Although estate planning can be complex, one of its primary goals is to help you make sure that your loved ones are taken care of into the future. That’s often why people choose to create trusts—legal structures that let you transfer assets to your beneficiaries while also reducing your estate tax liability. Not surprisingly, spouses are frequent beneficiaries of a trust.

In today's world, financial empowerment is a necessity. For women in particular, a deep understanding of financial planning is crucial for crafting a secure future, whether you're just starting your career or nearing retirement. In Build, Protect, Retire, an upcoming Women & Wealth webinar by Wealth Enhancement Group, you will learn how to navigate the complexities of the three main stages of financial planning.

Understanding the concept of a fiduciary is crucial for anyone planning their retirement, growing their nest egg, or hoping to maximize their post-career income. The term “fiduciary” often surfaces in discussions about financial advisors and investment strategies, but what does it mean for you?

By Dom DiFurio Americans have long understood that their birthplace can significantly affect their futures, and academics have increasingly been able to connect tangible early life factors like where they live and the friendships they've cultivated with potential future income.

Serving in the military is a profound commitment that utterly transforms your lifestyle. Although it comes with its fair share of rewards, military life also brings a unique set of challenges—especially when it comes to finances. As a Veteran, you've made sacrifices for our country. In return, our government provides a host of benefits and opportunities for you. However, navigating the financial landscape post-service can be daunting.

When it comes to end-of-life preparation, taking the initiative is key. After you pass away, your spouse will undoubtedly be overwhelmed with emotions. Even the most mundane tasks, like running errands and staying active, may be challenging for them to keep up with. In this state, managing new financial obligations could feel nearly impossible. However, with some advanced planning, you can give your spouse a solid foundation for assuming control of your finances after you’re gone.

What if you could sell off a highly appreciated asset, avoid capital gains taxes and create a steady stream of retirement income for yourself or your loved ones? It may sound too good to be true, but those are just a few benefits of establishing a charitable remainder trust (CRT).

Losing a spouse is never easy. In addition to processing the profound emotional impact, you and your family must address various financial issues. The challenge can be exacerbated when your spouse was the primary income earner or dealt with your finances independently. The greatest challenge is not to determine the "perfect" next steps to take. Rather, you must figure out how to grieve, process, plan, and grow—all in the context of this life-altering event. 

When it comes to your finances, few things—if any—are more important than security. Whether it’s your nest egg, your legacy, or simply the funds in your checking account, you want to make sure that it’s protected against anything out of your control.

A lot goes into being an estate executor. It’s a responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly, and that’s why it’s so important to find the right person for the job when you’re putting together your estate plan.