Estate Planning Basics
Learn the essentials around planning and protecting the future for your family and loved ones.
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11 Simple Steps to an Estate Plan
Getting your estate in order may sound daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Follow these simple steps to get started with building your estate plan.
· 4 min read
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Wills and Trusts: Definitions, Differences, and Essential Estate Planning Terms
You’ll encounter unfamiliar terms when building your estate plan. But once you know what they mean, you’ll be able to build your estate plan with confidence.
· 12 min read
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Primary vs. Contingent Beneficiary
One of the best ways to make sure your assets are handled according to your wishes is to designate both primary and contingent beneficiaries. Learn the difference between the two so you can make an informed decision.
· 38 min read
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Your 2026 Guide to California Estate Planning
An estate plan accounts for what happens next—from medical care to inheritance decisions. Here’s what you should know about estate planning in California.
· 9 min read
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Texas Estate Planning: Your Complete 2026 Guide
Estate plans include a will, a power of attorney, and advance directives that dictate what happens to your assets and how you’ll be cared for.Â
· 10 min read
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Your 2026 Guide to Illinois Estate Planning
There’s no better time to plan for the future than the present. Here’s how estate planning works in Illinois and what you might include in yours.
· 9 min read
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How Much Does Estate Planning Cost? 2026 Guide
Estate planning costs vary based on your location, estate complexity, and specific needs. Learn more about what to expect for various estate plans.
· 7 min read
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Power of Appointment: Your Estate Planning Secret Weapon
When you create your estate plan, you have no way of knowing what your family's financial situation will be like when you pass away. Discover how a power of appointment can provide flexibility with your bequests.
· 5 min read
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7 Tips for Getting Rid of Your Parents' Lifelong Possessions
It's a topic no one likes to think about: the inevitable clean-out of your parents' belongings. But as with many uncomfortable subjects, the best way to approach this one is to plan and start now. Here are some tips to help make the process easier, not only for you but also for your parents and other loved ones. 1. Talk to your parents If your parents are still around and can communicate their wishes, involve them in the process. Do your best to balance being sensitive to their preferences with practical concerns.
· 6 min read
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Estate Plan Strategies for Small Business Owners
What happens to your business after your death depends a lot on decisions you make now.
· 4 min read
