ATO Gunning For SMSF Non-Compliance

We all know the only certainties in life are death and taxes... however, it seems that some SMSF trustees have forgotten this golden rule, when they got a tap on the shoulder from the ATO. It seems that they have let the SMSF become uncompliant since the changes in law of 1 July 2005, and the ATO has been getting gradually stricter on their policing of this matter. Christopher Balmford from Cleardocs Australia gives us an overview of the situation, along with a friendly warning to all fund holders to keep on top of things, or else...

Asset Protection Trust

About asset protection as trust; Define Grantor.

Setting Up a Special Needs Trust for a Disabled Relative

Many of us have a family member or close relative with a disability. We'd like to leave a portion of our estate to help this family member but are unsure how best to do this. Should we just make an outright gift? What about a trust? This article takes a look at some of the options.

Special Needs Children Need a Special Needs Trust

Many parents worry about providing for a child with emotional, physical or mental challenges as they grow up. If the child is receiving government benefits, careful planning can provide for the child without disrupting your own retirement planning or the flow of government paid benefits for the child after you're gone.

Children, Guardianships and Wills: Estate Planning for Young Families

Consider this scenario: Both you and your spouse are young with two small children. You don't make much; in fact, you might be just scraping by. Even then, you need a will.

Choosing Guardians for Children

The most important decision you'll make in your estate plan is appointing guardians for your minor children. Who you pick will impact not only your children but also the lives of your guardians. While you and your children may feel an affinity for a particular adult(s), that relationship could be strained in a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week environment. Where should you begin in picking a guardian?

Some Simple Strategies For Protecting Your Assets

There are many small steps to take that will add up to big savings in the end. If you value the assets you have accumulated, or if you feel you should be accumulating more, take this advice and make some minor changes.

The Australian Family Trust Explained

In Australia, a Family Trust (often called a discretionary trust) is set up to hold a family's assets or to conduct a family business. Generally, they are established for asset protection or tax purposes. Christopher Balmford from Cleardocs gives us an overview of how a family trust works and how to set one up.

Probate and Estate Sales

Probate and estate sales usually occur when someone wealthy dies. Estate sales have to be conducted because the decedent did not leave a will and everything is in his name.

Protecting Your Child: Setting Up a Special Needs Trust

Setting up a Special Needs Trust for children with disabilities.

Estate Planning ... Not Just For The Wealthy

You've worked hard, accumulated assets, and been diligent in saving for a comfortable retirement. Now it is important to implement a plan to protect those assets in the event something were to happen to you.

Probate: A Simple Explanation of a Daunting Topic

Always wondered what probate is and what it's for? Get a straight-forward explanation here.

Three Advantages a Roth IRA May Offer Your Estate Plan

Many may not consider the possibilities that a Roth IRA can offer an estate plan. But, there are three advantages that a Roth IRA can offer if your estate value is under the Applicable Exclusion Amount ($1.5 million in 2005, and $2 million in years 2006 & 2007) and if one of your planning goals is to leave as much money as possible to your heirs.

Estate Planning for Parents

Few groups have more need of estate planning than parents. Without a plan, parents will have no say about to whom their children will go or how their children will be cared for if they are orphaned.

Estate Planning - Rules and Trustees

Reviews problems associated with forming a trust such as deciding the powers which the trustee(s) have and do not have relative to the assets placed into a trust.