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Family Lending: Bad Idea or Strategic Investment Opportunity?
We are living in interesting times. Several Edwards Group clients have expressed uncertainty about how to safely invest their money given these unprecedented low-interest rates. Certificates of deposit have long been a favorite for risk-averse investors, but in this...
A Quick Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Family History
Writing your family history can be a wonderful way to leave a legacy. With the world going digital, it may seem old-fashioned to print a book about your family’s history. But the truth is, a screen can never replace the experience of flipping through pages of pictures...
Recording and Transcribing Family Conversations on Your Smartphone
With all the holiday gatherings coming up, this is the perfect time of year to get around the table and record your family’s stories. Smartphones have made this easier than ever: turn on a voice record app, set it in the middle of the table, and start asking grandma...
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Keeping the Family Farm in the Family
[originally appeared in the Prairie Farmer magazine - reprinted with author's permission] “We worked hard to pay for and build up the farm to what it’s worth today. We couldn’t have done it without the help of our son (or daughter). As we do our estate planning,...
And the winner is…
Congratulations to the Pecori-Robinson family of Springfield!! They were the lucky winners of the Edwards Group Kids Guardianship Kit drawing for two season passes to Knights Action Park. The dad, Greg, is a member of the Illinois State Police S.W.A.T. team (Yay for...
Charitable Giving For Regular People
Do you think of yourself as rich? Hopefully you do, but mostly in ways that don’t show up on a tax return. Are you rich in the things that really matter – loving family, good friends, your faith, serving others? Whether or not you think of yourself as a wealthy...
Saving the Family Farm
Effectively planning to protect the family farm requires us to consider at least two types of planning. And the two types involve two different definitions of "save." 1. Does it mean to transfer the farm and protect it from nursing home costs, estate taxes, or other...
Charitable Giving – Do It Wisely and Use Uncle Sam’s Money
As you work on your estate plan, don't forget to consider charitable giving. Here are some basic questions to ask yourself: If I plan to give to charity at death, have I considered just giving during my life instead? Give now, enjoy an income tax deduction and also...
Preparing For the School Bus Accident
If you attend a workshop or meet with me individually, you will probably hear about the “school bus trust”. What is it?
Living Trusts Typically Do Not Provide Asset Protection
I am often asked whether a living trust will protect assets from nursing home costs, lawsuits, or other risks. The general answer is "no." A living trust is designed to help organize your assets and prepare for a time where you may face a disability or when you pass...
Make sure you know What a Will DOESN’T Do
What doesn't a Will accomplish? A will doesn't avoid the probate court's involvement. In fact, it guarantees a probate if you have a certain type or level of assets. Find out more about probate and why people want to avoid it here. A will doesn't protect your assets...
You’ve lost a loved one – now do you need a lawyer or not?
Do you need a lawyer to help you after you've lost a loved one? Well, it depends. Do you know what needs to be done? Are you having any problems transferring assets? If everything is in joint tenancy - meaning the survivor becomes the owner if the first spouse dies...
Name Guardians for Your Kids
Have you taken steps to protect your kids? The Kids Guardianship Kit is your resource to choose and name guardians for your kids if something happens to you. I know, it's hard to picture anyone else raising our kids. And hopefully that will never happen. But if it...