This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Since the assets in a trust do not have to go through probate, it can be a much quicker and easier way to transfer wealth to heirs. Revocable living trusts are also important because they help avoid what can sometimes be a long and costly probate process. What makes a trust different from a Will, however, is that the trust can continue to operate even after the grantor is gone. For financial planning advice specific to your circumstances, talk to a qualified professional at Mercer Advisors. If you’re not a client and would like to know if a revocable trust is right for you, let’s tal

Key similarities and differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts If you do not plan to serve as your own trustee, you should consider any fees you might want to pay the trustee and whether those fees would replace fees that you are already paying to manage your assets. This approach will not avoid probate, however, if the trust funding is not completed before you die, because the power of attorney dies with you. However, durable powers of attorney frequently give no direction to your attorney-in-fact regarding your plans for investments, money management or distribution. A durable power of attorney may briefly and generally describe the authority of your attorney-in- fact, or it may specifically itemize, in great detail, the actions that you authorize your attorney-in-fact to take on your behalf. This document appoints another person as your "attorney in fact" to handle your assets. In others, your trustee is authorized to rely on a letter from your physician as proof of your incapacity. What Is a Trust and When Do You Need One for Your Estate Pla

Why Starting Early Matters in Retirement Planning If you are approaching retirement or already retired and want a clear plan for income, taxes, and long term security, our team would be honored to help. We focus on building investment strategies that support real retirement goals, not short term market noise. Charitable giving strategies can provide both tax benefits and legacy preservation opportunities. Proper planning can help position your assets to maintain eligibility for benefits while preserving resources for your spouse and childre

The investment strategies discussed are not appropriate for every investor and should be considered given a person’s investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Case studies do not necessarily represent the experiences of other clients, nor do they indicate future performance. However, certain circumstances – periods of economic volatility, life milestones like a divorce or the birth of a new grandchild, or a significant change in tax rules – may prompt you to move up your timing. A "spendthrift trust" could protect a beneficiary from their own worst instincts while preserving assets for future generations. While you may want a close friend or family member to serve as trustee of your trust, keep in mind the role can involve complex decisions and important responsibilitie

Retirement income is built by identifying reliable sources that form an income floor, starting with Social Security and expanding as needed. An income floor is the portion of retirement income made up of reliable cash flows used to cover essential living expenses. Living on retirement income starts with building an income floor using Social Security, pensions, RMDs, and guaranteed lifetime incom

Whether you're concerned about lawsuits, creditors, or future financial risks, it’s crucial to have a solid plan in place. Asset protection involves strategically organizing your financial affairs to shield your wealth preservation strategies from potential claims by creditors, lawsuits, or other financial threats. Asset protection isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s a practical way to preserve your savings, safeguard your home and shield your family from financial risk. Life, health, and liability insurance policies provide layers of security, safeguarding your estate against unforeseen events. TBE offers some financial protections, as well, safeguarding property from certain creditors and litigation. Her firm focuses on providing legal knowledge that clients can use to safeguard their assets, protect their families, and maintain independence as they ag

They’ll be able to direct you toward the best options for you and your specific situation. For example, you may have grandchildren who you want to include in your trust. They last for your entire lifetime and after you’ve passe

As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. Many retirees are reluctant to spend down their assets, fearing they might live longer than expected or experience poor investment returns at the wrong time. A nationwide poll conducted in 2022 by Athene in partnership with Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine revealed that 75 percent of Americans ages 50 and older want more guaranteed income than they already have or expect to have for retirement. Outcomes will depend on investment returns, which may be less than the assumed 6.0 percent (3.4 percent adjusted for inflation