Estate Planning
Estate planning is an essential part of any financial plan. Many people believe estate planning is only for the wealthy – a belief that is simply not true. You should have an estate plan to dictate your final wishes. An estate plan allows you to decide how your assets are distributed, both during your lifetime and at your death. Your estate plan should be structured to achieve your personal objectives and maximize wealth passed on to heirs and charities, while minimizing taxes and other expenses.
Estate planning begins with consideration of the following questions:
- Who should receive your assets: children, grandchildren, friends or charity?
- Are you willing to transfer your assets during your lifetime as well as at death?
- Who do you want to take care of minor children if you die prematurely?
- What are the needs of your survivors?
- Do you have the needed estate planning documents established, do they meet your current personal objectives, and are they structured properly to minimize taxes and expenses?
- Do you have appropriate beneficiary designations on your life insurance policies and retirement plans?
- How are your major assets titled? Are they solely or jointly owned? Do your assets automatically transfer to the survivor upon your death or do they pass through your will? Is your estate balanced to effectively minimize estate taxes?
As part of your overall financial plan, your Ziegler financial advisor will assess your current situation, and help you determine if there are actions you can take to help plan for your heirs, carry out your wishes, and minimize taxes paid by your estate.
Trust Services through Ziegler Wealth Management
Trusts can be extremely effective estate planning tools for minimizing taxes and probate fees, and providing for your beneficiaries, both during and after your lifetime. They may be used to shelter assets from future claims, while continuing to collect income from those assets. They may also be used to pass wealth to future generations, or to provide for charitable organizations.
Through our strategic partners, your Ziegler financial advisor has the ability to tailor a solution to fit the needs of you and your family.
Learn more about trusts and other estate planning strategies.