5 Mistakes To Avoid In Estate Planning

10 October 2023

Estate planning is a vital process of wealth management that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your passing. It is a process that involves careful consideration, documentation, and, often, professional guidance.

While everyone’s estate planning needs are unique, there are common mistakes that can derail even the most well-intentioned efforts. To ensure you have a seamless process, our wealth management advisors at Whittier Trust have compiled a list of five common mistakes to avoid in estate planning.

Why Real Estate Planning Is Important?

Gone are the days when real estate planning was just a source of high net worth. Nowadays, everyone from a middle-class family to a luxurious background must come with efficient estate planning. It is true that there are various sources to invest your money. But the importance of property planning is truly unparalleled.

Estate strategizing is all about keeping your loved ones protected, at least from the IRS. Under the Internal Revenue Service, it is integral to transfer your assets to heirs with the aim of creating the least possible tax burden on them. The right estate plan also saves families from falling apart. Just like a will, estate planning helps you choose your assets and finances in the right way possible. Finally, it can be said that estate planning safeguards beneficiaries. If you are the sole breadwinner of the family, there is nothing to worry about, even if something happens to you. But for that, you will first have to curate a properly structured and evenly distributed estate plan.

What 5 Mistakes Must Be Avoided In Estate Planning?

It is good that you have come up with an exclusive strategy. But is that all to make things work? After all, you are risking your entire life’s savings in this endeavor. So, here I am listing down 5 mistakes that one must be devoid of at the time of estate planning:

1. Procrastination:

One of the most common estate planning mistakes is simply procrastinating. It is easy to put off creating a comprehensive estate plan, especially when you are focused on the present. Life can bring unexpected twists, and a thoughtfully crafted estate plan can offer you and your loved ones a comforting sense of security.

It is never too early to start estate planning, so regardless of age, taking action now ensures that your assets are protected, and your intentions are clear. A well-structured estate plan can alleviate the cloud of uncertainty about the future of your assets and the well-being of your loved ones.

2. Neglecting Regular Updates:

Estate planning is not a one-and-done process. Life is constantly changing, and your estate plan should reflect those changes. Failing to update your plan can lead to unintended consequences.

Major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, the acquisition of new assets, or changes in financial circumstances all warrant a review and, if necessary, an update to your estate plan. Without consistent evaluation, your assets may not be distributed as you intended. You update things like your phone, car, and closet without hesitation. Why neglect something as valuable to you and your family as your estate?

3. Inadequate Consideration of Taxes:

Failing to incorporate tax sensitivity into all areas of your wealth management strategy will inevitably diminish the impact of your estate and the eventual assets available for your intended beneficiaries.

Consulting with a knowledgeable wealth management advisor can help you navigate the complexities of tax planning and ensure that your estate is as tax-efficient as possible. It’s also important to consider what state you’re establishing trust in. For example, Nevada is one of the most trust-friendly states. It offers strong tax benefits, asset protection, trust longevity, and flexible decanting provisions.

4. Overlooking Beneficiary Designations:

Many assets, such as retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and bank accounts, allow you to designate beneficiaries. These designations supersede instructions in your trust. It is crucial to review and update these beneficiary designations regularly to ensure they align with your current intentions. Failing to do so can lead to unintended consequences, such as assets going to a former spouse or someone you no longer wish to benefit.

Oftentimes, emotions get roped into our decision-making processes, leading to impulse decisions or skewed perceptions. It is also important to think about the long-term effects of your beneficiary designations, considering every possible scenario. Having a third party like a wealth management firm help you with this process can prove to be extremely advantageous.

The third-party can either serve as your trustee or help advise the trustee to make objective decisions and look after the estate and family. In either scenario, a wealth management company helps create a neutral, mutually beneficial relationship in the estate planning process.

5. DIY Estate Planning:

Assembling a personalized wealth management team by handpicking lawyers, investment professionals, and other specialists may appear to offer a tailored approach to estate management. However, the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of this DIY approach are often outweighed by the advantages of partnering with a multifamily office.

