Tuesday with Tom

Tom discusses the idea of selling your life insurance policy when it is no longer needed or, perhaps, affordable. He also reviews a number of risks that need to be considered before you enter into the sale of your life insurance policy. Tom’s “Tip” for the day is to consider using a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) Account as a way of providing an inheritance to minor children.

Tom discusses the use of beneficiary designations to avoid probate, and what happens if your named beneficiary dies before you.

Tom explains what an Irrevocable Trust is, how it differs from a Revocable Trust, and how it might be used to avoid or minimize federal estate taxes, serve as an asset protection vehicle, or provide a tool for advanced Medicaid planning or Veterans Survivor's Benefits planning.

Tom interviews Richard Burman, a longtime Michigan Financial Professional. Dick shares his views on insurance, financial planning and estate planning.

Tom discusses the most common estate planning mistakes, and recommends ways to avoid them. He, also, introduces an expanded program format with new segments.

Tom and Jackie discuss the duties and responsibilities of a Conservator

Tom and his associate Amanda Bevel discuss many of the common scams that are being run to separate you from your money. They point out a number red flags that should alert you to a possible scam, provide tips on how to avoid becoming a victim, and list a number of resources that you can use to check out an offer that you receive and/or to report a scam.

Tom explains why using a 529 Plan can be a great way to pay for the costs of college education for children or grandchildren.

Tom discusses the planning that needs to be done before you get re-married (or once you are re-married) in order to keep your estate from going to your spouse's children.

Tom discusses the problems that can arise when you make an account jointly owned with a child, and suggests alternatives.

During this live call in episode, Tom answers caller's questions, and talks about many of his favorite places in Michigan.

Although your financial advisor is an important team member, Tom discusses the limitations that a financial advisor, who is not a licensed attorney, has in helping you with your estate plan. Tom, also, explains his law firm's unique estate plaining service "Express Estate Plans", and how you can get your estate plan prepared by his office through your financial planner.

Tom explains how the Probate Court will appoint a Guardian to make your medical decisions when you can’t, and how you can avoid that with a Power of Attorney for Health Care.

Tom discusses what Wills actually do, why you need more than just a Will, and why, in fact, you might not need a Will at all.

Tom discusses how to reject an inheritance by using Disclaimers…What they are…how they work…what they are used for.

Tom talks about ways to say goodbye to a loved one who is dying; and writing a goodbye letter that will be given to loved ones after your death

Tom discuses options that you might consider if you want to include your grandchildren in your estate plan

Tom interviews Certified Funeral Planner, Steve Peckham. Steve talks about: - Pre-planning your funeral - Creating a funeral planning checklist - Involving your family in your planning - Whether you should pre-pay for your funeral - Things to know when planning a traditional funeral - Whether you have to buy your casket from the funeral home - Things to know about cremation - The Importance of sho...

Tom explores the different pieces of your "Peace of Mind Planning" puzzle

Tom answers questions about Medicaid Planning, preparing a new Will when moving to another state, filing your Will with the Probate Court, telling children about your estate plan, having multiple trustees, disinheriting children, uncapping property taxes if a home is transferred to a Trust, making a home jointly owned with a child, banks and POAs, and transferring assets into a Trust.

Tom discusses the differences between Warranty Deeds and Quit Claim Deeds, recording requirements in Michigan, different ways to own real estate, and Ladybird Deeds.

Tom discusses what a reverse mortgage is, how it is different from a traditional mortgage, the types of reverse mortgages that might be available, and things to consider in determining if a reverse mortgage is right for you.

Tom describes what a Durable Power of Attorney is, what it does, and why it should be part of everyone's estate plan.

Tom discusses strategies that are used when parents want to keep the family cottage in the family, including joint ownership, Trusts and LLCs.

Tom explains what will happen to your estate in Michigan if you die without a Will or Estate Plan.