6 Things You Should Never Put in a Living Trust

6 Things You Should Never Put in a Living Trust

Preston Hartwick Tue, November 12, 2024 GOBankingRates

Estate planning provides for the smooth handling of your assets after death. However, only around 32% of American adults have a will, indicating that most people haven’t taken the appropriate steps to prepare for the management of their estate, according to LegalZoom.

One essential tool for estate planning is a living trust. It allows your assets to bypass the lengthy, costly probate process and maintains your financial privacy.

Since a living trust can be amended or revoked at any point during your lifetime, it also serves as a flexible way to control your assets, avoid family disputes and ultimately provide peace of mind knowing that your estate will be managed according to your wishes.

However, not every type of asset belongs in a living trust. This article will cover the assets you should exclude from your living trust and why.

Things To Leave Out of Your Living Trust

Including certain assets in a living trust can complicate estate management, trigger tax consequences or negatively impact the asset’s value.

While it’s always a good idea to consult an estate planning attorney for legal advice, consider excluding the following assets to maximize the benefits of your living trust:

1. Retirement Accounts

Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs can trigger tax consequences if you include them in your living will.

Since your living trust is a separate legal entity, any transfers you make from a retirement account count as a withdrawal. This makes transfers taxable and subject to penalties for early withdrawal.

One way to avoid this issue is to name the living trust as a beneficiary on the retirement account. Any funds in the account transfer to the trust upon your death and are distributed to other beneficiaries according to your will.

2. Health Savings Accounts and Medical Savings Accounts

Health savings accounts (HSAs) and medical savings accounts (MSAs) only offer tax-free growth if you use the money for medical expenses. Therefore, transferring an HSA or MSA to a living trust would cause you to lose this tax protection.

By keeping HSAs outside your trust and designating beneficiaries directly, you can continue to enjoy the tax benefits of your HSA or MSA.

3. Active Bank Accounts

You can include checking accounts or other active financial accounts into your living trust, but there are easier ways to transfer funds to your heirs and bypass the probate process.

TO READ MORE: https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/financial-planning/things-you-should-never-put-in-living-trust/?utm_term=source_link&utm_campaign=1290179&utm_source=yahoo.com&utm_content=12&utm_medium=rss

5 Money Moves Wealthy People Make Before the Start of Any New Year

5 Money Moves Wealthy People Make Before the Start of Any New Year   

By Laura Bogart  October 25, 2024

There are certain traditional ways people ring in the new year. Some clink glasses at midnight, or go in for a lucky kiss. Others meditate. And, let’s be real, plenty are already in bed. Wealthy people may be among those celebrating at parties, on the yoga mat, or off in dreamland — but they’re also a little different. They know that part of embracing the new year means setting themselves up for success.

While you may think the financial moves of the wealthy would be like moving mountains for your own humble accounts, the truth is, a lot of these tips are easy enough for everyday people to follow — including you.

GOBankingRates caught up with some financial planners and experts to learn more about the steps you can take to get ahead financially in the new year — and beyond.

1. Have a Financial Plan

George McFarlane, president of 7 Waters Advisors, joked that many people find budgeting about as appealing as getting a root canal. However, just like a root canal can eliminate a bad tooth and keep an infection from spreading, sitting down to budget can pull out the rot in your spending habits.

“Setting aside a couple of days to review your spending habits this year and plan for next year can significantly enhance your financial well-being,” he said. “Begin by examining your expenditures.”

He recommended starting with a review of your bank and credit card statements, since it’s all too easy to overlook small purchases that add up quickly. From there, you can categorize your expenses into necessary and unnecessary spending, which are pretty self-explanatory.

“After categorizing your expenses, set a savings goal for the upcoming year, aiming to increase your savings compared to the previous year,” he said. ”With these considerations in mind, create a budget that prioritizes savings and essential expenses. Once you determine how much these will cost each month, you’ll know how much you can afford to spend on non-essential items.”

