Offshore Careers
Whether you are a job-seeker who wishes to find out everything about offshore positions in oil drilling, or a business owner seeking ways to benefit from outsourcing customer service work to an offshore location to save money, This is your one-stop resource for all things offshore. Here, you will find the most current information available about working and living offshore, setting up offshore accounts and hiring offshore support staff. You will also find a message board that allows you to access information about people and opportunities in offshore markets. Offshore outsourcing is becoming a viable alternative for businesses wishing to expand and enhance their global presence. There[..]
Know More About The Benefits Of Forming An Offshore Company
An offshore company is an excellent way to reduce your tax burdens. However, this is only one of the benefits of forming an offshore company. An offshore company can be beneficial in various other ways. Tax savings, protection of assets, holdings in real-estate, and the operation of electronic and internet business... there is long list of benefits of off-shoring your business. What's more, setting up an offshore company is simple. Starting with the basic structure, it is possible to incorporate within 24 hours in some places. To start the process, you need to have a clear idea of what you need. Various sites provide information regarding the process of setting up such a company.[..]
Asset Protection Planning - What You Should Know
Regardless of the kind of business you have, asset protection planning is an important part of it. A knowing entrepreneur always makes sure that his personal assets are kept away from risks of being liable to any problem in the corporation. When you incorporate your business as an LLC, you are entitled to these so – called “asset protection planning.” This is a benefit provided by the state of Nevada to business owners who incorporate their companies in the state. This makes sure that your personal assets will be unaffected by possible plights that the company might encounter. Asset protection planning is also offered in several other states besides Nevada. When your[..]
Virtual Office Service for Start-up incorporated Singapore company
Our Virtual Office provides Telephone Answering, Fax to email Services & Virtual Receptionist. For Entrepreneurs and Companies setting up in Singapore, Rikvin offers virtual offices in the heart of the City Centre, Business District of Singapore. From as little as S$50 per month for a Virtual Office, we can provide you with a registered office address in Singapore and a 24-hour telephone answering service. Registered Address We provide a prestigious address, which can be used for registered business address for your registration of your company. The address can be used on business cards, letterheads or any other official documents. Mail Notification Whenever mails arrive, we provide[..]
Fashion Industry in the Economy Crisis
The economy crisis or the rrecession is being felt almost all over the world. The situation is very grave and the masses are bewildered at the inflation, job cuts and enemployment. On the other hand trade and businesses are also seeing âtough timesâ due to contraction of the peoplesâ buying power. Alongwith the other industries, the fashion industry is also being affected. Many âbig namesâ have reported that they are having financial troubles. They are also firing employs and some are at the verge of bankruptcy. The local boutiques and accessory shops are also complaining of the scarcity of consumers. Many of the people have actually either completely or[..]
Ubs Is No. 1 In European Equity Research, In Institutional Investor's All-Europe Research Team Survey
NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - February 2, 2010) - Last year's rebound in Europe's equity markets seemed to come as swiftly and suddenly as their collapse in the fall of 2008, spurring a demand for research as investors sought to discover if the rally was sustainable and which sectors and industries offered the greatest potential for profit. Money managers say no firm did a better job of keeping them informed in a year of market extremes than UBS, which for a ninth year running leads the All-Europe Research Team, Institutional Investor's 25th annual ranking of the region's most highly regarded equity analysts. The Swiss bank captures 28 total team positions, six more than the three firms[..]
The Asian Banker Journal
The Asian Banker Journal covers critical issues and evolving best practices in the financial services industry. As a subscriber, you will receive: • Highly incisive articles on issues and trends guiding the financial services industry. • Special Reports that read like in-depth research. • Regular Tele-consultation Sessions with field experts. • An annual subscription consisting of ten (10) issues of The Asian Banker Journal in print, including our special editions of The Industry Outlook, The Excellence in Retail Financial Services Issue, The Leadership Achievement Awards Issue and The Asian Banker 300. • An annual online subscription for four (4) colleagues. • There are 5[..]
