Do you want to get a Revocable Living Trust? Do you need one? These are two of the most common questions that people ask themselves when they are planning their estates because Revocable Living Trusts are very popular estate planning instruments. The answers to the questions are not a simple matter of asking what other people have done, however. Instead, you need to determine what you want to accomplish with your estate plan first. Then, you can answer the questions. If your primary goal in … [Read more...] about Do You Need a Revocable Living Trust?
Texas History – What was the First Link in the First Transcontinental Passenger & Mail Line?
The Giddings Line. In March 1858, Giddings received a contract from the government for service from San Antonio, Texas, to San Diego, California. The line eventually evolved into a service between New Orleans, Louisiana, and San Francisco, California, as the first transcontinental passenger and mail line in the United States. … [Read more...] about Texas History – What was the First Link in the First Transcontinental Passenger & Mail Line?
Texas History – What was the First Link in the First Transcontinental Passenger & Mail Line?
The Giddings Line. In March 1858, Giddings received a contract from the government for service from San Antonio, Texas, to San Diego, California. The line eventually evolved into a service between New Orleans, Louisiana, and San Francisco, California, as the first transcontinental passenger and mail line in the United States. … [Read more...] about Texas History – What was the First Link in the First Transcontinental Passenger & Mail Line?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Rock Hudson (1925-1985) - Actor Rock Hudson was an American film and television actor who is most recognized as a romantic leading man during the 1950s and 1960s. His most notable films were Magnificent Obsession, Giant and several popular comedies with Doris Day. Hudson also starred in the popular television series McMillan & Wife along with a role in the hugely successful series Dynasty. The 6 ft 5 in tall actor was one of the most popular and well-known movies stars of the time. He … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Thought for the Day:
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. Helen Keller … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Getting Divorced?
It should be easy to see why you need to change your estate plan after a divorce. Most married people's spouses play important roles in their estate plans, and a large portion of the estate is usually left to the spouse. After divorcing that spouse, most people obviously want to change their estate plans to exclude the ex-spouse or significantly reduce his or her inheritance. However, many people do not think about changing their estate plans during their divorce. Getting a divorce in the … [Read more...] about Getting Divorced?
Texas History – Who Received the First U.S. Mail Contract in Texas?
In 1851, Henry Skillman received a contract from the U.S. postmaster general to establish a mail route from San Antonio, Texas, to Santa Fe, New Mexico, through El Paso, Texas. The bimonthly service soon became a monthly service with passenger service. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Who Received the First U.S. Mail Contract in Texas?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) - Essayist & Poet Ralph Waldo Emerson gradually moved away from the religious and social beliefs of his contemporaries and began formulating and expressing the philosophy of Transcendentalism in his 1836 essay, Nature. Following this groundbreaking work, he gave a speech entitled The American Scholar in 1837, which Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. considered to be America’s "Intellectual Declaration of Independence." His works not only inspired his contemporaries … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Thought for the Day:
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. Helen Keller … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Health Care and Your Estate Plan
Now that the Supreme Court has cleared the way for the Affordable Care Act to go into effect, it is time for Americans to consider how the new health care laws will affect them. Beyond the potential changes to the affordability and availability of health insurance, there are ways that the Affordable Care Act might affect your estate plan. The Act creates a new investment income surtax that goes into effect on January 1, 2013. The tax applies not only to individuals, but also to Trusts and … [Read more...] about Health Care and Your Estate Plan
