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Estate Planning 101:
A Tutorial

Common Estate Plans.

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  1. Doing Nothing.
  2. Joint Ownership.
  3. Giving Away Assets.
  4. Beneficiary Transfers.
  5. Will and Powers of Attorney.
  6. Revocable Living Trust.

The first four of these “estate plans” aren’t really comprehensive plans at all, but are usually the result of a do-it-yourself approach. Typically, the technical aspects of estate planning are misunderstood, and many times these “plans” result in more problems than they solve. There is really no substitute for an estate plan which is designed especially for you and your circumstances by a trained professional.

A Will and Powers of Attorney for Property and Health Care are the starting point for all estate planning. A Revocable Living Trust is very helpful if you are concerned about the possibility of incapacity.

Lessons in Estate Planning 101:

  1. What is Estate Planning?
  2. Objectives of Estate Planning.
  3. When is Estate Planning Important?
  4. Does Everyone Need Estate Planning?
  5. When Should I Do My Estate Planning?
  6. What's Included in My Estate?
  7. What is Probate?
  8. Common Estate Plans.
  9. The Problems with Doing Nothing.
  10. The Problems with Joint Ownership.
  11. The Problems with Giving Away Assets.
  12. The Problems with Beneficiary Transfers.
  13. The Advantages of a Will.
  14. Revocable Living Trusts.
  15. Powers of Attorney for Property.
  16. Controlling Medical Decisions.
  17. Estate and Gift Taxes.
  18. Ways to Reduce Your Estate Taxes

What do I do next?

Some people think of Estate Planning as similar to building a home which keeps your family safe from the weather. These lessons are a foundation. You can build on this information to complete a solid structure, which will protect you and your family from a storm. This safe spot is made up a several options. The following articles and posts will help you prepare for completion of the estate planning process.

If you want to protect your family NOW,

don't delay and give me a call at

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Contact John

I look forward to helping you.