Meet Pete: A Self-Proclaimed ‘Pseudo-Parent’
A self-proclaimed “pseudo-parent” invests in the next generation through strategic legacy gifts and support of Hudson Hospital Foundation’s behavioral health initiatives. Pete might not be what comes to mind when […]
Our Team’s Favorite Family Heirlooms–and Some Tips for Preserving Yours!
No matter their culture, location, or financial situation, every family has heirlooms of some kind. As part of our signature legacy planning program, we encourage clients to think about the pieces of artwork, jewelry, cars, tools, or other items they own that have stories and that they might want to make specific provisions for in their legacy plan. Here are a few ideas–inspired by some of our clients–for documenting and gifting those heirlooms:
How to Allow For Grief In Your Legacy Plan
We talked to grief therapist Grief Therapist Brittany Squillace, MA, LMFT about anticipatory grief: the emotions that can come with thinking about someone’s legacy–or realizing that a parent or loved one won’t […]
Legacy Planning for New Parents
Congrats on your newest family member! Your legacy plan might be the last thing on your mind as you welcome a new little one to your life, but make sure you have your bases covered. Here are the most important legacy plans to make to care well for your child.
Meet John and Carolyn: Octogenarians Counting Their Blessings
They first came across the Apex legacy planning program when they began asking USM whether the school had anything a “memorial garden” like the pair had seen at Lawrence University. They thought a similar garden could create a unique and beautiful space for USM alumni and faculty–themselves included–to be remembered after they’re gone. The discussion about their eventual burial and memorial wishes led to questions about their will and wider estate plans, and the USM advancement team connected them with Apex.
How to be a Guardian or Minor’s/Spendthrift Trustee
Memorial Day is a chance to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It’s a time to stop and think about those who gave their time–and some, […]
What are Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Directives?
In our work, we spend a lot of time talking with clients about what will happen after they’re gone: where will their assets go, who will handle their estate-related decisions, and who will take care of their children/pets, etc. Power of Attorney (POA) documents/roles are incredibly powerful–but they come into play when someone is alive, but incapacitated–so it’s important that when someone is named a POA, they understand what they’re responsible for, and what to do next. Here’s a handy guide!
What is a trustee, and what should you do if you’re named one?
Whether you’re naming people to serve in key estate roles, you’ve been named in someone’s plan, or you’re just learning more about legacy planning, there are some important things to think about. We’ve taken our webinar content and put together a high-level, downloadable guide, and we hope it’s helpful to you!
How to Communicate Your Legacy Plan
“It seems so easy or obvious to communicate a plan, but it’s amazing the reaction we get from families who see an estate document for the first time and can’t […]
How Often Should You Review Your Estate Plan?
In general, you should review your plan every few years, just to make sure you remember what’s in place and to make sure it’s all still relevant. There are also some major life changes and milestones that may necessitate a review.