While individual experts bring their own strengths, a multifamily office excels in curating a team personalized to your needs and capable of seamless collaboration, ensuring that your financial objectives are pursued with synergy and precision.

Multifamily offices are usually more cost-effective and time-saving as well, even providing family office services to help stay on top of the day-to-day expenses, documentation, and management for an estate. However, a good wealth management firm is also capable of working with outside experts, whether to account for a non-traditional area of need or comfort with a longtime and trusted source of counsel to prioritize your peace of mind.

Conclusion

Estate planning is a critical process that should not be overlooked or delayed. Avoiding common mistakes can help you create a robust estate plan that protects your assets and provides for your loved ones as you intend.

Trust services, like those provided at Whittier Trust, are committed to assisting individuals and families in developing comprehensive estate plans tailored to their specific needs and goals. You are not in this alone. The right wealth management advisors are ready to help you create and maintain an estate plan that is designed just for you.

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The ROI Of Proactive Pest Control For Property Management

As a property manager, proactive measures across all operational areas often translate to cost savings and increased value over time. Pest control, while occasionally sidelined in strategic planning, stands out as a domain. There a proactive approach can yield significant returns on investment (ROI). To understand the true value, one must delve into the multifaceted benefits and cost savings linked with proactive pest management. Understanding The True Cost Of Pests Before delving into the benefits of a proactive approach, it's essential to comprehend the full spectrum of costs associated with pest infestations. Beyond the immediate expense of extermination and potential structural repairs, there are indirect costs. They impact a property's bottom line. Operational Disruptions Pest infestations can cause significant disruptions to regular property operations. Whether it's the temporary closure of facilities for treatment or the time spent addressing tenant concerns, these disruptions translate to lost hours and increased operational costs. Legal Liabilities Failing to address pest problems can lead to potential legal ramifications. Tenants have a right to a safe and habitable living environment. If pest infestations infringe upon these rights, property managers might find themselves facing legal claims, further elevating costs. The Tangible Benefits Of Proactivity There are some benefits that are tangible in nature. Lets try to understand them all here. Minimised Structural Damage Pests like termites and rodents can cause considerable structural harm. Proactive pest control helps in early detection, potentially saving thousands in repair costs. Preserved Property Value Properties with a history of significant pest problems can see depreciation in their market value. Regular preventive measures ensure that the asset's value remains uncompromised. Reduced Turnover And Vacancies Tenants prefer properties that are well-maintained and free from pest issues. A proactive stance can lead to higher tenant retention rates and fewer vacancies, ensuring steady revenue streams. Intangible Returns: Beyond The Balance Sheet Other than the tangible ones there are also the intangible returns that the occupants are likely to receive here. . Enhanced Reputation In the age of digital reviews, a single pest-related complaint can severely dent a property's reputation. Proactive pest control aids in avoiding such negative publicity, bolstering the property's image in the market. Tenant Satisfaction And Loyalty The well-being and comfort of occupants directly correlate with their loyalty. By ensuring a pest-free environment, property managers foster trust and satisfaction among tenants. Proactive Measures: A Strategic Investment The efficacy of pest management depends quite an extent on the proactive measures. We discuss a few of them here. Routine Inspections Regularly scheduled inspections are pivotal in proactive pest control. By meticulously examining properties at set intervals, professionals can detect subtle signs of infestations or conditions conducive to pests. This proactive approach can identify potential problem areas, ensuring timely interventions before small issues escalate into significant challenges. Moreover, these inspections provide a documented history of pest activity, enabling property managers to tailor future preventive strategies based on past occurrences. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) IPM is not just a method but a philosophy in pest control. It is a comprehensive approach that combines preventive measures with eco-friendly treatment options, emphasising the importance of understanding the life cycle of pests and their interaction with the environment. By pin-pointing on long-term mitigation rather than immediate fixes, IPM offers sustainable and cost-effective pest control. This strategy minimises the use of chemicals, reduces the risk of pesticide resistance in pests, and ensures a safer environment for property occupants. Educating Tenants A well-informed tenant is an asset in pest prevention. Informing tenants about best practices, from proper waste management to identifying early signs of infestations, can be invaluable. An educated tenant base often acts as a first line of defence against pests, reporting issues before they magnify. Furthermore, by fostering open communication channels, property managers can build trust with tenants, ensuring collaborative efforts in maintaining a pest-free environment. Utilising Pheromone Traps And Monitoring Stations Pheromone traps, which use synthetic versions of insect hormones to attract and trap pests, can be a crucial part of early detection. By strategically placing these traps around a property, managers can monitor pest activity levels and identify potential issues before they become significant problems. Monitoring stations for pests like termites can provide early warnings, allowing for timely interventions and reducing the need for extensive treatments later. Collaborative Approaches And Community Involvement Property managers need not tackle the pest challenge alone. Engaging the larger community can amplify the benefits of proactive control. Community Education Sessions Organising sessions where experts offer insights about local pest challenges and preventive measures can be invaluable. This not only educates tenants but also fosters a sense of community involvement. Collaborative Buying Pooling resources with neighbouring properties for preventive pest control measures can lead to cost savings for all involved, enhancing ROI for each property. Assessing ROI: The Bigger Picture Quantifying the ROI of proactive pest control isn't merely about direct cost savings. One must consider the combined value of preserved property integrity, sustained tenant satisfaction, and the avoided costs associated with potential infestations. When these elements are accounted for, the ROI of preventive pest management becomes overwhelmingly positive. The Future: Leveraging Technology With advancements in technology, property managers now have tools that can predict potential infestation risks based on various factors, including geography, weather patterns, and property history. Investing in such predictive technologies can further enhance the ROI by ensuring timely interventions, often before a problem manifests visibly. Concluding Thoughts The realm of property management is rife with challenges, and pests, albeit small, can lead to monumental problems. However, with a proactive approach to pest control, managers can not only mitigate risks but also realise substantial returns on their investments. By reframing pest control from an occasional necessity to a strategic investment, properties can enjoy both tangible and intangible benefits. In the end, the ROI of proactive pest control underscores its indispensability in the modern property management toolkit. Read Also: 7 Tips To Purchase A Prime Real Estate Property

