Estate & Transition Planning

Shelter Life Insurance Proceeds from Estate Tax

Life insurance policies are taken out - in most cases - to provide financial benefits (i.e., money) to the heir(s) of the insured. For most people, the heir is the spouse, then children, then grandchildren.

Estate Taxes and The Estate Plan

"Estate tax" is a tax levied, at the time of your death, on the total value of your possessions. Affectionately referred to as a death tax, the estate tax was enacted as a way to redistribute wealth and avoid the undesirable concentration of excessive wealth within a few families.

Trouble Finding a Buyer for Your C-Corp Stock? Consider the ESOP

If you own a business organized as a C-corporation, you could face a wealth-draining dilemma when you try to sell.

Don’t Sell. Retirement’s for Wimps!

Heck no. You don't have to retire. Strom Thurmond remained a U.S. Senator through the age of 100. Dwight Hauff is 101 and owns Hauff Sporting Goods in Sioux City, Iowa. Jack Weil is 104 and still owns Rockmount, a Denver-based manufacturer of Western shirts. Carl Stevens is 86 and owns Total Plumbing.

Sell It, Make a Bundle and Get to the Good Life!

Who wouldn't want to retire? Sell the company and put money in the bank? Have the time and freedom to travel, play tennis, exercise and volunteer? Spend more time with the grandkids?

Pros and Cons of ESOP

Benefits to Business Owners Selling by ESOP

Never Let the Buyer Work in the Business!

"After the troops have crossed the bridge, burn it," ordered the battalion commander.
"But that's our only way out!" shouted a shocked lieutenant.
"Yes, burn the bridge," insisted the commander. "Our only option will be to defeat the enemy."
Sometimes, if the job is really tough, the only way to ensure success is by making it the only option.
Assuming ownership of a [...]