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Home→Articles→Articles for Planning Ahead

Articles for Planning Ahead

Articles for the person putting a plan in place: what a will and a revocable trust each do, how powers of attorney work, how beneficiary designations pass property, and what each choice costs.

AllPlanning aheadSettling an estate
All topics353Probate and estate administration90Estate, inheritance, and gift taxes109Trusts102Wills15Powers of attorney and incapacity11Beneficiaries and inheritance17Medicaid and long-term care2Digital assets5
All statesAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDistrict of ColumbiaDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
ArticlesNews

271 articles

Retirement Trusts for Securing Your Golden Years

Retirement Trusts for Securing Your Golden Years

Understanding what retirement trusts can do for you starts with recognizing they’re not just for the wealthy. They’re for anyone with retirement savings,…
Trusts
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 12, 2025
Trusts and Marriage Go Together Like Cake and Champagne

Trusts and Marriage Go Together Like Cake and Champagne

Trusts and marriage belong together. Marriage is the perfect time to think about setting up a trust that includes all of your combined assets, debts, and pets.
Trusts
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 11, 2025
Trusts and Medicaid Go Hand in Hand

Trusts and Medicaid Go Hand in Hand

Trusts and Medicaid go hand in hand. Trusts offer a way for someone to qualify for Medicaid benefits while also ensuring their legacy.
Trusts
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 9, 2025
Trusts for Inheritance, Maya, and Her Uncle

Trusts for Inheritance, Maya, and Her Uncle

Discover how Maya (made-up) navigates her surprising inheritance (also made-up). A practical guide for managing newfound wealth using trusts for inheritance.
Trusts
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 5, 2025
Putting a House in a Trust

Putting a House in a Trust

Putting a house in a trust helps secure your legacy, avoid probate for your loved ones, ensure your privacy, and maintain control over your estate.
Trusts
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 4, 2025
Trusts in Downsizing

Trusts in Downsizing

Downsizing is about simplifying your life. Trusts are about simplifying your life. It makes perfect sense to use trusts in downsizing.
Trusts
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialJune 2, 2025
What Is Conservatorship and What’s It All About?

What Is Conservatorship and What’s It All About?

Discover how conservatorship protects those unable to manage their affairs, ensuring financial and personal well-being.
Estate Planning
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 30, 2025
Estate Planning for a Baby: Now Is the Time

Estate Planning for a Baby: Now Is the Time

Estate planning for a baby can begin as early as you want. The important thing is to get started.
Estate Planning
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 28, 2025
Passwords for Trustees: The Ultimate Estate Planning Plot Twist

Passwords for Trustees: The Ultimate Estate Planning Plot Twist

It’s easy to forget passwords for trustees because it’s easy to forget passwords for ourselves. But don’t. Please.
Estate Planning 101
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 27, 2025
Protecting Privacy in Estate Planning

Protecting Privacy in Estate Planning

Read about how to protect your privacy in estate planning, especially in a time of rising identity theft threats.
Estate Planning
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 23, 2025
What Makes a Trust Legally Binding?

What Makes a Trust Legally Binding?

What makes a trust legally binding? We’ve broken it down into eight essential elements or actions.
Trusts
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 22, 2025
Understanding Inheritance Rights

Understanding Inheritance Rights

Learn more about inheritance rights and how to protect your legacy and ensure your loved ones’ financial security.
Estate Planning 101
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 20, 2025
The Role of Beneficiaries in Estate Planning and Management

The Role of Beneficiaries in Estate Planning and Management

Understand the vital role of beneficiaries in estate planning, ensuring your assets go where you intend—peace of mind awaits!
Asset Management
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 16, 2025
10 Crucial Estate Planning Tips for Unmarried Couples

10 Crucial Estate Planning Tips for Unmarried Couples

Unmarried couples face unique estate planning challenges. Discover essential estate planning tips for unmarried couples.
Estate Planning
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 15, 2025
What Is a Letter of Intent (Estate Planning Version)

What Is a Letter of Intent (Estate Planning Version)

Discover the power of a letter of intent in estate planning—an emotional roadmap for your loved ones during difficult times.
Estate Planning 101
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 12, 2025
Debt With No Legacy Plan: What Happens

Debt With No Legacy Plan: What Happens

Don’t let your debts burden your loved ones. Discover what happens when you have debt with no legacy plan.
Estate Planning
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 8, 2025
What Is the Great Wealth Transfer?

What Is the Great Wealth Transfer?

Explore the Great Wealth Transfer: a monumental shift in wealth reshaping financial futures for Baby Boomers and younger generations.
Financial Planning
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 6, 2025
Preventing Power of Attorney Abuse

Preventing Power of Attorney Abuse

Discover the vital role of power of attorney in safeguarding your interests, while learning about preventing power of attorney abuse.
Estate Planning 101
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialMay 2, 2025
Debt and Estate Planning

Debt and Estate Planning

Debt and estate planning: Discover how debt impacts your estate planning and learn strategies to protect your loved ones from financial burdens.
Estate Planning 101
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 30, 2025
Intestate and Probate: What’s the Difference?

Intestate and Probate: What’s the Difference?

Intestate and probate are important concepts to understand when navigating estate planning, though they serve very different purposes in the legal process.
Estate Planning Terms
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust EditorialApril 28, 2025
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