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The Invisible Estate
Your estate may contain more than you realize. Airline miles, hotel points, credit card rewards, gift cards, travel credits, and other loyalty rewards can represent significant value—but they are often overlooked. Unlike money in a bank account, rewards points are generally governed by the program’s terms and may not automatically pass to your heirs. Some…
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Life Insurance and Estate Planning
Life insurance is more than just a financial product—it can be an important part of a well-designed estate plan. The right policy can help replace lost income, pay debts, provide for your loved ones, fund a child’s education, or preserve assets after your death. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Term life insurance may provide affordable…
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When Your Children Live in Different States
Today, it is common for parents to have children living in different states. While distance does not prevent a child from serving in an important role, it can create challenges when an emergency occurs. An out-of-state child may be a good choice to manage your finances, as many financial tasks can be handled remotely. However,…
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What is Estate Planning?
Many people think estate planning is only for the wealthy or something to worry about later in life. In reality, estate planning is for every adult. It is the process of making important legal decisions about who will manage your finances and make health care decisions if you become incapacitated, and how your assets will…
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Keeping Property in the Family
For many families, the cabin, cottage, hunting land, or family farm is more than real estate—it is where memories are made and traditions are passed from one generation to the next. Without proper planning, these cherished properties can become the source of family disagreements, forced sales, or even be at risk to help pay for…
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Equally vs Fairly in Estate Planning
Many parents divide their estate equally among their children. In some families, that makes sense. In others, however, equal and fair may not mean the same thing. One child may have received significant financial assistance during your lifetime, another may have special needs, and another may be helping provide care as you age. Blended families,…
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Preparing Your Own Deed
Preparing your own deed may seem like a simple way to save money, but mistakes can create expensive problems later. A deed does more than transfer property—it can affect probate, taxes, Medicaid eligibility, and what happens to the property after death. Even small errors in legal descriptions, ownership language, or how title is transferred can…
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When to Update Your Estate Plan
An estate plan is not something you create once and forget. Life changes and your plan should change with it. Major events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, retirement, the death of a loved one, or significant changes in assets can all affect whether your plan still accomplishes your goals.…
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National Elder Law Month
May is National Elder Law Month—a timely reminder to plan for the legal and financial challenges that come with aging. Whether you are preparing for your own future or helping an aging parent, having the right plan in place can make all the difference. Elder law planning goes beyond a simple will. It includes powers…
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Second Marriages and Blended Families
Second marriages and blended families bring unique estate planning challenges. Without careful planning, the results can be very different from what you intend. It’s common to want to provide for a current spouse while also protecting an inheritance for children from a prior relationship—but a simple will or beneficiary designation often isn’t enough to accomplish…
Category: Estate Planning
Eckert & Krautkramer, LLC
Protecting Assets, Preserving Dignity, Ensuring Peace of Mind
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