Know the difference between an inheritance tax and an estate tax…will you owe either one?

In this archived episode, Tom discusses the six most common mistakes that people make when a settling an estate, and provides tips on how to avoid them.

In today's episode, Tom describes when your Power of Attorney for Finances and your Power of Attorney For Health Care end, and your named Agent no longer has authority to act on your behalf.

My law school professor suggested that every husband should prepare his wife to be a widow…..same holds true today for a wife preparing her husband to be a widower. #Michigan #Spouse #Widow #Widower #Finances #funeralplanning #EstatePlanning

Tom answers this most frequently asked question...

Tom discusses how to reject an inheritance by using Disclaimers…What they are…how they work…what they are used for. (Episode #168)

Tom discusses a client's recent experience with the cemetery where her spouse was going to be buried, showing why it can be important to regularly visit the cemetery before you or your loved one dies

Tom discusses the use of beneficiary designations to avoid probate, and what happens if your named beneficiary dies before you.

More options, including natural burial, green cremation, and even composting, are becoming available for people who are looking for alternatives to traditional casket burial or cremation. In this archived episode Tom explains what these alternatives...

Listen to today’s episode to find out if you will need new estate planning documents when you move to another State, or if you plan to spend your winters in another state.

Did you know that if that child that you sent away to college is in a serious accident, you do not have any legal authority to know about, or make decisions about, their medical care just because you are their parent? Tom discusses the important legal...

In this archived episode, Tom discusses the 5 most common lies people tell themselves to avoid estate planning...are you guilty?

In today's archived episode, Tom discusses several reasons why it might be better to leave your assets in your trust for your adult children, instead of having them inherit the property outright.

More options, including natural burial, green cremation, and even composting, are becoming available for people who are looking for alternatives to traditional casket burial or cremation. Tom explains what these alternatives are, and which are...

Not sure if you should have a Will or a Trust? Tom discusses six reasons for choosing a Trust over a Will.

Due to recent changes in Michigan Law, you might find that your bank, credit union or financial services company will no longer accept that Certificate of Trust that was prepared as part of your estate plan. In today’s episode, Tom discusses what...

Have you fully considered what can happen if you make a child a joint owner on your account? Whether it is to avoid probate or help you pay your bills, Tom explains 3 reasons why you should not make that bank account jointly owned with your child.

The Michigan Department of Treasury has millions of dollars in lost or forgotten assets from dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes, stock certificates etc. Does any of it belong to you? Tom tells you how to find...

Volunteering during retirement … you have a lifetime of living to share…and it just might prolong a better life

Summer is here...but is your Estate plan ready for your summer vacation?

Are you thinking about giving away your assets in order to qualify for Medicaid? Be sure that you understand what the 5 year Medicaid look back period is, and how it might affect your planning.

Tom discusses the 5 most common lies people tell themselves to avoid estate planning...are you guilty?

They do not go well together like peanut butter and jelly. Listen to today’s episode if you are concerned about protecting your loved one’s privacy when you die.

Based upon his 40 years of experience in working with clients, Tom explains what every estate plan must include.