Filing Old Taxes: What To Do
Filing old taxes may sound like a waste of time. After all, why would the IRS care about old taxes that were never filed? Don’t they only care about the "here and now?" Unfortunately, if you didn’t file a return in the past this is not the case. The IRS cares about what you are doing right now, as well as any returns that you forgot about. On the plus side, filing old taxes does not have to be hard. Yes, it is time consuming but you put yourself in this position and now you have to get yourself out. You need to have a plan when filing old taxes and the steps below should help you better understand your situation: 1. For each year that you did not file you should gather the right[..]
Financial Statements & Directors Report
The Directors are responsible for preparing financial statements for each financial year in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards (FRSs) and general accounting practice. The statements must give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period. This requires the faithful representation of the effects of transactions, other events and conditions in accordance with reporting standards. Preparing the Annual financial statement is a tedious task which needs meticulous processing of records of financial transactions. At Rikvin our experts can minimize the pressure on your in-house resources by helping you in -[..]
High Interest Savings - Getting the Best Return
The recent spate of rate rises made by Australia's central bank the RBA may be bad news for home owners facing increased mortgage repayments but they offer great opportunities for those with money to save. The federal rate rises has led most of the banks to up there rates meaning returns as high as 7% or over are now possible. With the rapid rise in online banking has brought increased competition to the savings account market over the past few years. Competition has really picked up in the market and some banks have offered to pay savings interest rates several points above the official RBA cash rate. If you're planning to open a high interest savings account, here are some things you[..]
One of the most well-known ways to transfer money to Australia is using a company as an agent. You can either use the Internet to do so or visit a location near you, indicating the amount you need to send, the name and location of your friend, and a password for when they pick up the money. They will then visit the nearest agent location near them to obtain the money. This should not be difficult to do in Australia, as there are more than ten agent locations in the Sydney area, over 20 in Darwin, and more than 50 in Perth. Such agencies charge about $20 to transfer money to Australia, and the maximum you can send in a month is about 2000 Australian dollars. You can also wire funds to[..]
Take the Cash and Run...351 Exchanges Explained
Many of our area's real estate investors have heard of the 1031 exchange, a technique where property held for investment is exchanged for "like kind" property thereby deferring capitol gains taxes until a later tax year. While investors like being able to defer taxes until a later year, many complain that they'd like a way of eliminating capital gains taxes altogether. Another major gripe of 1031'ers is that the proceeds of the transaction must be used to immediately acquire a replacement property. Failing to find a suitable property causes the entire deal to fail and leaves the investor saddled with a large tax bill. Not cool. The solution: an alternate technique, called the 351[..]
Tax Withholding and Equity Compensation
Certain forms of equity compensation provided to employees require tax withholding. Many types can be offered to non-employees, such as board members or consultants, as well as to employees. Withholding for employees is required when you are issued vested stock or when previously unvested stock vests. Withholding is also required when you exercise a non-qualified stock option like an Incentive Stock Option (ISO). The problem you face when acquiring equity compensation that requires withholding, is that the IRS wants that withholding in cash, even though you are not being compensated in cash. Some companies attempt to help employees in this situation by offering a cash bonus or[..]
Comprehensive Tax Exemption Scheme in Singapore
The Hong Kong-based financial consultancy reports that, beginning in 2009 a newly launched company that sticks to specified conditions can claim a full tax exemption on the first 100,000 Singapore dollars (US$73,000) of normal chargeable income. This is apart from the 50 percent tax exemption provided to the next S$200,000, the report says. Beginning in 2008, a partial tax exemption will also be provided to companies on income of up to S$300,000. The measures are an apparent attempt to stimulate economic growth in the middle of worries of a global economic slowdown. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong magnified economic challenges recently but said he remained confident about Singapore's[..]
Worried About Care Home Fees?
Most of us work our entire lives to build up a nest egg for our retirement, with hopefully a little extra put aside to pass down to our families in the form of inheritance. What a shame then, for that money to be suddenly swallowed up, should we need to move into a care home or nursing home in our twilight years. Around 70,000 of us find ourselves in this exact same situation, each year, with this number set to rise. If the value of your home, your savings and your investments currently totals more than £23,000 (which, let's face it, will be the majority of us), then the government states that you must pay your own care home bills, which in cases can reach in excess of £1000 per week.[..]