2. Maximize Your Tax-Efficient Savings Contributions

As a global success coach with G Corp Advisory, Jacob Galea has insight into the habits of highly successful people. He said that high-net-worth individuals make sure they’ve maximized their contributions to tax-advantaged accounts like retirement plans and health savings accounts to help reduce taxable income while boosting their savings.

His advice?

TO READ MORE:  https://www.gobankingrates.com/money-moves-wealthy-new-year-2525842/

The 5 Most Expensive End-of-Year Money Mistakes

The 5 Most Expensive End-of-Year Money Mistakes, According to Financial Advisors

By Laura Bogart  October 25, 2024  GoBankingRates

These days, you might feel inundated with messages about your resolutions for the New Year before pumpkin-spice season even ends and Mariah Carey breaks out her high note on that iconic holiday classic. You get advertisements for gym memberships, meditation apps and green-eating meal plans — the same stuff you see every year. But you’re determined not to let next year be just like the last.

You’ve decided that this is going to be the year you get everything together, body, mind, and wallet. That’s admirable. While the will to change is a fantastic first step, you’ll go farther — and stay on your journey longer — if you understand the behaviors you don’t want to repeat. This includes the money mistakes that end up costing you big bucks every year — money that’s better where it belongs, back in your wallet.

GOBankingRates chatted with some financial experts to learn about the most expensive faux pas that can bleed your accounts, and how to correct them.

1. You Spend Too Much During the Holidays

If you get a little too holly jolly with your money during the holidays, you’re hardly alone. There are parties galore, with food to bring and outfits to wear. And, of course, the presents. It’s easy to overspend during the holidays, even if you think you’re getting the best prices through sales days like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. In fact, Erika Kullberg, attorney and personal finance expert and founder of Erika.com, said that the lure of these short-term deals can actually compel you to spend more than you intended.

“The promise of short-term deals can be super alluring and really hits us with that fear of missing out if we don’t grab the deal,” she said. “But more often than not, the sales really aren’t all that good, and [the items] will more than likely be available during the next big sale.”

She encourages you to resist the temptation to unearth your credit card whenever you’re tempted by those big sales. Sure, if there’s something you’ve really had your eye on and built into your budget, you can treat yourself. However, don’t just get it because it’s shiny and bright — and available. You might not get a lump of coal in your stocking, but you’ll possibly blow up your budget and rack up high-interest credit card debt.

2. You Get Too Generous

TO READ MORE:  LINK 

4 Reasons You Should Stock Up on $100 Bills Before the Winter

I’m a Money Expert: 4 Reasons You Should Stock Up on $100 Bills Before the Winter

Joel Lim  Sat, November 9, 2024    GOBankingRates

Digital payments are expected to reach $11 trillion in 2024. That’s a lot of virtual money changing hands.

But what if something goes wrong? It happens all the time. Banks close, digital payment platforms fail, or you lose your debit card. While an increase in spending during the winter months is predictable, the unexpected events are, of course, unpredictable.

So, one thing is clear — there are many things could happen that prevent you from using your hard-earned money. So, is it a good idea to stock up on $100 bills now? Waiting could mean your money gets tied up, and you miss out on your planned purchase.

Why Hundreds?

The $100 bill is the most common currency in circulation in the United States, yet it is also the most hated. Most people generally withdraw $100 bills when they want to store cash, not spend it. It’s like a guaranteed savings account right there in your hands. (Or under your mattress.)

Sure, it might feel unsafe to have cash on hand when you could keep it in savings, but your savings aren’t always readily available to you. Cash is.

Why not twenties? $20 bills take up way more space than hundreds. And if you’re storing a couple thousand dollars for the winter, twenties will require much more space. It becomes a bulky, unmanageable problem to wade through twenties when you can just grab a crisp $100.

Plus, if you pull out hundreds “just in case” and don’t end up spending them, it’s easier to deposit them back into the bank.

