- A Will is Not the Only Way, Today marks the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history, with $30 trillion in assets projected to pass from baby boomers to their heirs in the United States alone. Yet 60% of American adults don't have an estate plan. Plan ahead for the possibility of incapacity with a Revocable Living Trust. We know that while you can't predict the future, you can prepare for it. Instead of only…, Revocable Living Trust, is a legal document that does double duty by setting forth how you want your assets managed and distributed in the event of your incapacity. As a result, if you're ever unable to manage your own finances, a court wouldn't need to get involved to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs. Want to meet with someone on our Trust and Estate Planning team? If you are interested in seeing what…
- An important document that everyone should consider as part of their estate planning is a, power of attorney, . This is a legal document that gives another adult person – or even a Trust Department like at Visions – the authority to act on your behalf and make decisions regarding your money or property. Most often used in the event of illness or incapacity, a power of attorney document avoids the possibility of a court ordered guardianship. However you choose a power of attorney, the agent or agents…, agent, , and it's best practice to have a, successor, in place in the event that the initial agent cannot act. When it comes to multiple agents, you can designate whether you would like them to act separately or together. In most instances, it's best to allow them to act separately. For example, many institutions do not offer two signature checking accounts and therefore would not be able to accommodate agents who must act together. Remember that a…, personalized to your needs, . The authority can be very broad or limited – it's up to you – and that's why it's important to appoint someone you trust and who you know will act in your best interest. And, while powers of attorney are governed by specific state laws and should be prepared by an attorney, Visions can help you determine how it may fit into your estate planning. For information on Trust services at Visions,…
- Unless you have accumulated substantial wealth where money is not a concern, you face a critical task when you reach retirement to make sure that your assets will support you through your lifetime. When you retire and no longer earn an income to pay for your bills and living expenses, developing and adhering to a financial plan – where cash flow is clearly defined – can help you balance your…, Connect with Visions Wealth Management, This material was prepared for Visions Investment Services and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional…, Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker/dealer., (Member FINRA/ SIPC). Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. Visions Federal Credit Union (VFCU) and Visions Investment Services are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using the name Visions Investment Services, and may also be employees of VFCU. These products and services…
- Did you get a check in the mail you weren't expecting?, Maybe even one you were expecting, but it looks a little funny? There are ways to verify it to make sure you're not depositing a counterfeit check – and, it all starts with the source. , Checks from a business, First things first: look up the business online. A quick scan of their website should let you know if the company is legitimate. Then, use the phone number on their site to call and verify if they wrote the check. They will typically ask for the check number, account number, and dollar amount. If they can't find it in their system, it's most likely counterfeit. Go ahead and shred the check. , Checks from an individual, Before you cash an unexpected check, ask yourself a few questions. If you answer "yes" to any of these, it's most likely a counterfeit check and you should destroy it: Is this a person I don't know? Is this person from out of state? Did they purchase something from me and send too much money? The last point is a common counterfeit pitfall, and you may experience this on Craigslist, Facebook…, Official checks and cashier's checks, If you're confronted with a check from a financial institution, look it up online and call the number listed on their website. Since it's a cashier's or official check, they have to verify it for you. Most of the time, the institution already knows about the counterfeit checks and will provide you a description, but this quick phone call can save you a headache. If they can't find it, you should…, Still have questions?, Remember, if you're ever unsure about a check, just ask. Bring it to your local office along with any accompanying letter and our representatives will help you verify the check. It's the best way to protect yourself and your account.
- After three years of being engaged, we finally decided to walk down the aisle. To be fair, I never wanted to plan a traditional wedding and take on all the expenses that come with it. I always wanted a little less – while my husband-to-be wanted a little more. Over the years, we discussed our options and struggled to land on a wedding style that suited both of us. At one point, during the Covid-…