An estate plan helps you make sure that your property and assets are managed and distributed to your heirs according to your wishes. Here is an overview of 4 essential documents for proper estate planning.

A well-constructed estate plan reduces stress and legal hassles for your family. It also gives them direction if you’re incapacitated. And there are other benefits too, says Boston Private’s Gerald Baker, J.D.

Talking about money with your spouse can get stressful, even if your relationship is on solid ground. Here are some ideas to keep those conversations on the right track—and leave your “emotional baggage” behind.

What’s the best charitable giving strategy to pursue while awaiting the outcome of proposed tax law changes in Washington? The methods, charities, and assets you choose can affect your tax deduction.

With “open enrollment” for Medicare now in full swing (from October 15th through December 7th), it’s time for people already with Medicare benefits to review their coverage and switch plans if they want different options — or more savings.

While you may need to quickly adjust your financial “sails” occasionally to respond to unexpected life changes, there are many other events that you can prepare for in advance to make future course corrections much easier. Here’s a review of six major life events that can alter your financial plans – plus some actions you can take now to make sure you’re prepared for the future.

For aging adults, maintaining their independence is a highly-valued goal. Families most often take the lead in helping their parents with day to day, health and financial matters, but sometimes a more specialized expert is needed – especially when navigating health care concerns. Enter the Geriatric Care Manager. Want to learn more about who this is and how they can help?

Caring for someone with special needs can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging – especially if your loved one is not capable of make rational decisions about money. A Special Needs Trust administered by a trustee with experience in navigating SSI and Medicare, can relieve some of your stress, assure the financial well-being of your loved one, and preserve family harmony.

Building a trusted team of advisors to help with legal, financial and healthcare decisions will help by filling gaps in knowledge where they exist to better create a holistic plan.