Leaving Legacy: Wills VS Trusts

Becky here, your guide to financial independence and real estate investment. I hope this newsletter finds you in high spirits and ready to dive into our latest topic: "Wills and Trusts."

Estate planning extravaganza - Exploring the magic (and pitfalls) of wills and trusts! Listen to our full discussion on this week's Lady Landlords Podcast episode here.

Wills: Your Timeless Blueprint for Asset Distribution! Think of wills as your personal treasure maps to ensure your hard-earned assets land in the right hands! With a will, you get to call the shots even from beyond the grave.

Trusts: Unleash Your Assets with a Magical Shield! Picture this: a fortress for your assets, guarded against lurking debtors and creditors! That's precisely what trusts offer: a superpower to shield your wealth and transfer it seamlessly.

But, attention, ladies! It's time for a reality check! While the world of wills and trusts may hold tremendous power, let's not forget that there are potential pitfalls lurking beneath the surface.

Takeaway #1: Wills - Cheap, but probate, fees, years to settle

Let's start with wills, the trusty sidekicks of estate planning! While wills are relatively inexpensive and easy to set up, they do have some downsides that I want to bring to your attention. Probate, the legal process of validating and executing a will, can be time-consuming and costly. Imagine the frustration of your assets being locked away for months, or even years before being distributed to your loved ones! On top of that, probate fees can eat into your hard-earned estate. So, while wills are a step in the right direction, they come with their own set of challenges.

Takeaway #2: Trusts are expensive but transfer quickly and free, no debtors

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: trusts! While setting up a trust may require a bit more financial investment, they offer incredible benefits. Trusts allow you to transfer your assets quickly and efficiently, bypassing the lengthy probate process. Moreover, once your assets are in a trust, they are protected from potential creditors or debtors. So, not only can you ensure your loved ones receive their inheritance promptly, but you also gain peace of mind knowing your assets are shielded from unforeseen circumstances.

Both wills and trusts play important roles in estate planning, however, I highly suggest being proactive and empowering yourselves with knowledge!

Research, consult licensed local professionals, and make informed decisions about the best strategy to protect your legacy and ensure your loved ones are well taken care of.