The Hidden Truth About Settling a Loved One’s Estate
Karen Ahrens Karen Ahrens

The Hidden Truth About Settling a Loved One’s Estate

Being named as an executor might seem like an honor, but many people don't realize the enormous responsibility and potential headaches that come with the role. Learn what's really involved in administering someone's estate and how proper planning can save your loved ones from unnecessary stress and conflict...

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Veterans: Your Legacy is Worth Protecting
Karen Ahrens Karen Ahrens

Veterans: Your Legacy is Worth Protecting

As we approach Veteran’s Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation with unwavering dedication. Your military service demonstrated a profound commitment to protecting America's future – and now it's time to protect your family's future…

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Shelley Duvall and What We Can All Learn From Her Death
Karen Ahrens Karen Ahrens

Shelley Duvall and What We Can All Learn From Her Death

Shelley Duvall, best known for her role as Wendy Torrance in The Shining, passed away recently at the age of 75. While her acting legacy continues to captivate fans, her passing reveals some important lessons about estate planning that everyone can learn from…

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Common Estate Planning Myths Debunked
Karen Ahrens Karen Ahrens

Common Estate Planning Myths Debunked

October 21-27 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week, which means it's time to shed light on this often misunderstood and frequently avoided topic…

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A Power of Attorney May Not Be What You Think
Karen Ahrens Karen Ahrens

A Power of Attorney May Not Be What You Think

If you've ever considered planning for your future or helped someone plan for theirs, you've probably heard the term "power of attorney." But do you really know what it is and how it works?...

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Preventing Family Feuds Over Your Personal Belongings
Karen Ahrens Karen Ahrens

Preventing Family Feuds Over Your Personal Belongings

The passing of a loved one is heartbreaking, but the aftermath can become even more painful if disagreements over their personal belongings tear your family apart. These disputes, especially when centered around meaningful objects, can leave lasting wounds that may never fully heal…

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3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Creating Your Estate Plan With AI
Karen Ahrens Karen Ahrens

3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Creating Your Estate Plan With AI

The allure of do-it-yourself estate planning through AI is strong, especially when you think your situation is simple and straightforward. But here’s the truth: estate planning isn't just about creating a set of documents, and it’s almost always more complicated than you think…

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Labor Day Reflections and Your Legacy
Karen Ahrens Karen Ahrens

Labor Day Reflections and Your Legacy

Labor Day also provides an opportunity to think about your personal labor, or the work you’ve put into building your life. Your home, your family, your career – these all came about from hard work! Let’s reflect on everything you’ve worked hard for throughout your life…

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How Beneficiary Designations Put Your Family at Risk
Karen Ahrens Karen Ahrens

How Beneficiary Designations Put Your Family at Risk

Many financial advisors, accountants, and even other lawyers will tell you that you don’t need an estate plan and that naming beneficiaries on your accounts is enough. But they’re not telling you about the risks you may unknowingly take with your family's financial future…

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Would $23,000 Make a Difference to You?
Karen Ahrens Karen Ahrens

Would $23,000 Make a Difference to You?

Imagine discovering thousands of dollars that belong to you, only to be told you can't have it. It’s called “unclaimed property,” which is money that’s yours but has been handed over to the government without your knowledge. It happens more often than you may think…

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Would You Make This Million Dollar Mistake?
Karen Ahrens Karen Ahrens

Would You Make This Million Dollar Mistake?

Imagine this: You're in your twenties and you fill out a form at work, naming your significant other as the beneficiary of your retirement account. Fast forward 28 years - you've long since broken up, lived a full life, and died, and your ex gets your now-million-dollar nest egg. Sound far-fetched? It's not…

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Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 2 of 4: Vanilla Ice Has Thoughts
Karen Ahrens Karen Ahrens

Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 2 of 4: Vanilla Ice Has Thoughts

Since we love a good celebrity story, this July we’re looking at the lives of 4 celebrities and how they’re preparing for the inevitable (or didn’t!). In this second article of our 4-part celebrity estate planning series, Vanilla Ice chimes in with his estate planning experience, advice, and lessons learned…

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Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 1 of 4: Michael Jackson
Karen Ahrens Karen Ahrens

Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 1 of 4: Michael Jackson

For whatever reason, we just can’t resist a good, juicy celebrity story. So for the next few weeks, we’re going to look at the lives of 4 celebrities and how they prepared for the inevitable (or didn’t!). This week we're turning the spotlight on the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson…

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