The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively. Bob Marley … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Why and IRA Makes an Excellent Estate Planning Tool
We all know that one of the biggest considerations in an estate plan is avoiding taxes. Your estate assets at the time of death are potentially subject to estate taxes which is why any complete estate plan must look for ways to avoid taxation. One tool you may wish to include in your estate plan that can help avoid taxes is a Roth IRA. Many people choose to make contributions to an individual retirement account, or IRA, to help fund their retirement. A Roth IRA can accomplish that goal; … [Read more...] about Why and IRA Makes an Excellent Estate Planning Tool
Texas History – Do You Know How Many of the 61 Signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence Were Native Texans?
Only two (2) of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence were Native Texans - Jose Antonio Navarro and Jose Francisco Ruiz. Jose Antonio Navarro was an early proponent of Texas independence. He took part in the 1812-1813 Magee, Gutierrez and Toledo resistance movements and later served as leader in the Texas Revolution. Jose Francisco Ruiz allied himself with the Texas Revolution in 1835 and traveled to Washington-on-the-Brazos in late February 1836 as a delegate to the Convention of … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know How Many of the 61 Signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence Were Native Texans?
Thought for the Day:
Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it. Maya Angelou … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Choosing a Trustee – Why an Independent Trustee May Be Your Best Choice
A trust can be an invaluable addition to any estate plan; however, a trust is only as valuable as the grantor makes it. For this reason, you should use care when making important decisions relating to the trust, such as who you decide to appoint as trustee. Although you may initially lean toward appointing a family member, an independent trustee may be a better choice. People often consider appointing a spouse or adult child as trustee because it seems the easy, logical choice. Only a family … [Read more...] about Choosing a Trustee – Why an Independent Trustee May Be Your Best Choice
Texas History – Do You Know What Richard King’s Occupation was Prior to Owning the King Ranch?
King was born in New York City into a poor Irish family. He was indentured as an apprentice to a jeweler in Manhattan at the age of nine. At the age of 11 he fled the city and stowed away on a ship bound for Mobile, Alabama. Upon discovery, he was adopted by the crew and trained in navigation, becoming a steamboat pilot by the age of sixteen. By 1850 he was a steamboat captain and had formed a steamboat firm with three other partners. This firm achieved "nearly monopolistic" control on the Rio … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know What Richard King’s Occupation was Prior to Owning the King Ranch?
Thought for the Day:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. Maya Angelou … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Estate Planning and Charitable Giving
A comprehensive estate plan starts with a Last Will and Testament; however, from there an estate plan can take numerous different forms and accomplish a wide variety of goals. For some people, an estate plan must include provisions that allow them to give to charity. If you are one of those people, there a number of tips that you may wish to consider when deciding which charities to include in your estate plan and how to include them. Choosing the right charities can be difficult, considering … [Read more...] about Estate Planning and Charitable Giving
Texas History – Do You Know What First Public Office George Bush Was Elected to?
George Bush was first elected to United States House of Representatives seat from 7TH District of Texas in 1966. He defeated Democrat Frank Briscoe with 57% of the vote, becoming the first Republican to represent Houston. Bush’s representative district included Tanglewood, the Houston neighborhood that was his residence. His voting record in the House was generally conservative. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know What First Public Office George Bush Was Elected to?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Robert Craig Knievel "Evel Knievel" (1938-2007) - Daredevil Evel Knievel gained worldwide fame between the late 1960s and early 1980s for nationally televised death-defying motorcycle jumps. In his career he attempted over 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps between 1965 and 1980, and in 1974, a failed attempt to jump across Snake River Canyon in Skycycle X-2, a steam-powered rocket. Knievel’s stunts gained him international recognition and resulted in 433 broken bones, earning him an entry in the … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
