings don’t share her enthusiasm for indoor greenery. So last year she put a provision in her will granting $5,000 for … Continue reading →






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Adding Your Child to Your Bank Account is Not Such a Great Idea

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Roger Billings

A common means of avoiding probate is to put your child’s name on all of your accounts. This can create some serious problems, not least of which is if a creditor goes after your child’s assets and is able to … Continue reading →






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