Estate Planning
Estate planning is the process of ensuring that your wealth is directed according to your wishes after you die. Making sure your wealth goes where you want it to is not just a simple matter of preparing a will – although a will is almost always a key part of your estate planning. You also need to consider things such as your superannuation benefits, family businesses, assets owned by legal entities such as family trusts as well as assets owned as joint tenants, etc.
It is also vital that your estate planning be consistent with your current financial planning, to ensure that your affairs are handled as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, both now and in the future.
Relevant Articles...
Evolving role of the Bank of Mum and Dad
Buying an affordable house in Australia is becoming increasingly difficult, and we have noticed more parents are helping their kids get into their own first homes. If you are in the fortunate position to help your children out and you are planning to do so, there are certain implications that you need to think about before proceeding.
When Mum and Dad are Bankers As Well
Recent estimates claim that the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ is Australia’s ninth largest lender. Given the state of house prices, this comes as no surprise. Most parents want to help their kids, especially with something as important as buying a home. But it is important that things be done correctly. There is such a thing as ‘the wrong way to help’ when it comes to one generation trying to help another.
What to Do if Someone Dies
Australia’s death rate remains the same as it has always been. We get one death each. The problem is, very few of us know when our death will come. What is also certain is that we will know people who die before us. This is a quick guide to what to do if someone you love dies.