Estate planning

Planners may be called on to invest assets within a client’s trust, but the ability to do so can vary greatly. What's more, the election outcome could eliminate some trusts altogether.

Many Americans make the mistake of tapping their home value for immediate financial issues instead of using it to help fund their retirement.

An estate-planning process that asks about contaminated property can save heirs from unpleasant surprises.

Whether clients are making 529 plan distributions, a direct tuition payment or an in-kind gift, for grandparents, timing is everything.

A twist on benefits that can help UHNW clients win big estate tax savings and flexibility.

Certain trusts could have saved heirs $100 million or more — and ensured the musician’s money went to the people and causes he chose. Here are just a few of the tools he could have used.

If a client becomes incapacitated, who will give the financial planner directions?

Tired of circling back and touching base? View from 30,00 feet make you nauseous? Avoid these and other old terms in your practice.

Examining these issues may take the guesswork out of a client's estate plan.

It has ramifications for generations, but few investors may be prepared to confront it.

These state planning strategies may inspire, motivate and educate beneficiaries to become the people their benefactors hope they’ll be.

There are various ways to buy a call option on the S&P 500, and each has its own taxation structure.

Revocable trusts have been used mainly to avoid probate, but they also can help with a variety of unwelcome contingencies.

There are 3 keys to entering the held-away kingdom, says Quovo’s Niko Karvounis.

Though it can be hard to give a up a home, there are significant tax advantages for the ultra-wealthy to move before — or even after — the challenges of old age set in.

Advisors can help clients and their survivors by helping plan out funeral services.

Planners should know about swap powers to help clients realize their tax and asset-protection benefits.

Gifting has long been a favorite strategy in estate planning to reduce taxes, but tax changes in recent years means it might be time to reconsider when it's best to use it.

Many retirees fail to boost savings after their last child leaves the house, and instead go on a spending spree that can last for years; Plus, how to make volatility work for you.

Clients can consider gifting up to $14,000 to as many individuals each year before gift taxes kick in.