John Adams (1735–1826) – 2ND President of the United States, 1797-1801 John Adams was a founding father, statesman, diplomat, and prominent supporter of America’s independence from Great Britain. He was an advocate for a strong central government and republicanism. Adams assisted Thomas Jefferson in the framing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and was also one of the creators of the Massachusetts Constitution in 1780. During his presidency, he signed the controvertible Alien and … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Thought for the Day:
Peace begins with a smile. Mother Teresa … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Certainty Brings Uncertainty
Certainty in the estate and gift tax laws have brought a new bit of uncertainty to wealthy families. We now know that the estate and gift tax remain unified with a total lifetime exemption of $5.25 million for an individual and $10.5 million for a married couple. Wealthy parents can use the entire amount to gift money to their children tax-free. However, that has caused many people to wonder whether it is a good idea to give that much money to their children. It is important to note that you … [Read more...] about Certainty Brings Uncertainty
Texas History – Do You Know Where One of the Oldest Areas of Human Habitation in North America is in Texas?
According to archaeologists, the site of one of the oldest areas of human habitation in North America is near Lubbock, Texas. Discovered in 1936, the site dates back to the Clovis period some 12,000 years ago. The site is located at Yellow House Draw in northeastern Lubbock County. The draw supposedly was named for Indian cave dwellings in the yellowish bluffs at Yellow House Lake. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know Where One of the Oldest Areas of Human Habitation in North America is in Texas?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
George Best (1946-2005) - Professional Football Player George Best was a Northern Irish professional footballer (soccer) who played as winger for Manchester United and the Northern Ireland national team. In 1968, he won the European Cup with United, and was named the European Footballer of the Year, and FWA Footballer of the Year. He also is described by the national team’s governing body, the Irish Football Association, as the "greatest player to ever put on the green shirt of Northern … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
What if Your Children Live Far Away?
Many parents want their children to be the people to handle their estates when the parents pass away. Traditionally, Wills are written that name a child as an Executor. However, this can be problematic in modern American society because we are a mobile people. It is very common for parents and children to live in far away states. The problem is that the child Executor who lives in a different state than the one the parent resided in when he or she passed away is that the child might have to … [Read more...] about What if Your Children Live Far Away?
Texas History – Do You Know How Many Indian Reservations There Are in Texas?
There are three Indian reservations in existence in Texas. They are the Alabama-Coushatta, located at Livingston, Polk County; the Tigua, in El Paso County; and the Kickapoo, south of Eagle Pass. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know How Many Indian Reservations There Are in Texas?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. (1888-1969) - Businessman & Ambassador Joseph Patrick "Joe" Kennedy was a prominent American businessman and investor. Born to a political family in East Boston, Kennedy was educated at Boston Latin School and Harvard University. He embarked on a career in finance, rising to be president of a bank by the age of 25. He was a successful investor during the Roaring Twenties, making a fortune as a stock market and commodities investor. In fact, he was able to manipulate … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Another Reason to Update Your Estate Plan
If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you might be tired of hearing that you need to change your estate plan when your life circumstances change. We have talked about it over and over again. The reason that it has to be talked about so often is that so many people do not listen. Another example of this has been in the news lately. Like most examples it is a sad story of an estate gone awry that did not have to. Sir Peter Ustinov was a fabulous actor and director. He died a … [Read more...] about Another Reason to Update Your Estate Plan
Texas History – Do You Know Where and When the First Suspension Bridge Was Built in Texas?
The first suspension bridge in Texas was built in 1870 across the Brazos River in Waco. This was thirteen years before the Brooklyn Bridge in New York was built. At the time it was the only span across the Brazos. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know Where and When the First Suspension Bridge Was Built in Texas?
