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The Benefits—and Limits—of a Revocable Living Trust in Estate Planning
A revocable living trust helps avoid probate, ensures privacy, and provides continuity if you’re incapacitated. But it doesn’t protect assets from lawsuits or help with Medicaid eligibility. It also doesn’t reduce taxes. To fill those gaps, consider an umbrella liability policy for asset protection and long-term care insurance for nursing home costs. A trust is a great start—but a complete plan requires more.

John-Mark Young
May 73 min read


What is a Trust?
Estate planning is key to a holistic financial plan. Trusts differ from wills by avoiding probate, offering privacy, and allowing ongoing asset management. Types include revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, testamentary trusts, special needs trusts, charitable trusts, and spendthrift trusts—each serving different purposes. Choose based on your goals. Whitaker-Myers partners with EncorEstate Planning to help clients navigate these options.

Ethan Barry
Mar 314 min read


The Importance of Beneficiaries
Major life changes like marriage, divorce, childbirth, or the death of a loved one make it essential to update your beneficiaries. Outdated designations can lead to legal disputes, delays, and unintended asset distribution. Keeping beneficiaries current ensures your estate plan remains effective, avoids probate, and protects your loved ones. Regular reviews align your wishes with your evolving life and financial goals.
Mica McKenna
Mar 114 min read


Generational Wealth Transfer
Over the next 20 years, an estimated $84 trillion will transfer from baby boomers to their heirs—marking the largest wealth shift in U.S. history. This transition, driven by 401(k)s, rising home values, and disciplined savers, will reshape the economy and widen the wealth gap. For those expecting an inheritance, now is the time to meet with a financial advisor to plan wisely, maximize tax efficiency, and set long-term goals. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers can help you prepare

Jake Buckwalter
Feb 32 min read


Estate Planning: Wills and what you need to know about them
Without a will, you die “intestate,” leaving state courts to decide how your estate is divided—often in unintended ways. Dave Ramsey emphasizes having a proper estate plan, preferably through a legally valid will. There are various types, including holographic, nuncupative, and statutory wills. While wills ensure your wishes are on paper, they also go through probate, which can be contested. For guidance, Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers partners with Encore Estate Planning to

Logan Doup
Feb 33 min read


Tim Hilterman Joins Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers as Chief Financial Planning Officer
Tim Hilterman joins Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers as their Chief Financial Planning Officer.

John-Mark Young
Dec 12, 20243 min read


How Fee-Based Advisors work and the benefits to you
What is a Fee-Based Advisor? When looking for the right financial advisor , several questions should be at the top of anyone’s mind ....

Ethan Barry
Oct 28, 20243 min read


How to manage an Inherited IRA
I’ve inherited an IRA… now what do I do? Inherited IRAs can seem overwhelming when the time comes to inherit one. It seems...

Clay Reynolds
Oct 28, 20242 min read


What is a Password Manager?
If you are anything like me, you have probably registered for hundreds, and what feels like maybe even thousands, of accounts online that...

Jake Buckwalter
Jun 24, 20242 min read


What successful retirees do
Being in the industry of helping everyday people save and plan for retirement has provided insight into what it takes to be successful...

Jake Buckwalter
Nov 30, 20233 min read


The Benefits of a Sale-Leaseback Arrangement for Elderly Clients and Their Families
By a mile, the most asked question I get is, "am I ready to retire?" Retirement is technically the single largest expense you'll ever...

John-Mark Young
Oct 4, 20236 min read


Understanding Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) in Retirement Plan Rollovers
The National Bureau of Labor Statistics did a study in August 2021 looking at the number of jobs that people born between 1957 and 1964,...

John-Mark Young
Sep 26, 20236 min read


WHAT ARE STOCKS, ETFS, AND MUTUAL FUNDS?
Defining your investment plan When choosing the best way to invest in the stock market, it is good to look at a few items that make up...

Drew Hodgson
Feb 1, 20232 min read


SIX CHOICES THAT HELP EXPLAIN THE NEED FOR A GOOD ESTATE PLAN
Inevitable Estate Planning Certainties We All Do Not Want To Hear: We all will pass away. We cannot take any assets, money, or belongings...

Ryan Hoovler
Aug 12, 20223 min read


GOODBYE POCO - LESSONS FROM MY SWEET DOG!
Dave Ramsey has a rule at his office. The rule is simple: No gossip! If you’re caught gossiping once, it’s your free warning and pass,...

John-Mark Young
Aug 5, 20226 min read


YOUR GUIDE TO “BENEFICIARIES”
Building wealth can be an important part of financial planning, since it can help you enjoy life and provide for your family. But as the...

Whitaker Myers
Oct 28, 20212 min read


FINANCIAL PLAN VS. ESTATE PLAN: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
A financial plan is, at its core, a look at your current financial health and a map to help you reach your goals. It usually looks at...

Whitaker Myers
Sep 28, 20214 min read


WHY HAVING A WILL IS IMPORTANT (AND GETTING ONE MIGHT BE EASIER THAN YOU MAY THINK)
Creating a Will can be really intimidating. It’s one of those things that most people know they should have but it just always sits on...

Whitaker Myers
Aug 27, 20203 min read


THE SECURE ACT CHANGES THE WAY PEOPLE INHERIT MONEY
The recently enacted SECURE Act eliminated the ability for a beneficiary to stretch an inheritance over their lifetime, if the...

Whitaker Myers
Jan 28, 20202 min read
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