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Common Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid

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For most people, an estate plan is much more than simply a list of how they want their assets divided after they die. A comprehensive estate plan often includes tax and probate avoidance, incapacity planning, and retirement planning as well. In the end, your estate plan is a road map for the rest of your life and beyond. Because of its importance, be sure not to commit any of the common mistakes people make when estate planning, including: Mistakes relating to property ownership laws. Your … [Read more...] about Common Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Texas History – Do You Know Where the First 48-Star U.S. Flag Was Flown?

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The first 48-star U.S. flag was flown in Fort Bliss, Texas in October 1911, even though Arizona was not officially admitted to the Union as the 48TH state until February 14, 1912.  Arizona was the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know Where the First 48-Star U.S. Flag Was Flown?

Estate Plan Changes for a Blended Family

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Blended families have become the norm in America. While blending families may be the norm these days it doesn’t mean that they blend easily. Often, it takes a significant amount of work and patience to create a harmonious blended family. Along with all of the work it takes to make your new family work, be sure that you also make changes to your estate plan that reflect your new blended family. For starters, review all of your old life insurance policies, retirement accounts and financial … [Read more...] about Estate Plan Changes for a Blended Family

Texas History – Do You Know Which Texas Governor Was Founder of Humble Oil and Refining Company?

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Humble Oil and Refining Company was founded by Ross S. Sterling who served a single two-year term between January 20, 1931 and January 17, 1933, as the 31ST Governor of Texas. A Democrat, Sterling defeated former Governor Miriam "Ma" Ferguson and several other candidates in the 1930 primary race for governor. During his term in office the East Texas oil fields experienced rapid and uncontrolled development. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know Which Texas Governor Was Founder of Humble Oil and Refining Company?

Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?

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Davy Jones (1945-2012) - Actor, Singer, Racehorse Owner & Jockey Born in Manchester, England, Davy Jones was a child star appearing on television and stage, including a role as "The Artful Dodger" in a London production of the play Oliver. When the show came to Broadway, he earned a Tony nomination at age 16 for his performance. That success brought him to the attention of Columbia Pictures/Screen Gems Television, which created "The Monkees," a pop group as well as a popular TV series. Jones … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?

Estate Planning Documents – Which One Controls in a Conflict?

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A comprehensive estate plan typically encompasses much more than just a Last Will and Testament. For most people, it also includes things such as a life insurance policy, investment plans, trusts and even documents that you may not think of as estate planning documents like titles to property. Ideally, all of these documents will be coordinated; however, the world doesn’t always operate under ideal circumstances. Sometimes, two or more estate planning documents conflict. Imagine, for … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Documents – Which One Controls in a Conflict?

Texas History – Do You Know What Honor Was Bestowed Upon Scout Bill Dixon after the Battle of Buffalo Wallow?

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William "Billy" Dixon scouted the Texas Panhandle for the Army and hunted buffalo for the train companies. Dixon led the founders of Adobe Walls to the Texas Plains, where he knew buffalo were in abundance. The group of 28 men and one woman occupied the outpost of five buildings 15 miles northeast of Stinnett. The outpost was attacked on June 27, 1874, by a band of 700 to 1200 Indians, and that is when Dixon went into the history books for firing "The Shot of the Century" which effectively ended … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know What Honor Was Bestowed Upon Scout Bill Dixon after the Battle of Buffalo Wallow?