Based on your responses, the program produces a living trust document customized for you and your situation. But estate taxes aren’t an issue most people have to worry about, since the federal estate tax is levied only on estates worth more than $15 million (for deaths in 2026). Revocable living trusts can help your estate avoid probate, but not federal estate taxes. By contrast, property left through a trust can be distributed to your beneficiaries almost immediately, and often without the need for an attorney. Irrevocable trusts can be useful tools for specific goals, like reducing taxes, but they require giving up ownership and control of trust propert

Opt for Customized Plans
They provide a sense of continuity and identity while showcasing values like love, perseverance, and togetherness through visual storytelling. By documenting your family’s journey through images, letters, and mementos, you’re giving future generations a tangible connection to their heritage and something they could possibly add to. Your wisdom and experiences, written in your own words, can guide your family through difficult times and offer comfort. For example, if your family values gratitude, you could create a Thanksgiving tradition where each person shares what they’re thankful for, passing on the lesson of appreciation. Family traditions provide continuity, strengthen family bonds, and give children a framework of values to carry forward. By creating and maintaining these traditions, you’re giving future generations a sense of identity and belonging.
Starting the conversation with your hei


When a fiduciary acts in your best interest, conversations around cost happen transparently after gaining a full understanding of a client’s goals and situation. A fiduciary advisor provides long-term alignment and consistency—serving not just as an investment manager, but as a steward of your financial life and legacy. It means that every recommendation, every portfolio decision, and every piece of guidance must be made with the client’s best interest as the top priority – without exception. A fiduciary financial advisor is held to the highest standard in the industry. It continues to be a very credible voice that speaks to fee-only planners and the importance of always working in your clients’ best interests. "Our 2025–2028 Strategic Plan recommits us to what makes NAPFA exceptional--putting clients first, supporting professional growth, and fostering a deeply collaborative community," said Natalie Pine, CFP®, ChSNC®, NAPFA Board Chai

Frequently asked questions
Both methods can be valuable components of a retirement income strategy, offering tangible assets that appreciate over time. Real estate investments can provide a steady stream of retirement income through rental properties and real estate investment trusts (REITs). Dividend stocks offer the potential for capital appreciation and regular income through dividend


We created this estate planning basics guide to help make the process simpler. We recommend that you consult a tax or financial advisor about your individual situation. Working with a professional can ensure that your plan is tailored to your unique needs, providing peace of mind and clarity for you and your loved living will and trust planning ones.
Think carefully about choosing your power of attorney and healthcare pro


Here are four common investment options to help you generate income in retirement. You’ll need to supplement your benefits with a pension, savings or investments. However, having a plan in place for generating additional income during your retirement can help ensure your future income streams can keep pace with rising living costs. You'll need to supplement your benefits with a pension, savings or investments. This means if you plan on retiring in your 60s, as many people do, your retirement savings might need to last for three decades. A key focus in retirement is determining how your investments can generate sufficient income to support the lifestyle you choos


Their advice must be objective and transparent, ensuring that your financial goals always come first. In this guide, we’ll explain what that means, why it matters—especially for individuals and families with significant wealth—and how to find a fiduciary partner who aligns with your goals and values. Joining NAPFA was one of the best decisions I made as a financial planner living will and trust planning as it has helped me find a community of like-minded individuals committed to the cause of Fee-Only financial plannin


Designations like CFP® and AIF® require professionals to act as fiduciaries when providing financial advice. A qualified advisor strives to bring structure to complexity while offering a relationship built on trust, transparency, and long-term alignment. A dedicated fiduciary advisor like Verdence, manages investments and serves as a strategic partner, helping you coordinate financial, tax, legal, and legacy partners with precision. Ultimately, fiduciary advice is designed to provide consistency, transparency, and alignment in an industry that can otherwise feel opaque or fragmente