Estate Planning Basics

Learn the essentials around planning and protecting the future for your family and loved ones.

What Is the Difference Among a Guardian, Trustee, and Executor?
Parents with minor children face unique issues when creating wills, this article discusses the choices that parents of minor children must make when creating a last will and testament.
July 18, 2024 · 3 min read
What Is a Beneficiary? Your Complete Guide
If you don’t appoint a beneficiary, your valuables and legacy might get passed on to the wrong person. Understand all you need to know about beneficiaries and how to select the right one with confidence.
July 18, 2024 · 15 min read
What Is an Estate Sale?
An estate sale is a quick way to make some money by offloading a loved one’s possessions. However, if the sale isn’t done properly, it can cause undue stress and financial complications. Understand what an estate sale is and how the process works.
July 15, 2024 · 8 min read
How to Get a Death Certificate
You may need a copy of your loved one's death certificate as you begin to wrap up their affairs. Here's what you need to know to take the necessary steps to finish handling your loved one's estate.
June 17, 2024 · 8 min read
What does an executor do (definition)?
June 12, 2024 · 3 min read
Estate planning mistakes to avoid
Many people put off estate planning because the process seems intimidating, but planning your estate doesn't have to be difficult. Check out these common and easily avoidable mistakes before you get started.
June 12, 2024 · 2 min read
The financial planning process: Why and how to include estate planning
Creating a solid personal financial plan involves more than just budgeting and saving money. It should also include some estate planning—starting with drawing up a will and going from there.
June 12, 2024 · 4 min read
Run your home like a business: Your estate planning checklist
An estate plan allows you to express what you want to happen should you become incapacitated, as well as make sure your possessions end up in the right hands after your death.
June 12, 2024 · 4 min read
Life insurance in estate planning
Did you know that life insurance can be one of your most effective and flexible tools when it comes to estate planning? Read on for more information.
June 12, 2024 · 4 min read
Why avoid probate?
You have probably heard the advice to want to avoid probate, but do you know why you should and how to go about it? Find out why probate can be expensive and how to avoid it.
June 12, 2024 · 3 min read