We Buy Houses Companies Saving Homeowners From Foreclosure

If you can’t buy something you really need, you can find other ways to purchase it. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a new car or house, you are going to buy it somehow. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to do this today. You can get out a loan. That way you will have the money necessary to buy something. You will pay back the bank little by little. You can pay it annually or monthly. It depends on the contract. To buy a house you want, you can get a mortgage and own the house of your dreams. But you will have to repay the money eventually. If you don’t do that, the bank will take away your home. It means you will be left out on the street. So, you can’t allow that to happen. You have to think about how to stop that from happening. There aren’t many options available really. You have to act fast. You could learn more about foreclosure. What is foreclosure? When you take out a mortgage, you will have to pay back the money. You’ll have to sign a document which says so. So, you are legally bound. You can’t afford to lose your job. No job means, no money. If you’re unable to pay the mortgage, the lender will take away your property. You and your family will get evicted. That’s called foreclosure. So, you have to pay close attention to your payments. The rules on this subject are different in each state. What are your options? If you don’t want to be homeless, you have to think of ways how to stop this process. The first thing you could do is try to persuade your lender to give you more time. If there’s any specific reason why you’re late, you should tell them. They may forgive you. But if you’re often late with your payments, they won’t be that easy to persuade. You could try filing for bankruptcy. If you go bankrupt, your assets will be frozen. Your debt will be frozen too. So, you may be saved for a while. What is your best option? You could try the things mentioned above. But they won’t do the trick. No one can be sure that the lenders will give you more time to gather the money. The bankruptcy procedure may lead you to bigger problems. So, you have to find another way to stop the foreclosure. You may not have heard about real estate investors. If you really want to save your family from all the humiliation, you’ve got to find out more about them. They are known for purchasing homes in foreclosure. How can investors save you from foreclosure? They are the best option you have. You can easily sell your home to them. But you have to do it quickly. You shouldn’t waste any time. The moment you sell your house, the mortgage debt will be gone. You should consider it paid off. So, you are in no danger. You won’t have to worry about being homeless. With the money you will receive, you can find another place to live. You will be able to find another dream home for you and your family. If you can’t find an investor who is willing to save you, you will lose your home. You will be left with nothing. Your family will never forgive you. Investment companies are known for their fast procedures. They can close a deal in a week. So, that is why they can save your house from foreclosure. You can sell your house to them in a few days. It can’t be faster than that. Once the deal is done, you are free. You could read some other things you could try here. You may be wondering about how they are able to do this so quickly. The thing about investors is that they don’t cooperate with banks. They avoid them at all costs. This is so because they just slow down the process. There are a lot of things that wait for their approval. So, the investors have managed to do this thing without them. It’s so much easier. Read Also: What To Do If You Facing Foreclosure? What You Need To Know Before Buying Property With A Tax Lien When Is The HAMP Program Beneficial To You?

