If you want to ensure that your loved ones will be taken care of financially or that your favorite charities will receive some of your money after you die, you can create a living trust that will guarantee your beneficiaries will receive everything you'd like to leave to them. Your beneficiaries will also be able to avoid the expense and time-consuming process of going through probate proceedings if you have a living trust in place.

Do you want to become a snowbird when you retire? For many Americans who are no longer tied to one location by their career, the idea of living in one climate during the cold weather and another during the summer heat is very appealing. And you can have success as a retiree snowbird, but it calls for some unique retirement financial planning. Here are five things you'll need to plan for.

Learning that you are going to be the recipient of a sizable inheritance can leave you with some pretty giddy emotions. Nearly everyone loves the feeling of financial security because money is required for so many facets of life. You know the cash is on the way and are excited about your newfound prospects. Maybe you're thinking about splurging on your dream car or can't wait to take a luxurious vacation.

When many people think about financial planning, they focus on building assets like bank and retirement accounts or buying a home. But your financial plan also includes debt, and how you manage this can do much to either improve or hamper your finances. Here's what you need to know about debt and your financial plan. Should You Avoid All Debt? Some people accept all forms of debt as a part of life while others avoid it at all costs.

A wealth management advisor is someone who is there to help you with more advanced financial issues, such as managing your overall investment strategy, both your retirement and non-retirement investments, and helping you manage all of your assets. A wealth management service often works together with other professionals who are assisting you, such as an accountant and a lawyer. 1. Wealth Management Is For Those with Money Wealth management services are not designed to assist someone who has a couple hundred thousand dollars to manage their wealth better.