Library

Estate Planning Articles:

• Family Matters (October 10)
  If you are a member of a family, then our lead article is a must-read. We review some fundamental legal matters you need to address before it is too late, from appointing your decision-makers to protecting any inheritance you may leave.
• Charitable Opportunities (September 10)
  Americans have a rich heritage of philanthropy. Unfortunately, too many taxpayers are involuntary philanthropists because they fail to maximize the tax incentives to become voluntary philanthropists in support of the charities of their own choosing.
• Beneficiary Designations (August 10)
  In this issue of our newsletter we shift our attention to one of the most critical, and often overlooked, aspects of retirement planning. Our lead article considers common pitfalls in the selection of a designated beneficiary.
• Majoring in Minor Children (July 10)
  Most Parents expend considerable time and treasure to provide for their minor children. But not all parents live to see their children enter adulthood. Our lead article reviews key considerations to provide for your children in a world without you.
• Educating Young Adults About Estate Planning (June 10)
  By and large, Americans are a rather independent lot. This month's article reviews some fundamental threats to our personal independence in the context of estate planning for young adult Americans. You will want to share this article with the young adults in your life.
• Facing Facts About Death and Taxes (May 10)
  It can be difficult to ponder our own mortality. That is just our human nature. Nevertheless, the clock is ticking for each of us. Our lead article highlights some critical issues we all need to address while there is still time to make proper financial and legal plans.
• Family Limited Partnerships (April 10)
  Family Limited Partnerships offer many benefits, both tax and non-tax. Our lead article is a primer that explores why they are at once a taxpayer favorite and a favorite target of the IRS and some courts.
• Lifetime Gifting: Part of Your Multi-Generation Estate Planning (March 10)
  Would you prefer to transfer more wealth to your family instead of the IRS? Our lead article summarizes the relevant lifetime gifting rules and considers two common do-it-yourself transfer methods.
• Five Common Estate Planning Mistakes (February 10)
  Proper estate planning is not just for the rich and famous. Surprisingly, however, that is a common misconception. Every adult American has an estate worth planning, regardless of their net worth. In this article we review some critical estate planning concerns.
• Estate Planning Challenges for Business Owners (January 10)
  The survival rate of family businesses from generation to generation is rather dismal. To help prevent your business from becoming an unfortunate statistic tomorrow, we review some common challenges for you to address today (before it is too late).
• Procrastination & Estate Planning (December 09)
  Why doesn’t everyone have their final affairs in order, especially in light of the likelihood of incapacity and the certainty of death? This article takes aim at the chief culprit: procrastination.
• Seasonal Solutions: The Stages of Life & Estate Planning (November 09)
  To everything there is a season. So it is with your Life & Estate Plan. This article uses a Seasons of Life theme to illustrate how your Life & Estate Plan may change with your personal and financial circumstances over your lifetime.

Online Resources:

• www.docubank.com -- DocuBank® is an electronic storage and access service for your advance directives (living will, health care power of attorney, and/or other health care documents).
• www.ethicalwill.com -- Ethical wills are a way to share your values, life lessons, hopes and dreams for the future, love, and forgiveness with your family and community. Initially, ethical wills were transmitted orally. Over time, they evolved into written documents. 'Ethical wills' are not considered legal documents as compared to 'living wills' and your 'last will and testament' which are.
• www.kjuice.com -- KJCE Talk Radio 1370 AM
• www.clsnet.org -- Christian Legal Society is a national non-denominational membership organization of attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students, working in association with others, to follow Jesus' command "to do justice with the love of God." (Luke 11:42; Matthew 23:23).
• www.morethanmoney.org -- Money is a potent vehicle for change. What does it mean to have more than others? How can you use your wealth to create a better world? What struggles do you face in becoming effective stewards of your money, and how can you overcome them?
• www.savingforcollege.com -- Saving for College.com is a great site to learn more information about saving for college. You will find general information regarding 529 plans, Coverdale Education Accounts and other creative ideas.
• www.thehungersite.com -- Click here to give food away!
• www.irs.gov -- Come to obtain any tax forms and learn the latest news from the IRS about our taxes for this April.
• www.medicare.gov -- This is the official government site for Medicare related questions.
• www.hhsc.state.tx.us -- Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commission is a state agency is involved in the regulation of the Texas Medicaid Program. This site has general information regarding Medicaid and nursing homes.