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 Power Of Heavy Machinery In The Construction Industry

Construction is on the rise across the United States. From single-family homes and apartment complexes to commercial projects, reports show that construction companies are going to have their work cut out for them in the years to come. Having the right equipment on hand to complete that work is the key to their success. Heavy machinery holds a great deal of power in the construction industry, making it essential for several reasons. Effective Project Completion Being able to effectively complete projects is one of the most basic benefits of having a diverse heavy equipment supply at a construction company's disposal. Without the proper equipment for the jobs at hand, construction companies are bound to experience problems and delays. They may spend more time than necessary trying to complete tasks with inadequate equipment, which could impact their clients' timelines as well as their own profits. With the heavy machinery they need, construction crews can complete projects faster and more effectively while remaining on budget. They'll be able to use their resources more efficiently, possibly reducing labor and material costs. Each piece of machinery has the potential to improve a company's performance, productivity, and bottom line. Cost-Effectiveness Cost-effectiveness is also a key consideration. Trying to complete a project with outdated, broken-down equipment can cause countless problems. Those include costly delays, wasted materials, increased workloads for crew members, and quality issues to name a few. Heavy machinery that's in good condition and suited to the specific requirements of a project greatly reduces those problems and the risks that come with them. It also reduces repair costs to further ramp up cost-effectiveness. Improved Safety Safety is crucial in the construction industry. Workers are up against numerous hazards on construction sites. Using the wrong types of equipment to complete certain tasks can exacerbate those dangers. Working with equipment that's in poor condition and prone to breakdowns makes matters even worse. Having the right heavy machinery on-site reduces the risks of injuries. Equipment that's in good repair improves worker safety as well. Versatility Having a variety of equipment on hand gives construction companies more versatility too. It allows them to accept projects with confidence that they'll be able to complete them. They won't have to limit themselves to only the projects they're equipped to handle. It also gives them the power to adapt to challenges and unexpected developments they face on the job. With the right heavy machinery in their arsenal, their projects can go smoothly no matter how many problems arise along the way. Professional Reputation Companies that have a selection of heavy machinery to work with tend to have more positive reputations as well. Those who are ill-equipped to handle certain jobs often end up with numerous complaints against them and low client satisfaction rates. On the other hand, construction companies that have the equipment they need to meet clients' expectations are more likely to develop reputations for excellence. That, in turn, can generate repeat business and draw in a steady stream of new clients. Equipping Yourself for Success Several types of heavy machinery are available for construction companies to take advantage of. Though not all companies need every piece of equipment on the market, having an extensive selection to work with can be advantageous. It helps construction crews to complete projects more safely and effectively. It also gives them greater versatility and leads to improved cost-effectiveness. All those factors enable them to better meet clients' demands and can help bolster their professional reputations. Read Also: Construction Safety Systems: Promoting A Safer Industry Is Prefabricated Metal The Future Of Warehouse Construction? 7 Common Construction Project Management Problems

Why You Need Commercial Property Insurance

Welcome to the world where the real estate business is an endless superstar, where every centimeter brings you profit and success. The world of digital marketing is progressing at an unbelievable pace, which often means that, with great opportunities come great risks. So what are you waiting for? Getting adequate protection for your investment with robust insurance coverage is not a matter of a choice; it's better to necessity; it is a necessity. Are you still confused about optioning adequate insurance coverage for the multiple-priced assets that you have acquired in the country with the most trusted insurance specialist for Australia's commercial properties? Come along, let's go into this together. The Importance Of Preserving Your Financial Security: How To Avoid Frivolous Spending Commercial property ownership implies the obligation of the landlord to protect their investment, thus, it is crucial for them. Your Property can be viewed as a source of substantial expense at times, thus sheltering it from all avenues of unplanned disasters, a prerequisite for sustainable achievement. Hence, sufficient insurance coverage is rather crucial to you. If there is inadequate insurance coverage, risks such as a natural disaster, vandalism, or liability claims might be raised against you. Carrying a sufficient CIB commercial property insurance policy allows you to bounce back from the financial crisis in the event something unforeseen happens to your home. Aside from shielding your business and property from potential devastation, business property insurance, you are also ensuring your tranquility against losing anything you own. The Importance Of Insurance For Commercial Property Owners: How To Safeguard Your Investment Commercial property can be a profitable investment in many perusals, but it is also an investment that encompasses many occupations. From natural disasters like floods or fires to events like vandalism or theft, commercial property owners might have to think of their main loss drivers and it is very possible that the loss could directly impact their bottom line. With their insurance policies unable to completely cover these threats, they can easily make them end up with huge financial debacles. Repairing damage from a fire or replacing stolen equipment can quickly add up and strain your finances. Furthermore, your source of rental income will be compromised if the intended tenants are shut down by the property damage. It should be kept in mind (to be prepared) for the unfolding of unforeseen circumstances to attain business success which could otherwise risk your investment. The above-mentioned coverage combined with good insurance practice and a clear contract with the insurance company is what will give you good peace of mind and asset protection even in times of uncertainty. The Key To Success: How Specialist Insurers Excel In Risk Management Focusing on protecting your commercial property investment by working with a professional insurance provider enables one not only to have bespoke coverage befitting his needs but also to save money in the long run. These professionals recognize the specific risks related to commercial properties and can provide a broad spectrum of coverages for your assets to be insured. Insurance companies with specialization in the industry put a lot of expertise to work, and they can serve you through the vestiges of complexities in commercial property insurance. They may also help you assess and recognize where these gaps exist and show you additional protection options as risk shields for unintended accidents. Collaborating with a skilled underwriter secures your ownership of the network of their asset and skills. They work with high-rated insurers to source the best policies that suit your budget while also reducing the time you have to spend negotiating and cutting costs. Moreover, most professional insurers in addition provide also value-added services like, guidelines on risk management, services on claims, and policy reviews to keep your insurance coverage updated. What makes them stand out is the fact that their 24/7 availability enables addressing any arising issues or questions while in keebuko with your insurance policy. How Service Gaps Can Lead To Customer Attrition In The Insurance Industry As you are maintaining your commercial property, having the right insurance coverage is a must too. Australia’s leading commercial property-only insurance provider can also extend their cover options and deliver services beyond the standard insurance product to ensure you are completely secure. The extra insurance forms you may need could include coverage against natural disasters that may including flooding or earthquakes and business interruption that may arise in a case where your property becomes uninhabitable due to covered losses. Along with this, the insurance company may extend its services to you by also providing liability insurance that will be able to cover you in case someone is hurt on your property. Among these, their experts might also be able to give you a solution that goes according to the condition of your finances and requirements. They are well-trained in their craft and empathetic to their clients, thus, making them efficient in the claims process to make you recover as soon as possible. Experiencing the insurance expertise of a risk-savvy commercial property specialist who knows how to write policies addressing the specific risks associated with this type of investment, you can be sure your properties are adequately secured against unpredictable incidents. If you are investing in commercial properties you may want to consider commercial property insurance. Have you already invested in a property earmarked for commercial purposes and need to protect your assets? The process of acquiring commercial insurance may be easier than you see it. Talk to your personalized specialist in no time and discuss your particular needs so that the insurance advisor will be able to give you the best policy that suits you. Before it is too late – ensure that the security of your organization is sufficient and it has a reliable backup around during unplanned incidents. This way, you are sure that your organization will continue operations without huge disruptions. Reach out to text experts who are not only familiar with the nuances of commercial property insurance but cannot only consider your business-specific requirements but also formulate a policy accordingly. It's worth getting protection for your assets starting now. Read Also: Property Valuation Software for Real Estate Appraisals 4 Mistakes New Rental Property Owners Must Avoid Benefits of Investing in City Centre Property

