How can parents provide security for their children’s future, financially and otherwise?  That’s the top question I hear from estate planning clients.  Fortunately, it does not take a plump trust fund.  Here are five essential steps for parents.

In the United States, approximately 40% of adult medical inpatients and 70% of elderly patients facing treatment decisions are incapable of making medical decisions.  Someone will make medical decisions for them. There are two key tools to plan ahead for medical decision-making in the event of incapacity: a health care proxy and a living will.  Here’s what they do and which one matters more.

For most people, becoming a parent is the first time estate planning comes into the picture.  Do you need a Will?  How do you designate guardians?  How do you preserve your assets for your child? Here’s the full rundown on estate planning considerations for new parents.  (This article addresses married couples — stay tuned for an upcoming article on single parents.)