What Is A Typical Radon Test Fee? Understanding Costs And Factors

When considering the safety of your home, radon testing is a crucial step. Radon is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that can pose serious health risks if present at high levels. To determine if your home is at risk, professional radon testing is advised. The cost for this service can vary based on several factors, including the size of your home and the complexity of the testing required. The fee for a radon test typically ranges from $146 to $716 for a professional inspection. This range factors in the methods used for testing, the size of the area being tested, and whether additional diagnostic tools are required. Understanding these costs is essential, especially considering the potential health implications of radon exposure. Keep in mind that while DIY test kits are a less expensive initial option, ranging from $10 to $50, they often include laboratory analysis fees. However, it is recommended to use professional test services as they include requirements about the placement of tests, analysis, and recording and including proper test conditions for a final risk assessment For those seeking the most accurate assessment of radon levels in their home, hiring a professional is generally the most reliable option. Understanding Radon Testing Radon testing plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy indoor environment, as radon exposure is a known health risk. This section will detail the significance of radon testing and outline the typical process involved. The Importance of Radon Testing Testing for radon is essential because this odorless, colorless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon naturally emanates from the decay of uranium in the soil, and without testing, there's no other way to determine if your home's levels are safe. Regular radon testing ensures that any dangerous concentration is identified and mitigated promptly, protecting you and your family from the associated health hazards. How Radon Testing Works To conduct radon testing, various devices are available, ranging from passive kits to sophisticated radon monitoring solutions. Passive devices, like charcoal canisters, collect radon samples over a specific period. In contrast, active devices like the Model 1028 XP: Professional Continuous Radon Monitor continuously measure levels, providing more dynamic data. These active monitors are preferred for their ability to deliver real-time measurements and create detailed reports, informing you about fluctuations in radon levels and allowing for a comprehensive understanding of your indoor air quality over an extended period. Factors Influencing Radon Test Fees When you're looking to test your home for radon, various factors will determine the cost. Understanding these can help you budget more effectively for a radon test. Test Duration The length of time a radon test takes can affect the price. Short-term tests may last from 2 to 90 days, while long-term tests exceed 90 days; the latter typically being more expensive due to the comprehensive data they provide. Type of Test You have options between DIY radon testing kits and professional radon testing services. While an at-home kit can cost between $10 and $75, professional service includes the necessary expertise and equipment, incurring higher fees. Test Location The price of a radon test can vary depending on your geographic location. For instance, tests conducted in regions with known radon prevalence may involve additional precautionary steps, potentially increasing the cost. Professional Expertise Opting for a certified radon inspector adds value as they bring specialized knowledge and accuracy. The complexity of your home's structure can also necessitate more time-consuming and thus, costlier, inspection methods. Average Cost of Radon Testing When exploring radon testing for your home, you'll find that prices can vary widely based on location and the type of test you select. Understanding these costs is essential for planning your budget effectively. By Region The cost of radon testing can differ depending on the region due to factors like demand, the prevalence of radon, and labor costs. In some areas, testing can be as affordable as $100, while in others it might reach up to $1,200. For example, homeowners can expect to pay an average of $420 for a radon inspection. By Test Type Radon testing varies not only by price but also by the methodology and duration of the test. Short-term tests may range from $10 to $30 for home test kits, whereas professional long-term testing or the use of a continuous radon monitor could cost significantly more. Tools like a continuous radon monitor might incur higher upfront costs but provide more detailed information