A few months ago, I was planning knee replacement surgery. While providing the required pre-surgical information, including current medications, health history and more, the medical staff asked a question I was unable to answer.

Getting an inheritance when a loved one dies, doesn’t always feel like a windfall — especially when it’s real estate that you don’t want. If you live in a state with an inheritance tax on property, you might not want to deal with a tax bill, or you’re dreading the hassle of selling the property.

According to a new report from Kaspersky Lab, more than one in 10 people have now used cryptocurrency to make a purchase. As this number continues to grow, so does the importance of understanding the potential tax and estate planning consequences.

After a period of divorce or widowhood, you, your newly beloved and your respective children are about to become a ‘blended family.’ You and you partner will be creating a new family dynamic, which will hopefully be rewarding, but can be fraught with challenges, if little attention is paid to the consequences of the relationships.

The perception is that trusts are for the very wealthy and that they cost a ton of money to set up. The reality is a trust can be a fantastic tool for the average person or couple, because it simplifies things in the event of your death.

No matter what line of work you are in, estate planning has facets that apply to everyone, and it comes down to documenting wishes and avoiding probate and unnecessary taxes. Too many people put it off, but, in general, the sooner you do it, the better.