The greatest discovery is that man can alter his life simply by altering his attitude of mind. William James … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
How It Should Be Done
Usually when a celebrity passes away, estate planning blogs are full of all of the ways that the celebrity did not have an ideal estate plan. For whatever reason, celebrities just are not known for having great estate plans. However, it is only fair that when a famous person passes away and had a good estate plan that estate planning blogs should mention that as well. The latest example of a good celebrity estate plan appears to be the estate plan of former Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss. … [Read more...] about How It Should Be Done
After Getting a Revocable Living Trust
Getting a Revocable Living Trust is an important step in avoiding Probate hassles. However, it is only a first step and there are other things that you should do. Everyone's case is slightly different, but here are a few things to consider after getting a Revocable Living Trust: 1. Fund the Trust. This is the most important step. A Revocable Living Trust does not do any good if you do not transfer your assets to it. You do not have to transfer all of your assets to the trust, but your most … [Read more...] about After Getting a Revocable Living Trust
Texas History – Did You Know Texas was the Only State to Have Separate Treaty Relations?
In 1840 the Texas Republic commissioned James Hamilton to negotiate its foreign policy. Mr. Hamilton was successful in making treaties with England concerning commerce and slave trade, making Texas the only state with which England had separate and ratified treaty relations. The treaties were ratified in 1842. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Did You Know Texas was the Only State to Have Separate Treaty Relations?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Orville (1871-1948) & Wilbur (1867-1912) Wright - First to Fly an Airplane The Wright brothers achieved the first flight on December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina with five (5) witnesses present. The flight lasted only 12 seconds. It was the first time in history that a machine carrying a man raised itself in full flight, sailed forward without reduction of speed, and, finally, landed at a point as high as that from which it started. The Smithsonian Institute initially … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Thought for the Day:
Exude happiness and you will feel it back a thousand times. Joan Lunden … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
The Taxes an Executor Needs to Know About
Being an executor of a Will requires much more than merely disposing of the deceased's possessions according to the terms of the Will. One of the things that many people do not think about when they agree to be an Executor are the tax returns that need to be filed. Recently, SmartMoney published a very helpful and quick list for Executors that bears repeating. Executors need to file the deceased's final 1040 income tax return. This return covers the time period from the date of the person's … [Read more...] about The Taxes an Executor Needs to Know About
Will Your Facebook Outlive You?
Most people are reasonably aware about what will happen to their physical property when they pass away. Either your closest living relatives or the people named in your estate plan will receive it after taxes are paid and your creditors are paid. But, what happens to your digital estate? Have you thought about it? Many people spend a lot of time in online communities from Facebook to forums to blog comments. The accounts that we create and the friendships that we make in these communities are … [Read more...] about Will Your Facebook Outlive You?
Texas History – When was the Last Empresario Grant Awarded?
The last Empresario Grant was awarded to Charles Fenton Mercer, a former associate with the Peters Colony, on January 29, 1844, just one day before the Texas Congress halted all Empresario Grants. … [Read more...] about Texas History – When was the Last Empresario Grant Awarded?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Gary Cooper (1901-1061) - Actor Gary Cooper was an American film actor renowned for his quiet, understated acting style. His stoic and at times intense screen persona was particularly well suited to the many Westerns he made. He also excelled in sophisticated, screwball romantic comedies. Cooper received five Academy Award nominations for Best Actor, winning twice for Sergeant York and High Noon. He also received an Honorary Award in 1961 from the Academy. Yet, despite his success as an … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
