Estate Planning

Have you thought about the end of your life and how to handle your assets after you’re gone? Estate planning covers a wide range of important topics, including financial power of attorney, health care proxy, beneficiaries, probate, wills, trusts, executors and estate and inheritance taxes.

Adult daughter hugging her mother while they cook together and discuss a prepaid funeral

How Does a Prepaid Funeral Work?

Prepaying a funeral can help make life easier for loved ones. But how does it work, and is it a good idea?

Elderly couple speaking with a financial professional about what the different types of trusts are

What Are the Different Types of Trusts?

There are different types of trusts, and each has its own rules and benefits. Here's what to consider.

5 Considerations When Leaving Money to Grandchildren

Leaving your grandchild an inheritance can require some careful planning, including how much you want to give and what the tax consequences could be.

A mature couple discusses their living trust while cooking dinner

What Is a Living Trust?

If you're looking for an alternative to a will, a living trust may be an option to consider.

elderly father walks with his adult son down a path at sunset as they discuss estate executor duties

What Does an Estate Executor Do?

Has a loved one named you as an estate executor? Explore the fundamentals of this critical role, and learn why estate planning is so important.

volunteers take donations on a sunny day in a park and discuss financial advantages of a charitable trust

What Is a Charitable Trust?

Learn how charitable trusts work and find out how they could allow you to provide for your beneficiaries and charitable causes alike.

Senior couple riding a bike on a sunny day

Will vs. Trust: How Are They Different & Do You Need Both?

Understanding the documents that define your estate plan can help you distribute your assets as you see fit.

Husband and wife enjoying coffee at home discussing a health care proxy vs. power of attorney

What's the Difference Between a Health Care Proxy vs. Power of Attorney?

A health care proxy and a power of attorney have different responsibilities and there are a few reasons why you may want to have both.

Mother and grandmother holding a baby outside and talking about what a spendthrift trust is

What Is a Spendthrift Trust?

A spendthrift trust might help protect an inheritance from overspending and creditors.

What Happens If I Die Without a Will?

If you don't have a will, here are some of the common ways your assets may be distributed without your written instructions.

Multiple generations sitting on a couch discussing estate tax vs. inheritance tax

What's the Difference Between Estate Tax & Inheritance Tax?

Did you know that there is a big difference between estate tax and inheritance tax? Here's some information on both types of taxes.

Man sitting with his dog in a field by a tree line thinking about his estate planning checklist

Estate Planning Checklist: 10 Steps to Help You Prepare

If you're ready to start estate planning, this checklist can help you get the ball rolling.

Senior couple meeting in kitchen on laptop discussing estate planning 101

Estate Planning 101: The Basics

Are you unsure where to start with your estate plan, or why you need one? Here are some things to consider.

daughter and older mother drinking coffee after researching a will

What Is a Will? Why It's Important & Where to Start

A will is a document stating a person's final wishes for their money, their property and people in their care. Legal wills must follow certain rules.

happy older woman gardening after researching power of attorney

Understanding Power of Attorney

A power of attorney document could be a good way to help protect yourself from uncertainty. Here is some information on this documentation.

group of volunteers lined up arm-in-arm do charity work and take pride in their charitable giving

Want to Maximize Your Charitable Giving Impact? Consider These Strategies

Charitable giving could be beneficial to your mental — and financial — well-being. Learn more about the strategies available to help.