When to Write a Will and What to Put in It

Writing a will is an important part of estate planning. It allows you to ensure your assets are distributed in the way you want and that your wishes are honored after you pass away.

This can be especially important for retirees, who have likely built up a good amount of money and other assets over their working years.

If you’re wondering when to write a will and what to put in it, read on for some helpful information.

When Should I Write a Will?

Ideally, everyone should write a will as soon as they become financially independent or start accumulating serious wealth. That said, it’s never too late to create one. 

Even if you’re nearing the end of life, writing a will can help ensure that your wishes are carried out after you are gone.

Is It Ever Too Late to Write a Will?

Actually, there is still time to write a will. If you're older or in poor health, creating a will can give you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be fulfilled after you've gone. 

It can also help prevent loved ones from going through the probate court process when distributing assets and belongings. Furthermore, a will can provide clarity for those you care about on how to handle your estate and other matters. 

Writing a will also helps ensure that any debts or taxes are paid properly, according to the law. Taking the time to create a will is important in ensuring that your wishes are honored after you pass away.

What Should I Put In My Will?

Your will should include comprehensive instructions about how you would like your possessions distributed after death. This includes both monetary and non-monetary items such as jewelry, heirlooms, cars, real estate, and more. You should also name someone (or multiple people) to serve as executor of your estate once the time comes.

This person (or persons) will handle all the paperwork associated with settling your estate according to the instructions in your will. Additionally, if applicable, you should detail who should take custody of any minor children listed in the document. 

You may also use your will to specify how those children should receive their inheritance so they don’t receive it all at once but over an extended period or upon reaching certain milestones or ages (such as 18 or 21).

Finally, if desired, you may choose to make charitable donations from any remaining funds once all other provisions have been followed through with.

What Should I Not Put in My Will?

Keep in mind that a will is not the place to put certain sensitive information. While it is important to include specific instructions and designations in your will, there are also some things you should never include. These items can be legally binding but may not be in the best interest of those involved.

For example, it’s generally unwise to include personal grievances or hurtful words directed at anyone mentioned in the document. You should also avoid including any provisions that could potentially conflict with state law as they may be ruled invalid by a court of law. 

Additionally, while naming executors and beneficiaries can provide clarity for loved ones on how assets should be handled after death, wills are not the appropriate place to dictate who receives what assets from an estate. 

Such decisions must ultimately fall upon those named as executors or trustees of an estate according to state laws and regulations governing estates.

Who Should I Contact to Write My Will?

There are numerous professionals you can contact to help you write wills. Depending on your needs, you may want to consult a lawyer or financial advisor who specializes in estate planning and wills. 

Alternatively, many online services can help guide you through the process of creating a basic will quickly and affordably. 

No matter your choice, it’s important to ensure the person or service you work with is reputable and reliable. It’s also a good idea to have at least one trusted individual review your will before finalizing it. 

Doing so can help ensure that all the points of your will are correct and legally binding.

Is There Anything Else I Should Know?

It’s important to note that you should keep your will up to date over the years, as major life events may require changes or additions. For example, if you get married, divorced, have children, buy a new home or other property, or make any other major change in your life, you should update your will accordingly. 

Additionally, you should keep multiple copies of your will in a safe place so it can be accessed by your loved ones when the time comes. It’s also recommended that you review your will periodically to ensure it reflects your wishes accurately and is up-to-date with any changes in the law. 

As long as you keep these points in mind, you should be well on making sure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes.

Writing a valid last will and testament is an important part of estate planning for retirees who have accumulated significant wealth over their lifetime that they would like dispersed according to their wishes after their passing away. 

Although there is no set timeline for when one must write a will—it’s never too late!—the sooner it is done, the better off everyone involved may be in the long run.

With these points in mind, retirees can rest assured knowing they are doing everything they can to make sure their assets are handled according to their desires once they pass away by writing a valid last will and testament early on. While still able to do so themselves with clear thought processes intact, they can leave behind peace of mind and worldly possessions when they pass on.

Steps You Need to Take to Acquire Raw Land

If you’ve been thinking about investing in raw land, there are a few steps you need to take before getting started. It’s important to understand the process to make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls. 

Keep reading to learn more about the process of acquiring raw land.

Research Zoning Laws and Local Regulations

Before you invest in raw land, it’s essential that you research zoning laws and local regulations in the area. This will help you determine whether or not your desired use for the property is allowed. 

For example, if you intend to build a home on the property, make sure that it’s zoned for residential use. It’s also important to check for any special permits or licenses that may be required.

Perform Due Diligence

When purchasing raw land, it’s important to perform due diligence. This includes thoroughly researching the property, evaluating potential risks, and reviewing all necessary documents. Check for any easements or restrictions that may apply to the property.

