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.

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.

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 Outdated designations can lead to legal disputes, delays, and unintended asset distribution.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.

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

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

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

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