Reality Check: Probate?
Though lots of scary stories float around, there is nothing inherently bad about probate. Simply put, probate is the legal, public process that brings closure to our affairs when we die. The court supervising…
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Establishing An Age Based Trust
Trusts allow families to set aside and protect assets for distribution to designated beneficiaries over time. Though trusts can be established for particular uses, like education, healthcare, or charitable giving, they can also be…
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Secure 2.0: Essentials
It’s official: Secure 2.0 has been signed into federal law. Retirement industry experts point out that it will have widespread implications, with some of the new regulations aimed at reform going into effect immediately,…
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Cybersecurity: 3-Prong Strategy?
Retirement plan sponsors must know what their service providers are doing toward cybersecurity. They must also put best practices in place in their businesses—and ensure that plan participants are following appropriate online security procedures….
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Avoid Extremes
Play it safe or seek growth? While overseeing the company retirement plan, it may be tempting for plan sponsors to take an overly cautious stance with the investment options. On the other hand, the lure…
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Final Rule: The DOL and ESG
The U.S. Department of Labor has released it’s final rule on ESG factors in retirement accounts: while plan fiduciaries may consider environmental, social and governance factors when selecting investments for the plan, they are…
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Serving As A Financial Guardian?
Parents of children under 18 need an estate plan that includes the designation of a guardian to oversee the financial arrangements made for minors. Correspondingly it is vital for the appointed guardian to understand…
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Avoid Family Feuds: Wills and Trusts
If the thought of loved ones locked in conflict over managing your affairs and distributing your assets makes you queasy, pave the way for smooth passage through careful estate planning. Either a will or…
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Penalty of Perjury: Form 5500
Before Form 5500 is filed each year, retirement plan sponsors must sign off. Lawyers specializing in ERISA remind us that filing is “under penalty of perjury.” What does that mean? Read on to find…
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