over time. Additional Costs and Considerations When budgeting for radon testing, it's important to factor in not just the base cost but also potential additional expenses. These can vary depending on several factors, including whether you require a more thorough inspection or if follow-up testing is necessary. Mitigation System Inspection If your property already has a radon mitigation system in place, you'll need to include the cost of an inspection to ensure it's functioning correctly. This typically involves checking the system's components like the fan and the vent and can add to your overall expenses. Follow-Up Testing After the initial radon test, follow-up testing may be recommended, especially if levels are close to or above the EPA's action limit. You may need short-term follow-up tests for a quick verification, or long-term tests for a more accurate assessment, impacting your total testing costs. Home Size and Test Complexity The size of your home and the complexity of the test required can also affect the cost. Larger homes or those with multiple foundations may need several test kits or longer testing periods, potentially increasing expenses. Remember, these costs are on top of the typical radon inspection fee which can range from $146 to $716, with an average of around $420. Your specific costs will vary based on these additional factors and the options you choose. Choosing a Radon Testing Provider When faced with the task of selecting a professional to conduct your radon test, focusing on their expertise and the variety of services offered will ensure you receive a reliable and thorough assessment of radon levels in your home. Certifications and Qualifications Certifications: Make sure the provider you choose is certified to perform radon testing in your state. The National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) and the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) are two leading certification bodies. A certified tester will have a sound understanding of radon testing protocols and state-specific requirements. Qualifications: Beyond certifications, assess the provider’s experience and training. Years in the field and specialized knowledge can greatly influence the accuracy of your radon test results. Experienced professionals will also be adept at using the most current and effective testing methodologies. Service Comparisons Range of Services: Compare different providers based on the scope of services they offer. Some may only conduct tests, while others provide comprehensive services including radon mitigation. It's crucial to understand whether follow-up services are available, should your test results show high radon levels. Test Types: Ensure they offer both short-term and long-term testing options to suit your specific needs. Equipment Used: High-quality, calibrated equipment yields more accurate results. Verify the type of devices used in testing. Pricing: Prices can vary, with professional radon inspection costs ranging between $146 to $716, with a common average being around $420. While cost is a factor, it shouldn't be the sole criterion. Lower prices may not always guarantee the same level of service as providers charging industry-standard fees. Interpreting Test Results Before you proceed with any steps following a radon test, it's crucial to accurately interpret the results. The test reveals the radon concentration levels in your home, allowing you to make informed decisions on necessary measures. Understanding Safe Levels Radon levels are commonly measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that there is no completely safe level of radon exposure. However, levels less than 2 pCi/L are considered acceptable, while readings between 2 and 4 pCi/L suggest a moderate risk that warrants your attention. It's important to know that some organizations, like the World Health Organization (WHO), suggest more stringent action if levels surpass 2.7 pCi/L. Low radon levels: (<2 pCi/L) Moderate radon levels: (2-4 pCi/L) High radon levels: (>4 pCi/L) Conclusion Professional radon testing can vary in cost, generally ranging from $146 to $716 with a national average of around $420. Factors that can influence your radon inspection fee include the size of your home and the type of test conducted. For those preferring a more economical approach, DIY radon test kits are priced between $10 and $50 and include lab analysis. It's important to ensure accurate results, which might lead you to opt for a professional inspection over a DIY approach. Read Also: How Pests Control Maintains The Aesthetic Appeal Of Your Home Guide To Making Your Home Guest-Ready On Time Exploring Ideas For A Biophilic Home Design

5 Mistakes To Avoid In Estate Planning

Why Real Estate Planning Is Important?