Estate planning

With estate-tax exemptions higher than they used to be, other issues (like income tax) may now be more important for some clients. Here are several planning issues that deserve a rethink.

Financial advisors often act as general managers for their clients, assembling a team of attorneys, trust companies and others to develop and maintain estate plans. Here are a few questions you should ask of your would-be teammates.

Trusts, a standard tool in the anti-estate tax arsenal, can range from simple to extremely complex. Here are a few options to work with.

The beginning of the year is a great time to handle many estate planning tasks. Use this to-do list with clients to give their plans a review and update.

Gearing up for tax season? Here are two things to consider when planning for your wealthy clients.

Why is inheritance planning so difficult? Fear of exclusion along with existing family dynamics can complicate the process -- and strain relationships.

The firm will offer advisors expanded trust services and support with multi-generational family planning.

The tax and financial advantages of a charitable gift annuity are substantial, but sometimes oversold. Make sure donor clients understand how these annuities work.

Here are the key pieces of paperwork that can help jumpstart estate planning for your younger clients -- or for your clients' adult children.

Donating a conservation easement can be beneficial both to the environment and to a client's tax bill.

With a wider gap in tax rates, moving reported income among family members could have a big payoff. Advisors should consider a few if these strategies.

The tax and financial advantages of a charitable gift annuity are substantial, but sometimes oversold. Make sure donor clients understand how these annuities work.

Jim Casey of Integrated Wealth Management offers attendees of Schwab Impact guidance on navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of financial planning for same-sex couples.

Tax law changes mean advisors need to consider all the potential outcomes when advising clients on donating required minimum distributions to charity.

How a planner can help keep unequal inheritances from tearing a family apart.

The ignorance factor with 401(k)s; Alternatives to conventional housing in retirement; How bartering can make your retirement better

Without a security plan in place, financial affairs can become a mess if a client dies or becomes incapacitated.

Failure to set up a clear plan may result in children owning the home as tenants-in-common, in equal shares -- typically a recipe for disaster.

Longevity is the X-factor in retirement planning; How working in retirement impacts Social Security; Live a little, your kids will make their own money

What you need to know about IRAs and trusts; The easy solution to our retirement savings crisis; Prepare to retire with a gift annuity