Wills & Estate Planning

Wills & Estate Planning

What Is a Trust Fund and How Does It Work?

Trust funds aren’t only for the very wealthy. Here's how they work, how to set one up and why you might want to consider having one.

By Cari Wira Dineen

Wills & Estate Planning

One Action That Makes Life Insurance and Estate Planning so Much Easier

Creating an “in case of death” doc can save loved ones time, frustration and maybe even money. Here’s how to do it right.

By Lynn Shattuck

Wills & Estate Planning

Last Will and Testament: Step-by-Step Guide for Writing a Will (With Sample Will)

Here's how to write a simple will. Check out what you should know about making your last will and testament, and how to make it legally binding.

By Kaycie Tyll

Wills & Estate Planning

What’s the Difference Between a Godparent and a Legal Guardian?

As you’re thinking about your estate planning, it’s important to understand the distinction between a godparent and a legal guardian.

By Sarah Li Cain

Wills & Estate Planning

A Pet Trust? Your Will? How to Care for Your Pet After You’re Gone

We may view our pets like family, but legally we can’t leave money directly to them. Here’s how to take care of Fido after you’re gone.

By Wendy Berkowitz

Wills & Estate Planning

What You Should Know About Bequeathing to Charity in Your Will

Whether you call it a bequest, an endowment, a legacy, or simply a gift, leaving something behind to charity can be meaningful.

By Jessica Sillers

Wills & Estate Planning

Where Should I Keep My Will?

Writing a will is a big step. But if your loved ones don’t know where to find it, how much good will it do? Short answer: Not much.

By Allison Kade

Wills & Estate Planning

What Is a Self-Proving Affidavit? (Does a Will Need to Be Notarized?)

Once you’ve written your will, you’re good to go, right? Not so fast. What’s the deal with getting your will notarized?

By Jessica Sillers

Wills & Estate Planning

5 Reasons Millennials Need to Make a Will

The majority of millennials don’t have wills. Sure, it’s not a pleasant topic to think about. But here are 5 reasons millennials need to do so anyway.

By Ellen Chang

Wills & Estate Planning

Blended Family? Second Marriage? 3 Things You Need to Know About Estate Planning

If you’re in a blended family with stepparents, stepchildren or step-anything-elses, you have unique estate planning needs.

By Sarah Li Cain

Wills & Estate Planning

10 Reasons You (Think You) Don't Need a Will

Here are the top reasons people convince themselves they don’t need a will . . . and what you should really know. Find out now.

By Allison Kade

Wills & Estate Planning

Life Insurance and Funeral Expenses: Everything You Should Know

But preparing for your funeral expenses could be one of the last gifts you leave your loved ones. Here are some of your top options.

By Jessica Sillers

Wills & Estate Planning

Does Your Spouse Know Where You Keep Your Will? One Way to Fix That

By Fabric

Wills & Estate Planning

Americans Are Making Wills in Newer Ways Than Ever Before

Millennials are shaking up society in lots of ways. One of the last frontiers? Writing a will. Learn how Americans are making wills online.

By Allison Kade

Wills & Estate Planning

Leaving a Legacy: Passing Down Moral Ethics

You know how a will passes down your material belongings? An ethical will conveys the values you hope to pass down. Here's how to write one!

By Rachael Rifkin