February 1, 2016 / Newsletters
Insight on Estate Planning, February/March 2016
Weinstock Manion is pleased to present the February/March 2016 issue of Insight on Estate Planning, our bi-monthly newsletter. We encourage you to read it for ways to implement your estate plan more effectively, including ways to minimize taxes on your estate so as to maximize its value for your loved ones. We realize that we cannot fully address these complex issues in a few short articles, so we invite you to contact us to discuss your specific needs.
To subscribe to our newsletter and receive the latest updates by email, click here.
In this issue:
When interest rates are low, it’s high time for estate planning
Interest rates remain at record lows, and while many experts believe they’ll begin to rise soon, it’s likely they’ll rise slowly. So it’s an ideal time to implement estate planning strategies that are most effective in a low-interest-rate environment. This article examines several estate planning strategies to consider implementing in the near term. It also includes a brief discussion on charitable strategies that are most effective in a low-interest-rate environment.
Asset protection: Back to basics
Asset protection trusts can be highly effective vehicles for protecting wealth in today’s litigious society. But these trusts can be complex and expensive, so they’re not right for everyone. For those seeking simpler asset protection strategies, there are several basic, yet effective, tools to consider. This article details five asset protection strategies.
Trusts and taxes – Understanding how one affects the other can benefit your estate plan
Trusts typically are a main component of an estate plan. But many may not know how higher taxes can impact a trust’s overall effectiveness. This article explains how the current tax environment affects trust planning.
Estate Planning Pitfall – You haven’t taken state estate taxes into account
A generous gift and estate tax exemption means only a small percentage of families are subject to federal estate taxes. But it’s important to consider state estate taxes as well. Although many states tie their exemption amounts to the federal exemption, several states have exemptions that are significantly lower. This brief article explains how, in the eyes of the IRS, to successfully cut ties with one state and establish residency in another state with lower state estate taxes.