Hire a Professional Surveyor

Hiring a professional surveyor is also important before investing in raw land. A professional surveyor can accurately measure the property's boundaries and provide documentation of where they are located. 

This documentation is essential when transferring land ownership or obtaining permits for construction projects.

Secure Financing

Once you have researched and hired a professional surveyor, it’s time to secure financing for your purchase. If you haven’t saved enough cash, consider taking out a loan from a bank or other lending institution. 

Make sure you compare interest rates and other terms before making any commitments. You will need to work with a hard money lender to get the correct financing for raw land. Make sure you find the right lender to offer this specific type of loan.

Acquiring raw land can be an exciting experience but requires careful consideration and preparation. From researching zoning laws and local regulations to hiring a professional surveyor and securing financing, there are various steps involved in this process. 

Once all these steps are taken care of, you can look forward to owning your piece of paradise.

6 Basics of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Dealing with debt is never easy, which is why many people go bankrupt when they’ve exhausted all other options. The most common type of bankruptcy is Chapter 7, but for those who can’t qualify for it or don’t want to lose their assets, Chapter 13 may be a better option. 

Here are the basics of Chapter 13 bankruptcy that you need to know to decide if it’s right for your situation.

What is Chapter 13?

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a debt repayment plan designed to help individuals reorganize their finances and become debt-free over time. It works by allowing the individual to create a three-to-five-year payment plan that will allow them to pay off their debts in full while still being able to keep their assets. 

Once the payment plan is approved by the court and creditors, the individual must make payments on time for it to remain active and successful.

Who Can Qualify For Chapter 13?

To qualify for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must pass a means test. This test looks at your current income versus your expenses and determines whether or not you have enough money left over each month after paying your bills to pay off all of your debts within three or five years. 

You may only qualify for bankruptcy protection if you have enough disposable income from month-to-month.

In addition, individuals who have filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy within the past six years can only file for this type of protection again after that period has passed. To know more about the qualifications, consult a qualified bankruptcy attorney such as Ricardo B. Casas.

What Are The Benefits Of Filing For Chapter 13?

The main benefit of filing for this type of protection is that it allows you time—usually up to 60 months—to pay off all of your debts without having creditors coming after you or taking any action against you during that period. 

In addition, filing for this type of protection can stop any foreclosure proceedings against your home and reduce the amount of interest owed on certain types of loans, such as student loans and car loans. 

Finally, filing under this chapter also stops collection calls from creditors since they cannot contact an individual while they are under court protection.

Filing under Chapter 13 can be a great way to get out from under crushing debt while keeping your assets intact and avoiding aggressive collection tactics from creditors. 

If you think this might be an option worth exploring, talk with an experienced attorney about how best to file for this type of protection today! 

Understanding the basics outlined here will help you make an informed decision about whether or not filing for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is right for your situation.

How to Get Started in Stock Investments

Ready to take the plunge into investing? Stock investments can be intimidating, but anyone can become a savvy investor with the right guidance.

Whether you’re using your laptop or a mobile app, getting started in stock investments doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Read on to learn how to invest in stocks and which tools will help you succeed.

Investment Accounts

The first step is opening an investment account. You can go through a broker-dealer like Charles Schwab or E-Trade, though other options depending on your needs. 

Opening an account typically requires filling out paperwork and linking it to an existing bank account for funding. Once your investment account is set up, you need to decide where you want to spend your money.

Research and Diversification

Now it’s time for research! Before investing in any stock, familiarize yourself with the company and its industry. Diversifying your portfolio by investing in different market sectors is also important - this will reduce risk and increase potential returns. 

You should consider low-cost stocks that are expected to yield high returns over time, as well as higher-risk stocks that may yield higher returns but could also result in losses if not carefully monitored.

Mobile Apps

Investing in mobile apps makes stock investments more accessible than ever before. Many apps allow users to purchase stocks with no fees or commission charges, making them more cost-effective than traditional brokerage services. 

Some apps offer free real-time market data so you can track performances and make informed decisions about where best to invest your money. 

Additionally, many apps provide educational resources such as tutorials, videos, articles, webinars, and more so users can stay up-to-date on current trends in stock investments. 

There are even apps based on your voting preference, like Conservative Investing Mobile Applications. This allows users to invest based on their personal values.

Getting started with stock investments doesn't have to be daunting! With the right information (and a good mobile app), anyone can become a savvy investor in no time at all. 

Researching companies before investing is key - understanding what each company does and learning about their industry helps ensure that you make smart choices with your hard earned money. 

And remember, diversification - spreading out your investments will help mitigate risk while still yielding potentially high returns over time! With these tips under your belt, all left is to find an app that works best for you.