Women Investors
Ah, the golden years! Time to rest, relax, and enjoy the fruits of a hard-working life well lived in our beautiful corner of the world here in Naperville. Many of us moved here because of the city's reputation as a wonderful place to raise a family. After years of carpools, playdates, curriculum nights and sports seasons, a Naperville mom may look forward with relief to freedom from caring for others. Yet it's vital during all those years of nurturing to make sure you spend some time looking out for yourself and your own future. True enjoyment of those golden years won't come cheap. With a longer life expectancy than men, women might have more years of retirement to relish, but they'll[..]
The Basics of Estate Planning - Trusts
What is a Trust? A Trust, generally, is a legal entity that can hold title to property. There are three parties to a Trust agreement: the Trustmaker who creates the Trust, the Beneficiary who receives the benefit of the property held in the Trust, and the Trustee who manages the Trust. The property that is transferred to and held by the Trust becomes the Trust principal. If you create a Trust within your Will, it is called a Testamentary Trust. If you create a Trust while you are alive, it is called an inter vivos or Living Trust. While you are alive, you usually will receive all the income of the Trust and as much of the principal as you request. Upon your death, the Trust assets are[..]
Changing a Will After Death
The newspapers are full of high profile instances whereby an adult child or relative is furiously fighting to have their parent's Will changed, after they have died. Modern family structure, internal politics and whirling emotions built up over years can all add up to an almighty battle - even after one of the parties dies. However, not all cases where a change of Will has been requested are acrimonious - most of them aren't. As a good working example, if, after a person has died, you wish to change their Will - to try and reduce the Inheritance Tax amount which will be incurred for example, or an important person has been left out for some reason, you can do so, usually with the minimum[..]
Is it Time to Have "The Talk" With Your Parents?
Whether you have one hundred dollars or a million dollars, now is the time, right after tax season, to organize all of your files in a way that will make things easier for you and your family in the future. Saving Your Sanity Nobody really likes to talk about preparing or reviewing their estate, but the fact remains that this is a relatively simple task that can save time, confusion, and yes, the sanity of your family members. Arranging your estate can be the greatest gift you give your children. It's not even that difficult. Start by creating each of the documents below and reviewing them annually. 1. Wills, living wills and trust documents 2. Deeds, titles to large assets (car,[..]
While many families struggle with the issues relating to being fair verses being equal in relation to estate planning and their children, childless couples struggle with other important issues. For those individuals or families, who by choice or by consequence have not had children, they have different issues and challenges, which require thought and deliberation. These issues surround their legacy and include the planning of their estate. For example, should it just be taken for granted that other members of the family should inherit the bulk of the estate? How distant need these relationships be before consideration is given to other alternatives or to the inclusion of charitable[..]
What is the the Buy-Sell Agreement Between Business Partners?
The sudden death of a shareholder in a closely held corporation can be a significant loss to the company's on-going operations. It will leave a hole in the management team and could cause severe strain in decisions made by the surviving partners and new partner. The death of an important shareholder may also create enough concern at the corporate bank to freeze lines of credit or in the extreme, to call outstanding loans. In married situations, it is typical for one spouse to leave the entire estate to the other and vice versa. If no other arrangements have been made the spouse of the deceased becomes the new shareholder. Is the spouse competent to have a say in the running of the[..]
Smart Strategies For Estate Planning
Creating an effective estate plan can occasionally feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Taking a few simple steps today can help ensure that you and your family gain the maximum benefit from your hard work and hard-earned assets. By making the right estate-planning decisions in your working years, you're more likely to enjoy a successful retirement in the future while protecting your assets for generations to come. Here are some basic strategies for starting, fine-tuning or updating your estate plan. 1) Create a Will A surprising number of successful people-including doctors, executives and business owners-lack a basic will. Others forget to sign their wills or update them[..]