You might catch the occasional eye-roll if you pull out a C-note. Or you may have to wait a bit longer for your cashier to run a counterfeit pen across the bill. But you’ll have peace of mind that you have all the cash you need to get through an unpredictable winter.

As Tim Peters, Chief Marketing Officer at Enghouse Systems, who works with dozens of financial institutions, notes, “Based on historical norms, we know people are cash hoarders with the advent of uncertainty and thus secure lending capabilities. An example is 2008 when the cash circulation rose by 20%.”

Winter is perhaps the most unpredictable time of year, and it gets more chaotic each year with the climate changing wildly, among other things. Here are just a few reasons to stock up on $100 bills before winter arrives.

1. The Banks Could Close

Where we once knew with some certainty what kind of weather we would see in specific regions, those days are gone. Now, snowstorms hit regions not always prepared, leaving millions in freezing temperatures.

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/m-money-expert-4-reasons-140116476.html

30 Scam Phone Numbers To Block and Area Codes To Avoid

30 Scam Phone Numbers To Block and Area Codes To Avoid

August 22, 2024  by Joshua Rodriguez

Scams are becoming more and more prevalent, and simply blocking unwanted calls doesn’t always do the trick. They’re so common that experts have coined the term “scam economy.” Unfortunately, it’s easy to change a phone number, and scammers often do so to avoid getting caught or having their call blocked. The good news is that scams operate in many known area codes, so you can avoid being the next victim simply by honing in on the list of scammer phone numbers.

Quick Take: List of Scammer Phone Numbers

Wouldn’t it be great to have a list of scam phone numbers handy to avoid them altogether or at least have 1-888 scammer numbers be clear in their intention on the caller ID? Short of never answering the phone or putting yourself on every national “do not call” list, there are some red flags you can alert yourself to before accidentally giving out your Social Security number or being a victim of identity theft.

Here is a list of scammer phone numbers that are known by government agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission.

11 Top Scam Phone Numbers

AT&T raffle winners: 904-495-2559

Bank account temporarily on hold scam: 858-605-9622

Card lock scam: 878-877-1402

Debit card frozen scam: 863-532-7969

Failed delivery attempt scam: 469-709-7630

Fake Publisher’s Clearing House win: 805-637-7243

Student loan forgiveness scam: 202-221-7923

Weight loss and delivery scam: 312-339-1227

Wells Fargo text message scam: 865-630-4266

Unpaid taxes scam: 347-437-1689

USPS scam: 301-307-4601

Quick Take: List of Scam Area Codes

More than 300 area codes exist in the United States alone which is a target-rich environment for phone scammers. The good news is that scam callers will often show up under common area codes for incoming calls. Here are 19 area codes you should never answer if you don’t know who’s on the other end.

19 Top Scam Area Codes

216: Cleveland, Ohio

218: Northern Minnesota

232: Sierra Leone

234: Nigeria

242: Bahamas

268: Antigua and Barbuda

284: British Virgin Islands

332: New York City

347: New York City

355: Albania

375: Belarus

469: Dallas, Texas

649: Turks and Caicos Islands

646: Manhattan

657: La Palma, California

712: Western Iowa

829: Dominican Republic

868: Trinidad and Tobago

876: Jamaica

What Is a Scam Phone Number or Area Code?

Scam phone numbers and area codes typically involve calls you receive from numbers you don’t recognize. Often there is no customer service you can contact or law enforcement you can involve for these calls obfuscated by distance or sheer volume. Changing a phone number is easy, so it’s challenging to catch every scam phone number out there.

TO READ MORE:    LINK    

7 Red Flags That Will Help You Avoid Financial Scammers

7 Red Flags That Will Help You Avoid Financial Scammers

August 20, 2024   Written by  Cynthia Measom  Money / Financial Planning

You can’t be too protective of your money and personal information. Financial scams are running rampant.

