Plan Your Estate

Covers everything from the basics about wills and living trusts to sophisticated tax-saving strategies for all estates, large and small.

Most Americans donÆt have a will. They avoid estate planning because they donÆt want to think about death or they think itÆs too complicated. But this easy-to-follow guide takes the mystery out of the process. This book shows readers how easy it can be to plan for security and peace of mind. Readers learn how to write a will, create an estate plan, designate executors, choose trusts, reduce tax liabilities, and distribute their assets. Other features include: A glossary of legal terms Advice for protecting families from creditors Guidance for unmarried partners The important role of charitable giving in your estate plan This book provides sound advice for planning retirement and managing assets at any age and income level. It also includes completely new information on: Updated tax, IRA, and Roth details Charitable giving opportunities for reducing taxes and leaving a legacy Instruction for keeping plans up to date as the readers age An estate planning checklist

An essential resource to help you plan your estate and protect your assets Praise for previous editions of The Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning: “The authors have done a masterful job....This is a shelf reference every Canadian taxpayer and every Canadian family should have.” –THE GLOBE AND MAIL “An informative, practical guide....The authors...cover all the bases.” –THE NATIONAL POST Established as the go-to source of expert guidance, The Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning will save you money, taxes, risk, stress, and maintain peace of mind and family harmony. Completely updated to reflect the latest tax changes and with new information on charitable giving, including the donation of certain kinds of life insurance policies, this new edition explains practical strategies to: • Avoid classic pitfalls, family feuds, and spousal disputes • Minimize or avoid income, probate, and capital gains taxes • Protect your digital assets • Astutely deal with vacation properties, U.S. assets, and privately-owned businesses

The most comprehensive estate planning book available, Plan Your Estate covers everything from basic estate planning to sophisticated tax-saving strategies for people with estates worth up to $1,200,000 or more. It demystifies: § probate avoidance § living wills § estate tax saving trusts § funerals and burials § federal estate and gift taxes § charitable remainder trusts § durable powers of attorney.This useful book includes valuable information about estate-tax savings and family "pot trusts." Good in all states except Louisiana.

What happens to your estate after you are gone is very much within your control. Estate planning is not only for the wealthy; it is for everyone. It is simply the process of deciding where your assets are to be distributed after you die.

Discover the ins and outs of planning your own or your loved one’s last wishes with this easy-to-understand guide to estate planning. No one likes to talk about death, but being prepared for any unexpected tragedy can help your loved ones navigate your loss more easily in the long run. From creating your advanced medical directives to designating your beneficiaries, estate planning can ensure that your wishes are carried out when you are no longer around. With Estate Planning 101, you can get your affairs in order before any unfortunate incident occurs. This easy-to-understand guide comes with detailed information on what needs to be done to protect your estate. With information on creating a living will, minimizing estate taxes, choosing an executor, and more, you will be prepared for the future, no matter what it brings. Estate Planning 101 offers you step-by-step instructions and checklists to keep you organized for whatever life throws your way.

Covers the essentials of estate planning, details strategies for using a living trust to create a flexible estate plan, and explains the changes to the tax laws.

"Patti Spencer has learned everything there is to know on this subject and has written down a good bit of it in this book. This is a tremendous help to individuals as they try to sort out their estate and tax planning needs." - Matthew J. Creme, Jr. Partner at Nikolaus & Hohenadel LLP, Former President of the PA Bar Association "When it comes to estate planning and tax law, there's simply no one better than Patti Spencer. She demystifies estate planning in a way that is accessible for all. Known for her no nonsense style and humor, this book is a must-have for anyone making their estate plans or just trying to understand the process." - Samuel Bressi, President & CEO of Lancaster County Community Foundation "I have read Patti Spencer's newspaper column on a weekly basis for several years now, and never tire of learning more about estate planning and tax law. Patti manages to take complicated issues and reduce them to their simplest form." - David Griffith, Former Business Editor at Intelligencer Journal We don't intend to neglect our estate and financial plans, but it is so easy to be overwhelmed with conflicting financial advice. Your Estate Matters will bring clarity to those pesky, rapidly changing tax laws and will provide you with the accurate information you need to properly manage your estate. Your Estate Matters offers a practical down-to-earth approach that explains the ins and outs of estate planning, tax savings, and other issues that directly affect your family's pocketbook: income tax, living wills, trusts, prenuptial agreements, college savings, and retirement planning. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, are ready to plan your own estate, have aging parents, or have recently retired, this is the book you need to read.