In our previous post, “Do I Need a Trust? Part 1”, we explored the benefits a trust can provide: control, probate relief, privacy, estate tax and creditor protection, among others. Now let’s walk through a few specific examples where a trust may help you accomplish your goals.

Is the extra cost and trouble of a trust really worth it? As with so many other questions, it depends on your circumstances and goals. There are a number of types of trusts designed to meet different needs, whether you’re looking to preserve wealth for future generations, protect your heirs from themselves or harmful situations, or simply avoid the legal hassles of the probate process.

Watch the replay of our webinar on two new laws that may change your retirement strategies – the CARES Act and the SECURE Act.

Rusty Eriksen and Brittany Mollica discuss the impact of COVID-19 and social distancing on the markets, and what it all means for your portfolio and financial plan.

In today's Hilltop at Home, Curtis Byrd shares highlights about the CARES Act and its impact on retirement plans and IRAs.

How do you make wise and opportunistic financial decisions during such an uncertain time? For context and insights from Hilltop, watch our webinar: Personal Finance 101 – Planning in a Pandemic.

In today's Hilltop at Home, Spencer Brown shows you what to watch for and how to protect yourself from fraud.

The IRS is beginning to send out Economic Impact Payments, and there are many questions about these so-called “stimulus checks”. See the Hilltop Views post for more information and helpful links.

In today’s Hilltop at Home, Ben Yeager shares 4 investment strategies that may allow you to take advantage of lower stock prices.

In a new video series – “Hilltop at Home” – Chris Hostetler shares some tips for keeping a long-term perspective on your investment plan.

It is undeniably tough to watch your account balances fall – that’s your hard-earned money! This is where your financial advisor comes in. We’re here to remind you of the bigger picture so you can stick to your plan, take advantage of any investment opportunities, and, just as importantly, not lose any sleep over it.

The SECURE Act changes a wide variety of rules and several items could be relevant to younger families and professionals.

The investment markets have dropped significantly this week on the news of the spread of coronavirus cases and impacts in new countries. Prudent investors absolutely should be reviewing their financial plan and investment approach, but it is as important as ever not to panic.

The SECURE Act doesn’t have a particularly cohesive theme but contains a plethora of changes intended to provide more access to retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs, add some protections for investors, and give you more flexibility (for the most part).

David Wise and Ben Yeager summarize Hilltop’s updates on the economy and markets from our latest quarterly investment review. With no shortage of trends to review, we discuss ongoing economic growth, trade tensions, coronavirus, Brexit, political uncertainty and more.

Chris Hostetler and Brittany Mollica summarize Hilltop’s updates on the economy and the markets from our latest quarterly investment review. We discuss slowing global growth, the chances of a coming recession and more.

We’ve all heard the saying: “Money doesn’t buy happiness,” but what if using it wisely could bring you more satisfaction? That’s what Happy Money by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton (2014) explores.

With a little planning, there are still ways to benefit from a charitable deduction. One particularly useful strategy gaining popularity under the new tax law is gifting through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF).

Chris Hostetler and David Wise summarize Hilltop’s updates on the economy and the markets from our latest quarterly investment review. We discuss recent market volatility, the trade war, and more.

For most people, dying is a more visceral fear, so we tend to focus our anxiety and worry on the possibility of death. But facing a period of disability without the proper insurance in place is a serious risk. If you lose income because you’re too sick or injured to work, the financial cost to you and your family can be devastating.