According to our recent “Keep Your Money Safe” survey, when victims of financial scams were asked what type of scam they had experienced, 27% said they had been the victim of phone scams (robocalls, texts, false impersonators, bots).

Additionally, 11% said they were victims of money transfer or mobile payment service scams — 20% on Cash App and 17% on PayPal. Online shopping and phishing scams were also common, with 25% of respondents claiming to have been scammed on Facebook and 13% on Instagram.

Here are the red flags you should look for to help you avoid financial scammers.

Unknown Sender

Approximately 34% of respondents to the GOBankingRates survey said that receiving communication from an unknown sender is what tips them off most regarding a potential scam.

Todd Redding, founder of Probity Investigations, said that scammers often initiate contact through unexpected emails, phone calls or messages.

“These unsolicited communications frequently request personal information or prompt urgent actions,” he said. “It is crucial to be cautious when receiving such contact, especially if it comes from unknown sources. Always verify the authenticity of the sender or caller before providing any personal details.”

Misspelled Words or Bad Grammar

Receiving communication that is written poorly or contains bad grammar is another red flag that 14% of respondents said tips them off to a scam.

Ryan McEachron, a security and risk management expert and CEO of ISU Insurance Service ARMAC Agency, said that unprofessional communication with typos, grammar issues or an inconsistent story indicates a scam.

“Legitimate companies have skilled communicators and consistent, transparent messaging,” he explained. “If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts — if an offer makes you feel uncertain or uncomfortable, pass on it.”

Approximately 12% of survey respondents cited a strange email address or phone number as a tip that something is amiss.

Mark Shyani, lawyer and managing attorney at Pacific Attorney Group, said that he’s seen many red flags, but one that stands out to him is the “referral from trusted source” scam.

“In this scam, criminals pretend to be someone you know — often an esteemed colleague or long-time client — who wants to send a client or opportunity your way,” he said. “They do this because they understand that people are more likely to take notice of referrals made by people they trust.”

Shyani continued, “Once, when I was running my practice, I got an email, apparently from a prominent lawyer who was referring a big case to me. It looked legitimate; everything about it mirrored this attorney’s typical messages, right down to the sign-off. However, certain things seemed slightly off: The email address had been changed subtly, and the sender requested an upfront ‘referral fee,’ which struck me as strange.”

He concluded, “This scam’s ability to exploit preexisting trust and professional relationships makes it so dangerous. To avoid being duped by it yourself, make sure you cross-check every referral with your trusted source directly using other means of communication (like calling them on the phone) before taking action.”

Requests for Specific Information or Specific Amounts of Money

Around 9% of survey respondents said that if someone requested specific information or specific amounts of money, they would suspect a scam.

TO READ MORE:   LINK  

6 Top Ways You Can Keep Your Checking Account Safe

I’m a Bank Teller: 6 Top Ways You Can Keep Your Checking Account Safe

November 7, 2024 Written by Sean Bryant

According to a 2023 study by the American Banking Association, only 9% of people still take care of their banking needs in a physical brand location. Instead, they’re relying on the accessibility of online banking and banking apps. Another study by Chase found that 87% of Americans use their banking app at least once per month.

However, with the rise of online and mobile banking also comes an increase in cybercrime. According to the FBI, over $4 billion was lost to cyber criminals in 2020 alone. This means it’s more crucial than ever to make sure you’re protecting yourself and your money.

“I’ve talked to so many customers that can’t tell me the last time they actually looked through their bank statement,” said Nicole W., teller at Chase Bank. “They come in because they noticed an error in their account from months ago, but they’re just now noticing something’s wrong.”

Keep reading to learn what Nicole recommends anyone utilizing online or mobile banking to do so they can keep their accounts safe.

Use a Strong Password

One of the worst things you can do is have a weak password. The last thing you want is to use a password like 111111 or 123456. This is going to make it much easier for criminals to gain access to your accounts.

