ATO Gunning For SMSF Non-Compliance

We all know the only certainties in life are death and taxes... however, it seems that some SMSF trustees have forgotten this golden rule, when they got a tap on the shoulder from the ATO. It seems that they have let the SMSF become uncompliant since the changes in law of 1 July 2005, and the ATO has been getting gradually stricter on their policing of this matter. Christopher Balmford from Cleardocs Australia gives us an overview of the situation, along with a friendly warning to all fund holders to keep on top of things, or else...

What is Values-Based Wealth Planning?

No one over age 18 today will live to see the end of the 21st Century. The legacy you leave your children will be reflected in the values they learn about the role of money and property. Here are ways to plan that give your heirs a perspective that extends far beyond the dollar value of what you pass on to them by way of a financial inheritance.

Medicaid and the Living Trust

Living Trusts are widely advertised in seminars on estate planning. But can they be used if you may have to apply for Medicaid? This article discusses some of the pitfalls.

The Inheritor's Trust

The Inheritor's Trust is a way for a child with a substantial estate to save estate taxes and obtain some protection against creditors, lawsuits, etc. This article discusses this new concept.

What Is A Protective Property Trust-And Why Should I Consider One?

There is a way of making sure that your relatives will inherit something in the event of the surviving partner having to go into care.

Top Asset Protection Strategies

Contrary to popular beliefs, asset protection does not mean hiding assets, and is not a trick to evade authority. Asset protection also does not involve deceptive agreements or fraudulent transfers. It is simply smart and safe financial planning. It uses the cunning of business and tools of financial planning to safe guard your assets from being extracted by outsiders who do not have any right to or claim on your hard earned money.

Understanding The Benefits Of Forming Trusts

What is a Trust And Who Are The Settlor, Trustee And Beneficiaries? A trust is an institute of a special type of structure capable of holding title of the property-providing benefits to one or more people.

Enduring Power of Attorney Being Phased Out

From the first Monday in April next year, the Enduring Power of Attorney will be banished forever. Its replacement will be more complex to get and is likely to cost more.

Appointing A Financially Literate Executor

Choosing and appointing a financially literate executor is an important consideration when writing your will. He gives you and your beneficiaries peace of mind and the assurance of compensation to his customers.

Estate Planning ... Not Just For The Wealthy

You've worked hard, accumulated assets, and been diligent in saving for a comfortable retirement. Now it is important to implement a plan to protect those assets in the event something were to happen to you.

Private Annuity Trust, Charitable Remainder Trust or 1031-TIC: Which Is Right for You?

You may have heard about Private Annuity Trusts, Charitable Remainder Trusts and 1031 Tenant in Common Exchanges, but how do you decide if one is right for you? There are several things you should think about when trying to choose between these three options:

Probate and Probate Avoidance

When an individual dies in Florida or while owning real property in Florida, probate is the procedure used to transfer his or her assets to the proper heirs. The procedure can be time consuming and expensive. However, with proper planning, the entire procedure can mostly be avoided.

Estate Plans and Trusts Discussed

We all know that we need to have our lives in order in the event of our demise because our families are so important to us. As the Death Tax slowing dies over the next many years, it behooves all of us to have estate plans and trusts set up to shield our assets from legal liabilities which can pop-up out of nowhere and also to pay the least amount of taxes to the government after we die.

Estate Planning - Undue Influence

Over views common means of contesting a will such as undue influence, lack of capacity, psychological domination and/or degenerated mental state.

Estate Planning - Rules and Trustees

Reviews problems associated with forming a trust such as deciding the powers which the trustee(s) have and do not have relative to the assets placed into a trust.