Why 99% Adults Delay Will Writing
Why do we protect our car, our house - but we don't protect our loved ones? You insure your car, your house just in case the worst happens but 99% Malaysian adults haven't made a WILL to protect their family from needless suffering. In Will Writing, you don't need to make a lot of legal decisions, but rather you need to make a lot of personal decisions. It's not easy to make personal decisions. We worry about changing, we worry about having to give up something, we worry about making mistakes. The closer you get to making a decision, the more stress you are going to fee. Chances are, you will want to postpone making decision. You may say, "Let me think about it" or "Let me talk to my[..]
It is becoming pretty common knowledge that probate court is a place to avoid. People know that probate court is where estates are disbursed after people die, with or without a will. They also know that they are very expensive, slow moving and often do not follow the wishes of the deceased person. They understand that probate attorneys frequently receive large percentages of estates as their fees. They know all the bad news about probate courts. They do not know that they can end up in a probate court regarding their own estate while they are still living. How can this happen? Aren't you in control of your own estate while you live? The answer is, not always. What if a child wants to[..]
The Role of the Executor
It is extremely important that you choose the Executor of your Will extremely carefully. A good Executor may be able to reduce the amount of tax paid on your Estate, and hopefully, will be able to manage the distribution of your assets quickly and painlessly. In many cases we have dealt with, the person making the Will wishes to choose a particular Executor simply to make that person feel valued and involved. This is a mistake. Being an Executor brings with it a whole range of responsibilities and the designated person needs to have a sense of fairness, excellent communication skills and the ability to look at the bigger financial picture, either alone or with the help of a[..]
Rich People Can Harm Their Children by Giving Them Cash
You wouldn't think this is logical. How could you hurt your kids by giving them money? Over the long term if you continually give your kids the maximum tax free cash gift (currently $13,000 per year) and they come to expect it, you are only enabling their consumer lifestyle and aren't really teaching them to be self sufficient. Obviously there are exceptions. If your children already do perfectly well on their own and your gift is just a bonus they don't need, then the risk of hurting their success is greatly diminished. But if your gift is enabling them to live a lifestyle they can't afford then they are now dependent on you. What does this do? It practically ensures that they won't be[..]
Estate Planning Made Easy....Easier
Special Reports for Capital Financial Advisory Clients Estate Planning made easy....easier! A major intergenerational transfer of wealth is underway, like nothing before seen in this country--or the world, for that matter. Estimates from the Federal Reserve Board have the richest 5% of U.S. households likely to pass along nearly 60% of the nation's wealth within the next 50 years. With that kind of money on the table, having a "do-it-yourself" estate plan--or even worse, none at all--can lead to potential big-dollar mistakes. A good estate plan allows for transfers of wealth to take place at minimum cost (including taxes) and insures that the wealth ends up in the hands of proper[..]
The Value of Gifts in Estate Planning
Making sure your estate is not subject to federal estate taxes is a primary goal in estate planning. Gifts are a valuable tool to ensure your estate does not exceed the minimum amounts exempt from estate taxes. However, use of gifts without careful planning may create additional problems. Even though gifts may be beneficial it is important to understand the potential pitfalls. A few possible issues to watch for may include: Gift may triggering other taxes Gift may alter recipient's status for current support Loss of property to you Using gifts to avoid estate taxes may have other tax implications. It is important to make sure your gift falls within one of the exceptions to the federal[..]
What is Estate Planning?
Did you know that approximately 60% of American adults do not have a written estate plan? Estate planning is extremely important, but most adults do not fully understand what estate planning is and how it works. Adults also do not fully understand that without an estate plan, a judge, who does not know you, your family, or your wishes, will determine who gets your assets and who will care for your minor children. What is estate planning? Estate planning involves both planning for the possibility of mental incapacity and planning for death. It is one of the most important steps you can take to make sure your wishes regarding your assets and healthcare are honored, and that loved ones are[..]