“Use random passwords for each of your online accounts,” Nicole said. “If possible, never use the same password for more than one account. I would also suggest making it as long and as strong as possible. Use lower and upper case letters, numbers and special characters.”

If you’re using different passwords for each online account, it can get difficult to remember each of them. While you could write them down and store them in a safe place in your home, there are also several online password storage vaults available. Nicole frequently recommends 1password.com to friends and family.

Use Two-Factor Authentication

Even if you have a strong password, there’s always a chance that hackers can gain access. That’s why many organizations are now using two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security to your bank account.

“If you’re offered the ability to use two-factor authentication, do so,” said Nicole. “How this works is you will have your password as the first layer of defense, and then you will have a special code sent to your phone number. While someone may be able to hack your password, it will be much more difficult to get the special code sent, as well.”

Be Cautious of What You’re Clicking Online

According to Security magazine, 1.76 billion phishing emails were sent in 2023, which was an increase of 51% over the previous year. Cyber criminals will go to great lengths to be able to uncover your sensitive information.

TO READ MORE: LINK

Thanks to Fraud, Big Banks Might Not Let You Make Your Normal Mobile Deposit

Thanks to Fraud, Big Banks Might Not Let You Make Your Normal Mobile Deposit

Chris Ozarowski   Thu, November 7, 2024  GOBankingRates

Do you use mobile check deposits to put your paycheck into your bank account? If so, you may be forced to change your habits in the future. Due to a wave of mobile check scams, Fidelity Investments has begun to limit some check deposit features, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Other organizations that have been similarly affected may soon follow suit.

If you’re worried about financial scams, learn the red flags you should look out for to protect your money.

Check Fraud at Financial Institutions

Fidelity Investments is provides investment products and stock trading services to millions of customers. If you’re an American with a 401(k) or individual retirement account, there’s a good chance that you’re a Fidelity customer.

Until recently, customers with a Fidelity cash management account — similar to a checking account — could deposit paper checks by taking a photo of the check through the Fidelity mobile app. While the checks usually took two to six days to clear, customers were able to access a portion of the money right away, before the check was verified. This is what the fraudsters took advantage of.

By advertising a get-rich-quick scheme on social media, the scammers were able to convince some users to open Fidelity accounts and give them the log-in details, according to The Wall Street Journal. The scammers then took photos of fake checks and sent whatever money they could to their own accounts. They were able to convince the owners of the accounts to hand over their Fidelity credentials by telling them that they would receive a share of the ill-gotten gains.

The mechanism was similar to the “Chase Bank Money Glitch,” which went viral on social media. In both cases, users deposited fake checks through the mobile app or online portal and were able to move a portion of the funds before the checks were verified.

It’s worth noting that Chase is now filing lawsuits against customers who took advantage of this strategy.

How These Scams Work — Is Your Money at Risk?

In cases like these, the owner of the account, whose name and Social Security number were used to deposit the fake checks, is likely to be the one who suffers the consequences. The fraudsters will simply move on to another victim, or “money mule” as the Federal Bureau of Investigation calls them.

Getting access to another person’s account is a common method used for similar illegal activities, such as money laundering and wire fraud. Through social media, fraudsters find users who want to make some money and offer them a percentage of the potential gains for access to their bank account.

TO READ MORE:  https://news.yahoo.com/news/finance/news/thanks-fraud-big-banks-might-200011542.html

The Biggest Red Flag of All When It Comes to Money and Relationships

Ramit Sethi Says This Is The Biggest Red Flag of All When It Comes to Money and Relationships

Mary Green  Wed, November 6, 2024   GOBankingRates

Most people look for a romantic partner who shares their financial values and has similar life goals, whether that means living a life of luxury or embracing a minimalist existence. Incompatibility in these areas is often a deal breaker or “red flag.”

