Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. Francis of Assisi … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Why Your Choice of Executor Is So Important
When you finally sit down to create your estate plan, one of the first decisions you will likely make is choosing someone to be the executor of your Last Will and Testament. People often give this appointment very little thought because they fail to understand how important the position actually is. The executor of your estate is responsible for taking your entire estate through the probate process. Depending on the size and complexity of your estate, the probate process can last months, even … [Read more...] about Why Your Choice of Executor Is So Important
Texas History – Do You Know Who Was the First Woman in Texas to Serve as Governor?
In 1925 Miriam A. Ferguson became the first woman in Texas, and the second woman in the nation, to serve as governor. Her husband James Ferguson served as Governor of Texas from 1915 to 1917. However, he was impeached, convicted, and removed from office during his second term. As part of his conviction he was not allowed to hold state office in Texas again. After her husband’s impeachment and conviction, "Ma" Ferguson ran as a Democrat for the office. Against the odds, Ma Ferguson was elected. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know Who Was the First Woman in Texas to Serve as Governor?
If You Own Significant Assets in another Country You Might Need an International Will
In the 21st century, travel between countries, whether for business or pleasure, is commonplace. Consequently, the number of people who own property in more than one country has also increased significantly in recent decades. You no longer have to be among the super-rich to own a vacation home in another country, for example. As the world gets smaller, “international” families are also more common, frequently resulting in property owned in two or more countries. As a U.S. citizen, owning … [Read more...] about If You Own Significant Assets in another Country You Might Need an International Will
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:
Using a Personal Property Memorandum in Your Estate Plan
For many people, the personal items that are passed down in an estate plan are as important as the cash, real property, and investment accounts. Family heirlooms, for example, can have more sentimental value to you than your bank account. If you have a significant number of personal property items that you need to include in your estate plan, or if you simply do not want to include them in the public portion of the probate process, you may wish to create a personal property memorandum. A … [Read more...] about Using a Personal Property Memorandum in Your Estate Plan
Texas History – Do You Know Who Was the First Texan Appointed Secretary to the Navy?
At Lyndon Johnson’s request, President John Kennedy named John Connally Secretary of the Navy in 1961. Connally resigned eleven months later to run for the Texas governorship. Connally fought hard to protect the Navy’s role in the national space program, having vigorously opposed assigning most space research to the United States Air Force. He managed one of the largest employers in the world. The Navy had an annual budget of $14 billion, and had more than 600,000 in uniform and 650,000 civilian … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know Who Was the First Texan Appointed Secretary to the Navy?
Thought for the Day:
You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice. Bob Marley … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
What Happens to Your Digital Assets When You Die?
Your first question may actually be “What digital assets?” You probably have more than you realize. Do you bank over the internet? Do you send e-mails? Do you have a website or blog? Do you chat with friends and family over Facebook or share photos on Shutterfly? If the answer to any of those questions was “yes,” then you have digital assets that need to be addressed in your estate plan. Estate planning for digital assets is a bit more complicated than planning for traditional assets. This is … [Read more...] about What Happens to Your Digital Assets When You Die?
Texas History – Do You Know the Spanish Explorer Who Mapped the Coastline of Texas?
Alonso Alvarez de Pineda was the Spanish explorer who first mapped the coastline of Texas. Alvarez de Pineda left Jamaica in early 1519 and sailed west to follow the northern coastline of the Gulf. He sailed west from the Florida Keys to hug the Gulf Coast. The expedition established the remainder of the boundaries of the Gulf of Mexico, while disproving the idea of sea passage to Asia and verifying that Florida was a peninsula instead of an island. His map is the first known document of Texas … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know the Spanish Explorer Who Mapped the Coastline of Texas?