What Goes into Building Your Finances

When building your finances, there are many moving parts to consider. One of the first things is that you must understand how the different elements work together to make the most of your money.

For example, creating a budget, learning how to make your money work for you, and the advantages that professionals can bring can all move you closer to your financial goals.

Below are some ways to understand how finances work and make headway into creating and maintaining healthy finances.

Setting Goals

Before you can get started on any financial plan, it's important to set some goals. What do you want to achieve financially? Are you working toward paying off debt or saving for a big purchase? 

Do you have an emergency fund to rely on in the event of a disaster or any retirement planning setup? Knowing what your end goal is will inform all of the steps that come next.

Creating A Budget

Once you've identified your goals, it's time to create a budget to create a roadmap to achieving them. This is where all of the hard work begins—figuring out where your income is coming from, tracking expenses and allocations, and managing debt payments. 

You should also use this opportunity to identify areas where you can cut back or save more to put more money toward reaching your goals.

Some methods of creating and sticking to a budget can also include different bank or credit union accounts for different purposes. For example, you may open a savings account specifically to take care of your debts and have a different account for your emergency fund. 

You may also have accounts in different institutions, such as one in a bank and one in a credit union, for example, Bellco Credit Union, because of your incentives or history with those institutions. 

Finding advantages and methods of keeping your money on track for your intended purposes can go a long way toward furthering your goals.

Learning About Investing

If part of your financial plan involves investing (which it should), then now is the time to learn more about investing strategies and products. 

There are many resources available online that can help guide you through the process. A good place to start is by researching stocks and bonds, which are two of the most popular types of investments. You can also explore mutual funds and ETFs (exchange-traded funds). 

Learning about investing will help ensure that you're making smart decisions with your money that will pay off in the long run.

Finding Professional Help

If all of this sounds overwhelming or intimidating, don't worry—it doesn't have to be! The best way to build a solid financial foundation is by finding professional help from financial advisors or online tools like budgeting apps or investment trackers. 

These professionals can provide personalized advice tailored specifically to your circumstances and goals so that you can confidently make informed decisions.

Building a strong financial future takes dedication and commitment, but it's definitely possible! It starts with setting clear goals and creating a realistic budget that works for your lifestyle. 

From there, it's important to learn as much as possible about investing strategies so that you're prepared when it comes time to put your money in motion. 

Finally, feel free to seek professional help if needed; having an expert on board will ensure that your finances are managed properly for long-term success. With these tips in mind, anyone can become an expert at building their finances.

What Is Wealth Management and Why Do You Need It?

Wealth management is a comprehensive financial planning process that helps business owners organize their finances, set goals, and make informed investment decisions.

It’s an essential part of any successful business plan and involves taking a holistic approach to managing your wealth. 

Here’s why it matters and how you can benefit from it.

What Is Wealth Management?

Wealth management is the process of helping business owners manage their financial resources to achieve specific financial goals. 

This includes helping them set objectives, review their current finances, assess risk tolerance, develop plans for investing, and ultimately build wealth. Wealth management is more than just investing—it involves taking a holistic approach to managing your finances.

Why Does Wealth Management Matter?

Wealth management is important because it helps business owners understand what they need to do to reach their desired financial outcomes. 

It helps them review their current situation and identify areas where they can improve or save money. In addition, wealth management can help business owners make informed decisions about investments that will help them grow their wealth over time.

 

Finally, it provides guidance on tax planning strategies that can reduce the amount of taxes owed and ensure that the appropriate tax deductions are taken advantage of.

The Benefits of Wealth Management

Wealth management offers several advantages to business owners, including improved visibility into their finances, access to expert advice from qualified professionals, better control over cash flow, improved ability to create long-term strategies, a better understanding of risk tolerance, more flexibility when making investments, access to specialized services like trust administration, and increased peace of mind knowing that all aspects of their finances are being properly managed.

How Can I Find a Qualified Wealth Manager?

The best way to find a qualified wealth manager is by asking colleagues or trusted industry professionals who they recommend. Research online reviews or check with local business associations for additional recommendations. 

Additionally, you should take time during the initial consultation phase with any prospective wealth manager to evaluate their experience level and qualifications before deciding which one to hire.

Wealth management is an essential tool for any successful business owner. It provides an organized approach for setting goals, assessing risks, developing plans for investing, reducing taxes owed, and building wealth over time. 

Business owners who take advantage of wealth management have access to expert advice from qualified professionals while gaining greater visibility into their finances and having better control over cash flow. 

By using a comprehensive approach to managing your wealth, you can ensure that all aspects of your finances are properly managed so you can focus on growing your business instead of worrying about money matters.