Plan the Future of Your Estate
Estate planning includes devising strategies for transfer of estate after the death. Estate refers to the various properties in possession. It includes cash, clothes, jewellery, houses, cars, lands, investments account and also the savings account. This estate planning has a number of goals and objectives. These include: Making sure that large part of this estate is getting transferred to the beneficiaries Helps to decrease the amount payable as tax of estate. In case of minor dependants, assigning guardians A few of the important estates planning devices are: Wills: an authorized document which lays down the future of the property after the death of owner. It affirms who will[..]
Writing a life insurance policy in trust is a simple procedure involving no more than filling in a form at the time when the life policy is being set up. There are several advantages to setting your life insurance up in trust, which could save both time and money - possibly many thousands of pounds - for your dependents, when you are gone. What is the meaning of 'in trust'? By setting up your life insurance policy in trust, you remove the life cover from your 'estate'. Your estate is your entire wealth, including insurances and savings, and less your debts and liabilities. Inheritance Tax of 40% would normally be due on any part of the value of your estate which exceeds your Inheritance[..]
4 Steps to Effective Estate Planning
How to Control Your Assets through an Effective Estate Plan What is estate planning? It is planning (setting out a series of steps beforehand to accomplish a particular objective) your estate (the titling, control, and eventual transfer of all of your stuff to others). Estate planning is done by working out how your affairs will be handled when and if certain events occur such as disability, incapacitation or death. This is done by working out a plan and implementing it through various legal documents and processes. 1) To begin, one must have an updated last will and testament. This is the document that is read in the probate court upon your passing that gives the court your wishes[..]
Getting Back to the Basics - Safe Investing
In today's difficult financial market, it's hard to pick up the paper or turn on the TV without seeing the latest news about stock prices. For many investors, market volatility has created an emotional rollercoaster. People are naturally concerned about being able to meet their financial goals and have questions about how to chart a safer course through a turbulent economy. While there are aspects of our current economic crisis that seem unique to our times, the basic rules of investing-and getting a good night's sleep-remain the same. Remember, our economy has been through periods of extreme distress before and has always recovered. America's traditions of innovation and optimism will[..]
Even With the Repeal of the Death Tax, You Need an Estate Plan!
With the repeal of the estate tax (and generation skipping tax or "GST"), you may have put your estate plan on hold. This could be a serious mistake and put your family's (and business') financial future in jeopardy! You need an estate plan whether or not the estate tax (and GST) applies to you. Tax avoidance (or more accurately, minimizing the estate tax) is not the only reason to establish your estate plan. Do Not Let the State Distribute Your Estate! The primary focus of most estate plans is to determine how to distribute your assets. If you do not have an estate plan, the state imposes its plan on you, and the state's succession statutes will determine how your assets are[..]
A death in the state of Oklahoma leads the decedent's estate into the probate process and a filing of estate taxes. According to the website of the Oklahoma state government there are three tax forms that need to be completed. Completion of these forms begins with the 35 page Form 454 and it's 14 schedules ranging from Real Estate (Schedule A-1) to Oil, Gas and Minerals (Schedule A-2) to Intangible Personal Property (Schedule C-1). Have I lost you yet? We've only begun to scratch the surface of Oklahoma's estate tax process. Form 454 is 35 pages with 14 schedules and it is just the first of three forms to complete. There are estate exemptions for heirs that change depending on the year[..]
An Introduction to the Living Trust
First of all, what is a "living trust"? Basically, a living trust is a legal entity that you can move your assets into for various reasons, including to avoid probate after you pass away. Also, if desired, the assets in your living trust can be controlled by another person. The person setting up the trust is called the settlor or the trustor, and the person who can control the trust is the trustee. A third person may be involved, the beneficiary, if the assets are administered for their benefit. The "living" part means that the trust is in effect while the settlor is still alive, which makes it different from a trust created with a will at the time of death. Because the settlor is still[..]
Five Benefits of Trust Deeds to Your Financial Future
There are many ways out of debt. It can certainly seem suffocating if you feel the creditors at your door and the amounts piling up. But every financial system has an interest in seeing its citizens happy, healthy, and effective contributors to the business sector. You are not an outcast, and you are not alone. Particularly good options are trust deeds. Such deeds offer you a way out of debt without the nasty stigmas that go along with more irresponsible decisions. Here are five benefits of trust deeds to your financial future: Cutting out the middle man: With the deeds, you can cut out the middle man. See, trust deeds are arrangements made between you and your creditors. They[..]