Personal finance expert Ramit Sethi says there is an even bigger red flag that people tend to overlook. The number one financial red flag isn’t having different values — it’s being unable to talk about money at all.

“If your partner simply will not talk about money, you have a huge problem,” Sethi explained in an interview on Instagram.

Many people get uncomfortable when it’s time to talk about money. Fortunately, there are some tried and true ways to get better at having those important conversations.

Couples Should Talk About Finances Frequently

Sethi stressed that it’s OK to have different values and approaches to dealing with money, but it is essential to talk to your partner about it.

Not only that, but talking about money shouldn’t be a one-time event. Ideally, “we want to have lots of conversations about money,” Sethi said.

If your partner refuses to talk about money, they’re not just avoiding one big conversation. They’re avoiding an ongoing dialogue that should be a regular part of your shared life.

Therapists agree that couples must be able to talk effectively about money, according to Choosing Therapy. Issues like income levels and spending habits may be important, but they’re not as important as the ability to discuss finances. Transparency and openness about money are very important for your relationship.

Talking to Financially ‘Avoidant’ People

TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/ramit-sethi-says-biggest-red-160117330.html

4 Money Mistakes the Wealthy Never Make

4 Money Mistakes the Wealthy Never Make

Adam Palasciano  Thu, November 7, 2024 GOBankingRates 

It should come as no surprise that wealthy people — or people striving to join them — are constantly paying close attention to the economy, legislation and various markets. They are also always analyzing how these factors can and will affect their finances.

Here are four financial mistakes the wealthy never make whether times are tough or relatively smooth sailing.

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Not Speaking With a Financial Advisor

The wealthy understand the importance of careful financial planning and management. That’s why they always consult with a financial advisor ahead of a potential political or economic shifts.

An experienced professional can help you navigate the ins and outs of complicated tax laws and help you make the smartest financial decisions — so you can keep more of your money.

Not Diversifying Their Portfolios

Diversification is key when it comes to a well-balanced portfolio. This is especially true when there’s about to be a new president.

A new administration may have positive impacts on some of your investments, while it may adversely impact other parts of your portfolio. Ensuring a healthy and strategic investment mix is crucial to hedge against financial loss.

TO READ MORE:  https://news.yahoo.com/news/finance/news/4-money-mistakes-wealthy-never-150010520.html

9 Ingenious Places To Hide Spare Keys

9 Ingenious Places To Hide Spare Keys

Don't get locked out of your house when you use these best places to hide a spare key

Anika Gandhi  Anika’s DIY Life  Mon, October 28, 2024

For decades, people have been stashing spare keys outside their homes to avoid the dreaded lockout. With how often it happens, it only makes sense to have an accessible backup! But the classic “under the doormat” hiding spot? That’s the first place a potential intruder will check.

Say goodbye to predictable hiding spots and discover more secure ways to keep your spare key accessible without sacrificing safety. These unexpected yet clever spots will make finding your key challenging for strangers and easy for you when you need it most!

There’s no guarantee that a burglar won’t still find them, but it will be a lot harder, and they may, hopefully, give up the search and leave.

Whether on the porch or back patio, a patio chair is an easy but discreet hiding spot. Secure the spare key in a hide-a-key box for added protection, then attach it under the chair using strong adhesive tape.

These small hide-a-key boxes are affordable and add an extra layer of peace of mind.

2. On A Privacy Fence

A privacy fence can be an ideal place to stash your key in plain sight.

Hang the key on a small nail tucked discreetly under the top rail, or tape it to the inside of a pole cap. Just be sure it’s out of easy reach, so it’s hidden yet accessible when needed.

3. On A Nearby Tree

View of the main entrance to the house from the adjacent garden

If you live near trees, they can make great storage spots for keys. Use a small nail or weatherproof tape to secure the key in an inconspicuous location, like a branch crook or hidden under some bark.

Be sure to check it after storms to ensure it’s secure!

TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/9-ingenious-places-hide-spare-142005333.html