7 Ways to Build a House on a Tight Budget

Probably you are busy on the web looking for actual home designs that fall within your budget. Or a way to build your dream house without inflating the cost beyond your savings. You are not alone, and many people planning to build their home on a budget are stuck looking for a solution to find a way to own a home making sure quality is not compromised. Well, the first step for you is to look for a real estate developer to guide you through the process because they know a thing or two more than you do. So, instead of sitting there searching online for solutions that don’t make sense, here are ways to build your home below and still end up with a quality house when everything is complete. 1. Build smaller: The first step of minimizing expenses when building your house is to cut your overall housing needs. You don’t want to end up with unfinished structure after your money diminishes; therefore, plan for a small house because it will need few materials and the same with spending. Also, a small house will require you to install few cooling and healing resources to maintain the house temperature. But before reducing everything, including the size of your house, first, know what your house requires and the family. Planning earlier before you start spending will avoid overspending or going beyond the allocated budget. Never assume that you only need a few items to complete the house just because the house is small. So, try to balance everything, and this is achievable if you work with a professional to guide the items and the required materials. 2. Look for reclaimed materials: Looking for reclaimed materials helps you to stay within your budget and void costly things. It saves you money, and you may end up getting high-quality and stunning building materials similar to new ones. You can even look for old houses that are no longer in use and see whether they can sell some of the valuable materials from the houses. Many people who use this approach save thousands of dollars that would have purchased new materials. If you get a good deal with reclaimed materials, you may end up expanding your house if the budget becomes reasonable. However, compare what you are buying with the market prices for you may spend more than expected. 3. Use natural building techniques: Natural building techniques can save you a great deal of money. For instance, you can use Cordwood in your house to save on purchasing costly materials. It can replace sheathing, studs, insulation, drywall, siding, and finish coverings. For Cordwood, you only need a beam frame built within a post to make your house walls stand. Even choosing natural methods does not mean you escape from spending too much money. And that's why budgeting before starting the building process saves you the headache later. 4. Look for cheap or free materials and services: Going for this option does not mean using used items to build your house. You can look for building materials for low cost or discounts in the market and still get good deals for items that would have cost you a fortune. For services, enquire from family and friends. They can recommend people they know or service providers they have worked with within the past. That means you get a good opportunity to negotiate building services to amount you feel will not press you financially. 5. Keep water usage areas together: Trying to combine water usage areas is a great way to save you money. This may save you excess money on plumbing materials spread all over your house. So, the ideal approach is to clump your bathroom, laundry, and kitchen as close as possible to minimize piping needs. You should include the clumping idea in the plan before the house building begins. 6. Forget the costly finishes: If your budget does not allow you to spend further, you can skip some finishes for a later date. For instance, you can postpone countertops and floor installation until you save money for specifically that work. Your entire focus should be on building a strong foundation that will guarantee your house stability. Building a house is a lifetime affair; therefore, you need something solid that will shelter you for many years to come, even on a budget. 7. Do-it-yourself as much as you can: If you can handle most of the building work, it will save on materials and labor. This is where you have to bring your expertise and at the same time know your limit to avoid shoddy work that may end up costing you more to rectify. Alternatively, rather than hiring many people to handle the project, you can work with architecture and follow their guidelines to save those extra dollars. Some of the task involved does not require a professional to handle them, but observation and application. Conclusion: You don’t have to spend a fortune to own a house. There are many options available that you can apply for and end up with a good-looking house. The idea is to build your dream house without spending much money. Read Also: Utilizing the Strength of Concrete to Protect Your Property Real Estate 101 – 3 Simple Tips to Boost the Value of Your Property Home Maintenance Plans And Cleaning Tips During Covid-19 6 Interior Design Tips to Make Your House a Home

5 Mistakes To Avoid In Estate Planning

Why Real Estate Planning Is Important?