Knowledge is Power
Picture this: A successful TV producer passes away, leaving behind a $29 million fortune, a sprawling estate, and a tangled web of relationships. What could go wrong? Oh, everything. This isn’t a Netflix drama. It’s the true story of Justin Bodle—the media mogul behind The Muppet Show’s British debut. When he died, his 2013 will…
When people think about estate planning, they usually think about wills and trusts—not obscure tax laws. But let us introduce you to one you should care about: the step-up in basis. There’s been talk in Washington about eliminating it, and if that happens? Families could face massive tax bills on inherited property. Like, “sell Grandma’s…
Everyone’s buzzing about “The Great Wealth Transfer”—a jaw-dropping $84 trillion projected to change hands between generations over the next 20 years. Sounds like champagne and private islands, right? Not so fast. Here’s the catch: most Americans still don’t have an estate plan. That means a giant chunk of that money could vanish into legal fees,…
When Lisa opened her boutique marketing firm, she never imagined being sued. But after an unexpected contract dispute, she faced a potential lawsuit that threatened her personal assets. Like many entrepreneurs, Lisa hadn’t taken the right steps to shield herself financially. If you’re a business owner, asset protection isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy—it’s essential for…
David had built a thriving accounting firm over 40 years. He assumed his son, Ryan, would naturally take over when he retired. They had a few casual conversations about it, but nothing was in writing. When David unexpectedly passed away, Ryan found himself in a legal and financial nightmare—disputes with his father’s business partner, IRS…
When Jake started his construction company 25 years ago, estate planning was the last thing on his mind. He focused on building his business, hiring the right people, and securing contracts. But as his company grew, so did his responsibilities—not just to his family but to his employees, partners, and clients. It wasn’t until a…
Maria had always admired her grandmother’s quilt, but it wasn’t until she inherited it that she truly understood its significance. Inside the folds of fabric, she found a handwritten note detailing the stories behind each square. One square was from her great-grandfather’s army uniform; another was made from her grandmother’s wedding dress. The quilt wasn’t…
When Tom passed away, his family quickly learned that his will wasn’t enough. What followed was a year of probate—an emotionally and financially draining process that left his children bitter and fractured. Despite Tom’s best intentions, court fees piled up, disputes over sentimental items escalated, and cherished family memories were overshadowed by resentment. Probate is…
Jenny loved being a mom. Raising her son Michael, who had special needs, brought her immense joy—but it also came with challenges. Jenny was Michael’s biggest advocate, navigating a maze of therapies and education plans to ensure he thrived. But one night, while watching Michael peacefully sleep, a thought struck her with a terrifying weight:…
