Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it’s at the end of your arm. As you get older, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others. Audrey Hepburn … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Is Probate Always Required?
When an individual dies the assets owned by the deceased are typically required to pass through a legal process known as probate. The probate process can be lengthy and costly. Understandably, beneficiaries, heirs, family members, and loved ones as well as creditors would prefer not to have to wait through the formal probate process. Fortunately, for small estates that qualify there are alternatives to formal probate in Texas. The purpose of probate is to ensure that all of a decedent's assets … [Read more...] about Is Probate Always Required?
Texas History – Do You Know What Railroad Company Established Texarkana?
There was a keen rivalry between the 1870s railroad builders. The Texas and Pacific Railroad reached across Texas to the Arkansas state line. The border was the logical place for the different railways to connect. On December 8, 1873, the Texas and Pacific Railroad sold the first two lots for the future city. It is not known who gave Texarkana its name. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know What Railroad Company Established Texarkana?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) (1904–1991) – Author Theodor Geisel was an American writer, poet, and cartoonist most widely known for his children’s picture books written and illustrated as Dr. Seuss. Geisel published 46 children’s books, often characterized by imaginative characters, rhyme, and frequent use of anapestic meter. His most celebrated books include the bestselling Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Horton Hatches the Egg, Horton Hears … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Thought for the Day:
There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. Albert Einstein … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
What Is an Executor?
The cornerstone of any estate plan is a Last Will and Testament. When you create your Will you will have to make a number of very important decisions. You may assume that all of these decisions relate to the division of your assets upon your death; however, there is another decision that must be made when you create your Will that is likely of more importance than you realize-the appointment of an executor. Unfortunately, most people give very little thought to the appointment of an executor … [Read more...] about What Is an Executor?
Texas History – Do You Know the Name of the Historic Baptist Church that Counts Sam Houston as a Member?
Sam Houston’s third wife, Margaret Moffette Lea of Marion, Alabama, spent 14 years trying to convert Sam to the Baptist denomination. With the assistance of George Washington Baines, she was able to convince him. Word had spread about the upcoming Baptism, bringing spectators from neighboring communities into Independence, Texas, to witness the event. On November 19, 1854, Sam Houston was baptized in Little Rocky Creek, two miles south of Independence, and became a member of Independence Baptist … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know the Name of the Historic Baptist Church that Counts Sam Houston as a Member?
Texas Estate Liquidity: Why It’s Important
Texas Estate Liquidity: Why It's Important from Steve P. Mendel Although the gold coins are the least valuable of your assets, they are the most valuable liquid asset because they can be turned into cash in about an hour by selling them to a gold and silver dealer. Learn more about Texas estate liquidity in this presentation. … [Read more...] about Texas Estate Liquidity: Why It’s Important
Including the Family Pet In Your Estate Plan
Including the Family Pet In Your Estate Plan from Steve P. Mendel Pet Ownership in the United States Americans are rather unique in their relationships with animals Unlike other cultures, we treat animals as part of the family. Americans own about 180 million cats and dogs. At least one cat or dog is found in almost half of all American homes. Learn more about the family pet in your estate plan in this presentation. … [Read more...] about Including the Family Pet In Your Estate Plan
Parents With Minor Children – Why Estate Planning Is So Important
Parents With Minor Children - Why Estate Planning Is So Important from Steve P. Mendel To ensure that your child’s inheritance is guarded and used according to your wishes, consider creating a trust. Life insurance proceeds can pay into a trust, thereby avoiding probate and providing immediate funds for your child’s care. Learn more about Parents With Minor Children in this presentation. … [Read more...] about Parents With Minor Children – Why Estate Planning Is So Important
