Estate Planning

Although it has often been regarded as an unspeakable topic, it is important to talk to your family, especially your adult children, about finances before you are gone.

What you leave behind for your family and friends to treasure is important. However, the reason behind the heirloom may be even more important.

By Gloria Johnson, Trust Administrator  In a desire to eliminate paper clutter, do you have bills and statements come to you online? It is wonderful when you have less paperwork to sort through, file, or dispose of, but what if…

By Jill Dobbs, CFP® - Vice President & Wealth Management Advisor Many people often ask, “I have a will, do I need a trust?” The answer can be complicated, but for many people, the desire to avoid probate necessitates doing some…

By Peter Harris, CFP® - Vice President & Portfolio Manager   As the fall arrives, you may very well be winding down the season at your beloved vacation home. For others, you may find yourself not using a vacation home…

One important new aspect of estate planning concerns “digital assets,” a form of property that only recently has come into existence. Simply stated, digital assets are electronic ones and zeros; that is, information inscribed on a tangible medium or stored…

By J. Bryan Allee, J.D. - Vice President & Relationship Manager   According to a study in 2016, the average U.S. household carries $16,748 in credit card debt, $28,948 in auto loans, and $176,222 in mortgage debt.  Total consumer debt…

By Trenny Garrett, J.D. - Senior Vice President & Relationship Manager   Since the estate tax exemption was raised a few years ago to over $5 million per person and indexed for inflation, many people think that revocable living trusts…

By Jill Dobbs, CFP®, Vice President & Wealth Management Advisor Communicating with your grandchildren can be tough these days.  They may live miles away and you may only get to see them a few times a year.  Even if they…