2416 West Main Street
Visalia, California 93277

(559) 738-8600
info@hermeswealth.com

 

Estate

Why Everyone Needs an Estate Strategy

This is an Estate Strategy educational infographic with five numbered sections on a green background.This is an Estate Strategy educational infographic with five numbered sections on a green background.Section one covers Probate, and states that Probate is the legal process that wraps up a person’s legal and financial affairs after their death. Probate can be costly and easily take months or years, depending on the state. While no estate strategy can completely eliminate the risk of an extensive probate, managing the probate process may be possible with a valid will and assets that avoid probate.Section one covers Probate, and states that Probate is the legal process that wraps up a person’s legal and financial affairs after their death. Probate can be costly and easily take months or years, depending on the state. While no estate strategy can completely eliminate the risk of an extensive probate, managing the probate process may be possible with a valid will and assets that avoid probate.This section includes a list of assets that avoid probate, such as property held in a trust, Jointly held property that isn’t common property, Death benefits from insurance policies, Property given away before you die, Assets in a pay-on-death account, and Retirement accounts with a named beneficiary.This section includes a list of assets that avoid probate, such as property held in a trust, Jointly held property that isn’t common property, Death benefits from insurance policies, Property given away before you die, Assets in a pay-on-death account, and Retirement accounts with a named beneficiary.Section two explains Living Wills. A Living Will outlines instructions on how to handle difficult decisions regarding your estate. Despite the importance of this document, only 32% of Americans have one. The number one cited reason for not having a will is procrastination.Section two explains Living Wills. A Living Will outlines instructions on how to handle difficult decisions regarding your estate. Despite the importance of this document, only 32% of Americans have one. The number one cited reason for not having a will is procrastination.Section three discusses Tax Exemption Strategies, noting that in 2024, the estate and gift tax exemption is 13.61 million dollars. Potentially hundreds of thousands of additional American households can take advantage of these strategies, passing on some of or all their assets free of estate taxes. Less than 1out of every 1,000 estates will exceed the exemption. Section three discusses Tax Exemption Strategies, noting that in 2024, the estate and gift tax exemption is 13.61 million dollars. Potentially hundreds of thousands of additional American households can take advantage of these strategies, passing on some of or all their assets free of estate taxes. Less than 1out of every 1,000 estates will exceed the exemption. Section four covers Living Trusts. These trusts are managed by a trustee and can help reduce estate taxes. Created and funded while you are alive, Living Trusts are composed of assets you choose to put into them. Managed by a trustee (usually you), the assets are structured to pass to a beneficiary, or beneficiaries, automatically upon your death, much like a will.Section four covers Living Trusts. These trusts are managed by a trustee and can help reduce estate taxes. Created and funded while you are alive, Living Trusts are composed of assets you choose to put into them. Managed by a trustee (usually you), the assets are structured to pass to a beneficiary, or beneficiaries, automatically upon your death, much like a will.Section five explains Power of Attorney, specifically durable power of attorney documents. These function as a written authorization empowering a person to execute personal and legal matters on your behalf. A good strategy may be to pick a person who either has some experience in these fields or has the necessary qualities to handle these decisions. This is often a spouse or adult child.Section five explains Power of Attorney, specifically durable power of attorney documents. These function as a written authorization empowering a person to execute personal and legal matters on your behalf. A good strategy may be to pick a person who either has some experience in these fields or has the necessary qualities to handle these decisions. This is often a spouse or adult child.The final portion lists the sources used in the creation of this infographic.The final portion lists the sources used in the creation of this infographic.
 

Related Content

AI Tools Changing Retiree Entrepreneurship

AI Tools Changing Retiree Entrepreneurship

The impact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can have on retirees with a consulting or small business venture.

Breaking Down the Parts of Medicare

Breaking Down the Parts of Medicare

Medicare is broken down into four specific parts—but what do they mean? This article will help you understand each piece.

Simple 401k

Simple 401k

See how increasing your 401(k) contributions today could affect your balance at retirement.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?


Thank you! Oops!

Understanding Qualified Charitable Distributions

Use this handy, informative article to help your clients understand Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs).

What Is a 1035 Exchange?

1035 exchanges provide a way to trade-in an annuity contract or life insurance policy without triggering a tax liability.

Volunteering in Retirement

For many, retirement includes contributing their time and talents to an organization in need.

View all articles

How Long Will My Savings Last If I Become Disabled?

See how long your current savings might last if a disability interrupted your income.

How Much Home Can I Afford?

Estimate how much home may fit within your budget based on income and expenses.

Home Mortgage Deduction

Use this calculator to assess the potential benefits of a home mortgage deduction.

View all calculators

18 Years Worth of Days

The average retirement lasts for 18 years. What will you do with your days?

Retirement Accounts When You Change Your Job

This video explores what to do with retirement accounts when you move on from your job.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

View all videos