Do You Have a Financial Game-Plan For When You Die?
Having the status of Chartered Accountants we are often faced with resolving the financial affairs of clients passing away suddenly. If plans for economic management have not been put in place, this can cause solemn problems for those left behind. Here's a straightforward checklist that can help. It's our responsibility to ensure we do these things before we die: 1. Record the name of your bank account numbers and passwords. Keep this information confidential. Put it with your lawyer or your accountant or better still, both professionals. Ensure that the document is only to be opened and read upon your death. 2. Record a written message to your spouse or family, your lawyer or your[..]
Appointing a probate executor to administer your estate when you die is a very important decision. Your chosen estate administrator will be responsible for distributing assets and personal belongings according to directives outlined in your Last Will and Testament or Living Trust. Should you die intestate (without a Will), the probate court will appoint a probate executor to oversee and administer your estate. If you want to make certain your final wishes are carried out the way you intend, it is imperative to execute a Will or Living Trust. Otherwise, you will be leaving matters in the hands of someone you may not trust or a complete stranger. Once your estate planning documents are[..]
Tips For Hiring a Probate Attorney For Estate Planning and Estate Management
A probate attorney specializes in establishing estate planning and managing probated estates. Probate is mandated in the United States unless decedents establish trusts. The process is necessary to validate decedents' last will, settle the estate, and distribute assets to named beneficiaries. A Transactional probate attorney is used to handle estate administration duties. Transactional lawyers open the probate case and present Wills to the probate court. They provide assistance to the appointed probate personal representative and file legal documents according to protocol. Probate Litigators are lawyers that specialize in managing estates enveloped in family discord. This type of[..]
Handling Your Independent Professional Trustee
Independent professional Trustees are must-haves in setting up a Trust. Let this article guide you on how to handle independent Trustees and let you be oriented of your power over them. In recent cases involving trusts, both in high court and in court of appeals, the judgments are in the position supporting Trusts with independent professional Trustees. Having a lawyer or an accountant as your independent Trustee creates an impression of validity and robustness. These independent Trustees will have voting power on decisions and will handle the minutes of the meetings and activities of the Trust. With their professional guidance, this component is indeed a powerful to making the Trust[..]
Estate Planning - You're Never Too Young
Young people just starting out in life may think that estate planning is not a high priority. However, according to a leading expert in the field, it's never too early to consider how vital this step is to prudent financial planning. When just starting out, perhaps there are more worries about the immediate needs. Eventually, goals blossom into actually preparing for the future and a comfortable living standard. The idea of immortality is more the thought than any possibility of death. With the longer life spans enjoyed in these modern days, there just may be some benign measure of reality there. However, writing a will is not just a concern for seniors, the young and everyone in[..]
Seylan Bank Plc - Financial Analysis Review---Aarkstore Enterprise Market Research Aggregation
Summary Seylan Bank PLC (Seylan Bank) is a commercial bank engages in providing financial products and services. The bank offers various kinds of savings accounts, current accounts, foreign currency services, deposits and investments, Seylan cards, loan facilities, leasing, E-commerce and personal financial planning services. The bank also offers various private banking, trade finance, remittances, offshore banking, asia express exchange, development banking, pawning services and palm top banking Seylan Bank PLC was formerly known as Seylan Bank Ltd. Seylan Bank is the principal partner for Ceylinco FastCash. Seylan Bank has three subsidiaries and four sub- subsidiaries companies. Seylan[..]
Why Buy a Vintage Swiss Trust Company?
Switzerland has a well-deserved reputation as the country of choice for discerning customers looking to conduct their business in secrecy while still enjoying traditional Swiss attention to excellent customer service. This is why a lot of private individuals as well as overseas entities often choose to acquire a seasoned Swiss trust company as the vehicle of their long-term business operations. In this article, you will discover what a Swiss trust company is, why it is so valuable and why you should always look for vintage - rather than newly established - entities when looking to secure the benefits typically associated with them - benefits which include credibility, favorable tax[..]
