Estate Planning

Aretha Franklin’s Sons Awarded Late Singer’s Real Estate

They now own the late singer's real estate after a judge ruled that a handwritten will found hidden in her sofa was the correct document.

Is Your Client’s Living Trust Protecting Their Assets?

When trusts fail to accomplish their grantor’s goals, it’s often because they’re not properly funded — a problem you can help alleviate. (By Seth Bier)

He Lived a Frugal Life. Then He Left Millions to His New Hampshire Town

He died with a secret that will change this small town forever -- he left his entire multi-million fortune to it.

Decanting a Trust: Key Considerations

If done right, this process can help families meet current needs instead of being stuck with outdated trusts.

When Your Friend Loses a Spouse

As an advisor, I had helped many widowed clients. But this time, it was different.

Estate Planning Easier with New AI Tools

Vanilla launches AI features to help advisors quickly access key variables and apply thousands of tax and state-specific rules.

Should You Leave an IRA to a Trust?

There are ample upsides to designating a trust as a beneficiary but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. (By Mallon FitzPatrick)

A Tale of Family Intrigue and Inheritance

Designer Pierre Cardin died at 98 from Covid. An epic legal battle among 22 grandnieces and grandnephews claiming to be his heirs has ensued.

Estate Planning Questions Every Advisor Should Be Asking

Here are just a few of the questions that every advisor should be asking their clients about estate planning.

The ‘Magic Bullet’ for Families with Disabilities

Microboards are the best legal tools I’ve found to help my children and my clients whose children also have special needs. (by Kristin Carleton)

Latest News

Black Swan Fears Drive Caution, Plus 60/40 Three-Decade Performance

VIX sees record trading as looming economic and geopolitical risks keep investors cautious about a potential return of volatility.

Carson Group: Still Too Few Women in Wealth Management

Its latest report confirms the industry has made little progress in gender diversity despite a lot of talk.

Supreme Court Seems Wary of SEC’s In-House Tribunals Without Juries

The Supreme Court discussed a case involving a hedge fund manager in which the SEC brought a civil enforcement proceeding that charged he mislead investors.

Annuity Sales Continue March Upward

Annuity sales are set to have another record-breaking year, based on results in the third quarter.

Humana, Cigna in Talks to Merge

A deal would give Cigna a much greater foothold in the fast-growing market for managing federal Medicare plans for older Americans.

Aretha Franklin’s Sons Awarded Late Singer’s Real Estate

They now own the late singer's real estate after a judge ruled that a handwritten will found hidden in her sofa was the correct document.

The Wit and Wisdom of the Late Charlie Munger

Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett's deputy who helped transform Berkshire Hathaway into a conglomerate, will be remembered, in part, for comments like these.