Chart of the Day Extra: Complimentary Estate-Planning Seminars 7/29-31

Join Christine Hause, Vice President and Senior Wealth Strategist, and me, Chart of the Day author Samuel A. Kiburz, Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer, for complimentary estate-planning seminars at our Punta Gorda branch, 2331 Tamiami Trail, next week.

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Best Practices for Organizing Your Financial Documents

Keeping your financial documents organized is essential for managing your money and preparing for the future, no matter what life stage you’re in. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by piles of bills, statements, and forms that accumulate over time. The good news is that with a few practical steps, you can take control of the clutter and store your financial records efficiently and securely. An organized system will help you stay on top of your accounts and give you peace of mind that you’re ready for whatever life brings.

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Why You Need an Estate Planning Document Review

Creating an estate plan can bring a sense of relief, knowing that assets and wishes are carefully documented. After completing the process, the documents are often stored away, assuming everything's set for the future. However, as the years pass—children grow up, financial situations shift, and family dynamics evolve—what was once a solid plan becomes outdated. What was meant to be a safeguard becomes a source of confusion and conflict when left unchecked.

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The Benefits of Establishing Florida Residency and Its Impact on Your Estate

If you're considering making Florida your permanent home, you’re not alone. According to Consumer Affairs, “… in 2023, the state’s population grew by 1.6%, or 365,205 residents, the second highest population growth in the U.S.”

Along with the sunshine, golf courses and beaches, Florida offers numerous financial and legal benefits, particularly when it comes to estate planning.

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Five Important Duties of a Trust Officer

A Trust Officer plays a critical role in managing trusts and ensuring that the wishes of the trust creator (the grantor) are carried out according to legal and financial guidelines. While many people designate a family member to handle these duties, sometimes that isn’t the best option.

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All About Trusts – How to Choose the Right Trust for Your Needs

When it comes to estate planning and wealth management, trusts are a powerful tool that can help you achieve a variety of goals, from avoiding probate to protecting your assets from creditors. Trusts are legal structures that allow a third party, known as a trustee, to hold and manage assets on behalf of designated beneficiaries. Understanding the different types of trusts and the benefits they provide can help you make informed decisions about how to best manage and transfer your assets.

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Estate Planning in Florida Basics: What to Expect | Crews Bank & Trust

Estate planning is a crucial step in securing your financial future and ensuring that your wishes are carried out after you pass. Whether you’re beginning to think about your legacy or need to update an existing plan, understanding the basics of estate planning is essential. In this blog post, we'll explore the foundational elements of estate planning, what to expect during the process, and how Crews Bank & Trust can assist you at every step.

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Writing a Comprehensive Will: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a will is something one often procrastinates about, assuming there’s plenty of time to do so. It can be overwhelming to think about, and you may not know how to go about it, or how costly it could be.

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Plan Ahead: Prepare for Your Future with Estate Planning

Many of us were taught from a young age that it’s not polite to talk about money or ask about beneficiaries. These topics can be awkward and uncomfortable, and no one likes to think about becoming unhealthy or worse, not around at all. However, clear communication and effective estate planning are crucial to ensure that your assets last and are distributed according to your wishes.

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Preventing Your Treasures from Turning into a Loved One's Headache

We all have read about or seen someone on Antiques Roadshow who had a family's collection of coins or garage sale find that turned out to be worth far more than expected - rare, but it happens. What do you do with these treasures when it's time to write your will or trust?

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What is a Corporate Trustee and Why on Earth Do I Need One?

If you are like many people, you may have seen or heard the term Corporate Trustee (or Corporate Fiduciary) and immediately assumed, “I don’t have lots of money, so I don’t need that.”If you did, you wouldn’t alone. Even the term, 'corporate trustee' seems a bit intimidating. Let’s dig into what a corporate trustee is and why, even without a huge bank account and a mansion, one may be exactly what you need.

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Securing Your Legacy: The Importance of Wills and Trusts

Creating a comprehensive estate plan is a critical step in ensuring that your wishes are honored, and your loved ones are protected. Two essential components of any effective estate plan are wills and trusts. While both serve to distribute assets upon your passing, they possess distinct features and advantages. Let’s explore the importance of having wills and trusts and shed light on how they can provide peace of mind and financial security for you and your family.

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Create a Lasting Legacy by Supporting Causes You Care About

By giving to a community foundation, you can support the causes that matter most to you and make a real difference in the lives of others. Professional staff and portfolio managers help ensure that your donation is used effectively and efficiently. They also provide ongoing monitoring and oversight of the organizations they support, ensuring that your gift is making a lasting impact. The first donation to the Harvard Endowment of approximately $20,000 in today’s dollars was over 400 years ago.  Therefore, a timeline of 500 years for an endowed fund is possible. 

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The Power of a Lasting Gift: Why Charitable Giving Through Your Will is Essential

Including your favorite charities in your will is a wonderful way to leave a lasting impact and help make the world a better place for future generations. By designating a portion of your estate to charity, you can continue to support causes that matter to you long after you're gone.

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What’s the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

Estate planning is an important subject that almost everyone—but especially older people—needs to address. Many believe that estate planning is for those with substantial means. However, estate planning determines how an individual’s assets are preserved, distributed, and managed, so even people with assets limited to a residence, bank accounts, and a retirement plan need to form a plan. 

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