The Truth About Trusts
Trusts seem to be a very popular subject these days. While they are often discussed, they are commonly misunderstood. Some people would have you believe that trusts are a new and exciting way to protect you from creditors, bankruptcy or probate. The fact is that they have been around almost forever and are really a mechanism for the distribution of wealth not necessarily for protecting it. The bottom line is that for most people, Trusts are unnecessary. There are two main types of trusts, "Revocable" and Irrevocable". Trusts can be originated while you are alive, or upon your death, through your will. A revocable trust can be changed so long as you are alive while an irrevocable trust is[..]
Joint Tenancy
Many people want the finer things that life has to offer, but cannot afford them. A house on the ocean or a boat to fish from would seem like life is complete. There are a lot of people who have overcome the financial obstacle to make their dream come true. Often, friends or family will get together and pool their money to purchase the possession. It does not matter what the possession is, it can be a boat or property or anything else. However it is necessary to protect your portion of the possession. Joint tenancy seems like it could be a complicated subject, when in fact it is really pretty simple. Many people are confused about their rights are when it comes to this subject. When one[..]
What is the Difference Between a Panama Foundation and a Trust?
If you've been studying the offshore and asset protection arena for a little while, you might well have heard a lot of good things about the strong privacy benefits of the Panamanian Private Interest Foundation. As an asset protection and estate planning vehicle, it's second to none. Most of my consulting clients who choose this vehicle are seeking to create a legal structure that will reduce tax liabilities, protect their hard-earned assets from lawsuits or claims, and make sure that on death, their estates pass to their chosen beneficiaries without unnecessary legal disputes or fees. The Panama foundation is based on the legendary Liechtenstein Foundation or 'Anstalt', the preferred[..]
How to Plan For Incapacity Or Disability
One very important part of estate planning that is often overlooked is Incapacity or Disability Planning. Most people view estate planning as planning for what happens after you die. However, what would happen if you became mentally incapacitated? To take care of yourself and to maintain control of your financial affairs during a period of incapacity, you should have an Advance Medical Directive, a Financial Power of Attorney, and, in some cases, a Revocable Living Trust. An Advance Medical Directive will allow you to appoint someone you trust to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to make these decisions yourself. It is very important to choose someone who is available[..]
Living Trusts
Millions of people work hard all their lives. They support their families and have a very comfortable life. If the unfortunate happens, and you become ill or unable to make financial decisions for yourself, a living trust may be an option worth investigating. There is a lot of confusion of what a living trust is. Despite what some people believe, a living trust and a living will are two separate but legal documents that are binding in any court. A living trust can protect your assets should you be unable to make decisions for yourself. It is important to understand that you cannot use a living trust for illegal purposes. A living trust is created when a person has possessions and assets[..]
Private Trust Companies
A Private Trust Company is, essentially, a company formed for the specific purpose of acting as trustee of a single trust, or a group of related trusts. It is not uncommon for settlors to wish to retain a degree of control over assets they settle into trust and this is sometimes achieved by reserving specific powers under the terms of the trust. Such a course has risks, however, and in some cases Courts have ruled that the trusts are a sham. This can have unwanted fiscal consequences and may expose the assets to claims by creditors. Another means of retaining influence might be to appoint members of the settlor's family or his financial advisors as trustee. This is not always possible as[..]
Making Sense of Michael Jackson's Will
Almost as soon as it was released, Michael Jackson's will was raising more questions than it answered. While it provided on one hand ideas of what sort of documents a high profile professional should have in place, it also points out why every person should have a professional guide them in estate planning. He designated his mother Katherine as the guardian of his children, provided for Diana Ross to be successor guardian if Katherine was unable or unwilling to become guardian, and designated that all his assets be placed into his trust. Any will is a matter of public record, as shown by the attention it has received. A trust, however, bypasses probate (but not the estate[..]