by Lauren Jackson | Jul 28, 2021 | Estate Planning
The following write-up was provided by Wealthcounsel. Among confusing legal concepts, the generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax is at the top of the list. Because of its complexity, many attorneys lump it in with concepts such as the rule against perpetuities—topics...
by Lauren Jackson | Jun 3, 2021 | buying a home, Real Estate, real estate appraisal, selling a home
Zillow, Zillow, Zillow The name Zillow may be a play on the word “zillions,” relating to the zillions of data points used to develop the Zestimate. Zillow also rhymes with pillow and triggers the emotions attached to homeownership. Did you know that the term Zillow...
by Lauren Jackson | Mar 4, 2021 | Estate Planning
Estate planning can be a very difficult process. While it’s not brain surgery, making the decision to move forward with the planning requires us to face the fact that we will not live forever. This thought can stop many people right in their tracks. Others talk...
by Lauren Jackson | Feb 3, 2021 | Beneficiary, Estate Planning, Revocable living trust, Supplemental Needs Trust
What is the best way to leave assets to minor children? Well, that depends on the testator’s intentions and risk level, but there are a few options and basics to keep in mind: In Illinois, children under age 18 may inherit property, but can’t enter contracts and...
by Lauren Jackson | Jan 3, 2021 | Estate Planning, Joint Trust
In 2008, Congress recognized the need for the public to understand the importance and benefits of estate planning by passing House Resolution 1499, which designated the third week of October as National Estate Planning Awareness Week. Nevertheless, according to a 2019...
by Lauren Jackson | Nov 17, 2020 | buying a home, Real Estate, real estate closing
Real estate encompasses not only one’s primary residence but also other real estate such as a vacation home or a rental property. The ideal form of ownership varies depending on the type of real estate you own. Below, we take a look at the different types of real...
by Lauren Jackson | Oct 14, 2020 | Estate Planning, Life Insurnace, Real Estate
With a push by the Democratic party to return federal estate taxes to their historic norms, taxpayers need to act now before Congress passes legislation that could adversely impact their estates. Currently, the federal estate and gift tax exemption is set at $11.58...
by Lauren Jackson | Oct 6, 2020 | Estate Planning
Estate planning—it is an incredibly important tool, not just for the uber-wealthy or those thinking about retirement. On the contrary, estate planning is something every adult should do. Estate planning can help you accomplish any number of goals, including appointing...
by Lauren Jackson | Sep 8, 2020 | Estate Planning, Medicaid
A popular question that I answer a lot for my estate planning clients is what is the Medicaid look-back period for assets? When clients realize they might be eligible for Medicaid, they start their estate planning with that in mind. However, the timing of everything...
by Lauren Jackson | Jun 28, 2020 | Estate Planning, Life Insurnace
One question that I continually hear from clients, friends, and family is what type of life insurance should I get? First off, let’s acknowledge that I am not an insurance salesperson and I do not and have never sold insurance. The following information is...
