The sad truth is that if your clients do not take the time to plan correctly the government is poised to do it for them poorly when the need arises.

When helping a client implement third-party ownership of a life policy with an LTC or chronic illness rider the client must be pressed to get the advice of a tax advisor.

There is a tendency in the planning process to focus on the matters of final arrangements, like wills and life insurance, and not give proper attention to the possibility of incapacity prior to death.

The fields are hardly white for harvest if an insurance advisor intends to get rich selling charitable-owned coverage.  Nonetheless, there are circumstances where carriers may look beyond the donation-multiple standard.

When insurance ledgers are run in anticipation of insuring for a buy-out in the event of death there is often sticker shock over the difference in cost between coverage for the young ‘un and the old fogie.

The fruit cake of the qualified plan world is the Table 2001. These IRS-issued rates are outrageously high so nobody uses them and they have been passed on for 14 years. The good news is you don’t have to use them.

What is the solution to avoid the restrictions and taxation of the QDOT so it won’t impact the surviving spouse’s lifestyle? 

Because your clients have the opportunity to realize significant financial and emotional value in making gifts, you will want to be knowledgeable about gifting.

Regarding your client’s planning intentions and goals; all 50 states have legislation in effect that effectively says, “If they aren’t written down, then they didn’t happen!”

If you die without a will, you might leave behind confusion. Prince’s massive estate, believed to be worth hundreds of millions, is still unsettled, still not officially valued and still not disbursed to the heirs, his six siblings.