Over the 6 episodes beginning January 23 I am discussing how to avoid the six most common estate planning mistakes. In today's episode, I talk about the importance of using a Durable Power of Attorney and a Health Care Power of Attorney to plan for...

Over the 6 episodes beginning January 23 I am discussing how to avoid the six most common estate planning mistakes. In today's episode, I talk about how failing to fund your living trust can cause your estate to have to go through probate.

Over the 6 episodes beginning January 23 Tom discusses how to avoid the six most common estate planning mistakes. In this episode Tom discusses why a Will does not avoid probate.

In this 2nd episode of Tom's 6-part series "How to Avoid the Six Most Common Estate Planning Mistakes", Tom discusses the problem of having parts without a plan.

Over the next 6 episodes Tom discusses how to avoid the six most common estate planning mistakes. In each episode Tom will cover 1 of the mistakes, beginning today with the mistake that is made by 80% of people.

Tom discusses the six most common mistakes that people make when administrating or settling an estate, and provides tips on how to avoid them.

Tom discusses how under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act just signed by President Trump, some things change, and some things remain the same, relative to estate and gift taxes. Including how much you can give someone gift tax free during 2018.

Tom discusses what Santa needs to know about taxes due on the gifts he leaves under your Christmas tree.

Tom explains why using a 529 Plan can be a great way to pay for the costs of college education for children or grandchildren.

In today’s episode, Tom tells you how to check your Social Security Earnings record to be sure that you will receive the full retirement benefit that you are entitled to.

Tom discusses the importance of digital estate planning, and how to arrange for your executor to access all of your online accounts and information.

In this archived episode, Tom discusses how you might be able to use money that you have saved in an IRA to purchase a new home, without incurring the 10% early withdrawal penalty.

Tom explains why if there is a conflict between a beneficiary designation on your bank account (naming one child) and what you say in your Will (divide your estate between all 5 children), the beneficiary designation wins, and your bank account goes...

Although it may feel odd to think about life insurance for your young children or grandchildren, Tom discusses some of the benefits that can go far beyond what we traditionally consider.

Are you considering making a new investment? Before you do, ask yourself these 8 questions to help you determine if the investment is right for you.

While there is a lot of talk in Washington about eliminating the Federal Estate Tax, Tom discusses why you still need estate planning even if the tax disappears.

This is National Estate Planning Awareness Week. For today's program, Tom has retrieved a segment from the very first episode of February 23, 2016 in which he discusses what is, and what is not, an estate plan...enjoy!

In today’s episode, Tom explains why your estate plan is not complete until you have appointed a Funeral Representative….even if you have pre-planned your funeral.

Do you have the one estate planning document that everyone should have? Tom tells you what it is, and explains why you need it.

You have sent your student away to college, but does she have theses 2 documents that she should have? Tom discusses why your student should have a Power of Attorney for Health Care and a Durable Power of Attorney for finances.

We have all heard the expression “60 is the new 40”. In today’s episode Tom talks about the benefits of opening a Roth IRA even if you are over 60.

Your estate planning documents will not do you any good if they are lost, or destroyed by a hurricane, flood, tornado, fire or other natural disaster. Tom discusses the pros and cons of various options available for keeping your original estate plan...

Tom discusses the various ways that he and Amanda can help you with your estate plan wherever you happen to be in Michigan. From personal consultations in Lansing or Grand Rapids, or consultation with us by telephone, to working with a financial...

Do you have a child that you want to disinherit? Or, perhaps you want to be sure that your estate does not to end up going to your child’s spouse or creditors. In today’s episode, Tom discuses the best ways to disinherit a child, or to keep your...