Welcome! Log in / register here
just for me

retire ready checklist

track my savings

calculators

personal profile

financial longevity

click 'n' learn

short course

I want to

grow my nest egg

manage spending and credit

explore housing options

face family challenges

manage my estate, taxes, and legal issues

insure against loss

achieve a healthy retirement

start a small business / refresh my career

plan for travel and leisure

NCUAEqual Housing Lender
Front Page | I want to manage my estate, taxes, and legal issues

Manage My Estate, Taxes, And Legal Issues

Articles

  • Avoid Taxes on RMDIf you own an IRA and have already received a 2009 RMD this year, the Internal Revenue Service has a break for you.
  • Give $13,000, Avoid Federal Gift TaxTake advantage of the gift tax exclusion--a smart way to transfer assets during your lifetime and reduce your taxable estate.
  • Where There's a Will, There's a WayDespite new rules for 2009 that increase the federal estate tax exemption to $3.5 million, one-third of states have far lower exemptions. Take steps to protect your assets, and know where to go for help.
  • Spousal IRAs Complicated, But Worth ItIf you qualify as “married, filing jointly,” listen up. Recent changes to federal guidelines could lead to significant benefits as you beef up retirement funds.
  • Collaborative Divorce Softens Sting of SplitWanting to avoid high legal costs and the stress of a courtroom divorce, some splitting couples are looking for alternatives to traditional divorce. Here are the details about collaborative divorce.
  • Negotiate Before Accepting Buyout OfferWhen your employer offers you a buyout package to leave the company, it can come as a rude shock, a welcome opportunity, or anything in between.
  • Advance Directives Give Peace of MindDo the write thing: Prepare instructions for your medical care so that, when you can’t speak for yourself, you have a say in how your life story plays out.
  • Estate Planning MythsThe greatest estate planning mistakes come from common misunderstandings. This article can help you dispel some myths.
  • Make a Will to Have the Last WordDo you have a will? Is it current? This article explains why having one might be a smart move for you.
  • Eight Essential Estate-Planning StepsThis article outlines eight estate-planning steps to help you plan for the future.

    • Audio

  • Audio: Family Wealth PlanningA communication gap between generations can be a barrier to proper wealth planning. Eric Aanes, founder and president of Titus Wealth Management in San Mateo and Larkspur, Calif., emphasizes the importance of sharing family values with heirs to be sure future financial expectations are carried out. Listen for ways you or your loved ones can prepare.
  • Audio: Plan for SurvivorsAlthough the death of a loved one is a painful process, proper preparation--including legal arrangements--can help smooth the transition. Mary Randolph, attorney, author, and vice president of editorial, with NOLO, in Berkeley, California, offers practical and legal estate planning advice about wills, trusts, taxes, and much more.
  • Audio: Trusts for Special NeedsIf you’re caring for a disabled individual, you might consider having an attorney draft a special needs trust. Join Venita Phillips, vice president and trust officer, Kanaly Trust Company, Houston, Texas, as she explains how a special needs trust allows you to make distributions and contributions for a disabled individual, over and above benefits provided by the government.
  • Audio: Prenuptial AgreementsShould you draw up a prenuptial agreement before tying the knot? Join Katherine Stoner, family law attorney and mediator, Stoner, Welsh & Schmidt, as she discusses when you should consider one, as well as the do’s and don’ts of every prenuptial agreement.
  • Audio: Legal DocumentsAs you prepare for the “golden years,” it’s important that you have the proper legal documents filed. Join Sally Hurme, attorney with AARP's Financial Security Unit, as she tells you what documents are most important, as well as what you should include in them.

    • Feature

  • Lower Your Taxes For 2009Would you like to keep a little more of your hard-earned cash in your pocket when you file taxes next year? Don’t wait to take action. Take these simple steps in 2009 to save money when you file in 2010.

    • FAQS

  • FAQ: Advance Directives
  • FAQ: Trust AgreementsA financial trust agreement may be just the tool you need to protect your assets--if you’re not able to manage them.

    • Qtip

  • Don't Name a Minor as Your Beneficiary
  • Update Your Outdated Beneficiary Designations
  • Take Advantage of Tax Breaks
  • Ask About 401(k), IRA Withdrawal Waivers
  • Know Consequences of Paying Taxes With Plastic
  • Consider Including a 'Leftovers' Clause in Your Will
  • Keep These 10 Things in a Fireproof Safe
  • Know AMT Exemption Amounts for 2008
  • Use IRS Worksheet to Figure IRA Deduction
  • Know Pros, Cons of Safe Deposit Boxes
  • Free Handbook Is a Must-Have
  • Complete Your Advance Directives
  • Prolific Pack Rats: Start Shredding

    • Please enter your email address:
    (This is your username)

    Please enter your password:
    (First time users: enter the password of your choice that is different from your online banking transactions)

    Save these settings on my computer.

    Forget you password?

    If you experience problems logging in, make sure your Web browser accepts cookies.

    You entered
    as your username.
    Please confirm and correct as needed.

    Please reenter your chosen password:
    (In case there was a typo)

    Please enter your first name: