This week we discover the vastly popular, yet elusive, world of cryptocurrency and how it relates to your estate plan. Simply stated, cryptocurrency is a nontangible form of currency referred to as “tokens”. Cryptocurrency emerged around 2008, when Satoshi Nakamoto created Bitcoin, establishing the first form of cryptocurrency (link). The purpose behind this invention, was…
Continue reading…Category: Entrepreneurs
How to Find the Right Legacy Planning Attorney for You.
Legacy planning is much more than a configured documentation of your assets. It is both a personal and procedural preparation of your life requiring additional foresight and planning for beyond. Developing a solid estate plan requires a culmination of knowledge based on law, accounting, and a level of customization that only a good estate planning…
Continue reading…What Is Probate?
At Phillips Ballenger, we believe that proper estate planning is essential in avoiding probate. Probate, a process regulated by statutory guidelines and applied through the courts, is triggered when an individual dies without a trust. This process, like other forms of litigation, can be long, arduous, and sadly, adversarial. This week, we give you an introduction…
Continue reading…Celebrity Estate Planning Mistakes – UPDATE: Aretha Franklin Did Not Have a Will!
Large and complex estates are not always adequately planned for. The most recent example of this is the unfortunate passing of famous vocalist, Aretha Franklin. At 76, the singer’s illustrious career is left, vulnerable to the effects of probate, because no will or trust document was left to allocate her assets (link). Unfortunately, her heirs…
Continue reading…Small real estate investors might miss out on new federal tax deduction
by Kathleen Pender, San Francisco Chronicle August 25, 2018 Link to Original Article People who own just one or two rental properties might not qualify for the new 20 percent federal deduction that big-time real estate investors and other pass-through entities will get starting this year. The federal tax law passed in December lets many…
Continue reading…Think your company qualifies for a small business tax break? It’s complicated…
by Marcy Gordon, Associated Press August 10, 2018, USA Today WASHINGTON — Architects and engineers are still in. Accountants, doctors and lawyers remain out — mostly. New rules floated by the Trump administration lay out what kinds of businesses can take a 20 percent deduction against income taxes under the new tax law. With the proposed…
Continue reading…Back-to-School Checklist: A Reminder to Reassess your Financial Planning (Part 1)
The ever-present rush of a new school year is upon us. For many families, this is the last week of summer. This is a great time to assess your current financial situation, long-term, and short-term goals. This week, we are discussing topics that are likely addressed at some point but may not be considered until…
Continue reading…Celebrity Estate Planning Mistakes
Just like regular people, celebrities also fail to adequately plan for their estate. Estate planning is a vital tool that provides guidance in the event of a death. It is a common belief that because celebrities have much more wealth than the average person, protecting that wealth would be of the utmost importance. However, there…
Continue reading…I Do…But First Sign Here: Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Cohabitation agreements
Deciding whether to sign an agreement as it pertains to your relationship can be difficult. Generally, this is not a one-size fits all type of decision, and the necessity is different for every couple. Pre, Post and Cohabitation agreements are very useful for business owners, blended families, individuals with complex financial arrangements, etc. Regardless of…
Continue reading…Avoiding Entrepreneurial Burnout
Entrepreneurs typically embody ambition, drive, and passion. However, entrepreneurs often burn out quickly. Why does this happen? In short, they give too much of themselves to their venture; if it fails or if they face road-blocks, it may be difficult (mentally and/or financially) for them to keep going. Maintaining high levels of enthusiasm is hard…
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