(830) 331-7344Call Us Today!

Estate

Why Everyone Needs an Estate Strategy

This is an Estate Strategy educational infographic with five numbered sections on a green background.This is an Estate Strategy educational infographic with five numbered sections on a green background.Section one covers Probate, and states that Probate is the legal process that wraps up a person’s legal and financial affairs after their death. Probate can be costly and easily take months or years, depending on the state. While no estate strategy can completely eliminate the risk of an extensive probate, managing the probate process may be possible with a valid will and assets that avoid probate.Section one covers Probate, and states that Probate is the legal process that wraps up a person’s legal and financial affairs after their death. Probate can be costly and easily take months or years, depending on the state. While no estate strategy can completely eliminate the risk of an extensive probate, managing the probate process may be possible with a valid will and assets that avoid probate.This section includes a list of assets that avoid probate, such as property held in a trust, Jointly held property that isn’t common property, Death benefits from insurance policies, Property given away before you die, Assets in a pay-on-death account, and Retirement accounts with a named beneficiary.This section includes a list of assets that avoid probate, such as property held in a trust, Jointly held property that isn’t common property, Death benefits from insurance policies, Property given away before you die, Assets in a pay-on-death account, and Retirement accounts with a named beneficiary.Section two explains Living Wills. A Living Will outlines instructions on how to handle difficult decisions regarding your estate. Despite the importance of this document, only 32% of Americans have one. The number one cited reason for not having a will is procrastination.Section two explains Living Wills. A Living Will outlines instructions on how to handle difficult decisions regarding your estate. Despite the importance of this document, only 32% of Americans have one. The number one cited reason for not having a will is procrastination.Section three discusses Tax Exemption Strategies, noting that in 2024, the estate and gift tax exemption is 13.61 million dollars. Potentially hundreds of thousands of additional American households can take advantage of these strategies, passing on some of or all their assets free of estate taxes. Less than 1out of every 1,000 estates will exceed the exemption. Section three discusses Tax Exemption Strategies, noting that in 2024, the estate and gift tax exemption is 13.61 million dollars. Potentially hundreds of thousands of additional American households can take advantage of these strategies, passing on some of or all their assets free of estate taxes. Less than 1out of every 1,000 estates will exceed the exemption. Section four covers Living Trusts. These trusts are managed by a trustee and can help reduce estate taxes. Created and funded while you are alive, Living Trusts are composed of assets you choose to put into them. Managed by a trustee (usually you), the assets are structured to pass to a beneficiary, or beneficiaries, automatically upon your death, much like a will.Section four covers Living Trusts. These trusts are managed by a trustee and can help reduce estate taxes. Created and funded while you are alive, Living Trusts are composed of assets you choose to put into them. Managed by a trustee (usually you), the assets are structured to pass to a beneficiary, or beneficiaries, automatically upon your death, much like a will.Section five explains Power of Attorney, specifically durable power of attorney documents. These function as a written authorization empowering a person to execute personal and legal matters on your behalf. A good strategy may be to pick a person who either has some experience in these fields or has the necessary qualities to handle these decisions. This is often a spouse or adult child.Section five explains Power of Attorney, specifically durable power of attorney documents. These function as a written authorization empowering a person to execute personal and legal matters on your behalf. A good strategy may be to pick a person who either has some experience in these fields or has the necessary qualities to handle these decisions. This is often a spouse or adult child.The final portion lists the sources used in the creation of this infographic.The final portion lists the sources used in the creation of this infographic.
 

Related Content

Preparation is the Key to Retirement

Preparation is the Key to Retirement

The simplest ideas can sometimes make a massive difference over time. Enjoy this brief video to learn more.

Your Changing Definition of Risk in Retirement

Your Changing Definition of Risk in Retirement

A change in your mindset during retirement may drive changes to your portfolio.

The A, B, C, & D of Medicare

The A, B, C, & D of Medicare

Learn about all the parts of Medicare with this informative and enjoyable article.

Check the background of your financial professional on FINRA's BrokerCheck.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Some of this material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named representative, broker - dealer, state - or SEC - registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

We take protecting your data and privacy very seriously. As of January 1, 2020 the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) suggests the following link as an extra measure to safeguard your data: Do not sell my personal information.

Copyright 2026 FMG Suite.

Branch Address: 1415 E Blanco Rd # 8, Boerne, TX 78006

This site has been published in the United States for residents of the United States. The entire site has been prepared solely for informational purposes, and nothing contained herein should be construed as an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation to buy or sell, any security or other investment product or to participate in any particular trading strategy. No information contained herein should be regarded as a suggestion to engage in or refrain from any investment-related course of action. All views expressed and materials presented are subject to change without notice and are not intended and should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, no representation is made as to its completeness or accuracy.

*Stocks, mutual funds and variable products are not suitable for all investors. Before making any purchase you should carefully read the prospectus and prospectuses for the underlying investment portfolios of variable products. In addition to carefully reviewing the prospectus, you are advised to consider the investment objectives, risks and charges, and expenses of the investment before investing. A prospectus may be obtained from our office or directly from the mutual fund company, insurance company or offering entity. **Variable annuities are long-term investments designed for retirement purposes. Variable products have limitations, exclusions, charges, termination provisions and terms for keeping them in force. There is no guarantee that any variable investment options in a product will meet their stated goals or objectives. The account value is subject to market fluctuations and investment risk so that, when withdrawn, it may be worth more or less than its original value. ***Index or fixed annuities are not designed for short-term investments and may be subject to caps, restrictions, fees and surrender charges as described in the annuity contract. Annuity product guarantees including optional benefits, for both fixed and variable annuity products, rely on the financial strength of and are subject to the claims‐paying ability of the issuing company.

Employees or representatives of Lesnick Company acting as registered representatives of First Heartland® Capital, Inc. and/or First Heartland® Consultants, Inc. may transact business in a particular state only if first registered, excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Nan Lesnick and Kelly Lesnick are Registered Representatives of First Heartland® Capital, Inc., and Investment Advisor Representatives of First Heartland® Consultants, Inc., a registered broker/dealer and registered investment adviser based in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri.

Securities offered through FIRST HEARTLAND® CAPITAL, INC. Member FINRA/SIPC
Advisory services offered through First Heartland® Consultants, Inc.

4101 Lake St. Louis Blvd. Lake St. Louis, MO 63367  636.625.0900
Lesnick Company is not affiliated with First Heartland® Capital, Inc.

By activating a third-party hyperlink you will leave our Lesnick Company website. Neither Lesnick Company nor First Heartland® Capital, Inc. are responsible for the validity, completeness or accuracy of any information provided on these sites.

Quick Links