What Matters Most to You?
(Please Select One)
Getting My Possessions In Order
Have you lost track of your valuables? Forgot what is in those boxes in the basement? Uncertain if you will ever use those things that have been in your safety deposit box for years? Paying insurance premiums on things you dont use, want, or need?
To get a clear picture of all your valuable possessions, talk with a Lindstrom & McKenney Estate Specialist, who may start with our Free "Assessing Your Goals" analysis.
Some of the issues you'll consider together: Where are all of my valuable possessions kept, and is that the best place to keep them? Do I need to consider valuables that I have inherited as part of my estate? What might be the tax consequences of distributing those items? What is the best way to learn what they are really worth? Am I spending too much on insurance premiums, safety deposit boxes, and storage fees?
Discussing the answers to these and other questions with your Lindstrom & McKenney Personal Estate Specialist is the first step in creating a strategy to reach your personal goals and to reach the perfect solution for selling, gifting, or distributing your valuables.
Caring for Myself and My Family
As any parent and grandparent already knows, life is constantly changing and your family's needs and desires change right along with it. You may want to help a granddaughter with a wedding or her education as opposed to giving her your sterling silver tea set or flatware. In fact, you may prefer to have the money earning interest for you, rather than paying insurance premiums for that diamond brooch and earrings that you will never wear again.
If you plan to bequeath certain items, you really need to know what the estate or gift tax implications and consequences will be before you do anything with them. There are many pitfalls to avoid.
The fact is, your valuables may be inhibiting you and your family from pursuing lucrative investment opportunities that could provide you with greater security.
A Lindstrom & McKenney Estate Specialist can help you understand how this applies to you. Your personal Specialist can help you determine what is best for you and your family when it comes to determining what to do with your valuables. Whether you want to gift, distribute, or sell them, you will feel relieved to know you are making the best choice.
Fairly Dividing My Valuables
One of life's most daunting tasks is dividing valuable possessions fairly among children or heirs.
Valuable personal property is one of the most disputed legal issues in estate planning and administration. It causes more family disputes, arguments, and legal fees than almost anything else. Many happy families become distant or worse, completely alienated from one another over personal property that is (or perceived to be) of value.
TIP: You can avoid this entirely if you follow our advice. Save yourself and your family needless heartache and hundreds of dollars in unnecessary costs and legal fees.
At Lindstrom & McKenney we have helped thousands of people through these murky waters and solved these issues with little cost, no heartache, and wth happy endings. We invite you to draw on our experience to save you from unnecessary costs and ensure your goals of fairness are achieved. Call or email a Lindstrom & McKenney Estate Specialist today.
Preparing to Move?
Are you scaling back because the kids have moved out? Are you moving to a warm climate or to someplace closer to your grandchildren?
Once you have decided to move, it's the perfect time to make decisions about what you should take with you, give away, and sell now. It's essential to have a plan that considers your new lifestyle, your new home, and the activities you are planning. Even if you are simply considering a move in the near future, now is the time to take stock of those valuable personal possessions you simply no longer wear, use, or even think about. Often they are tucked away in a drawer, box, safety deposit box, or hanging on the wall of an unused bedroom or den.
TIP: Find out the value of your valuable personal possessions before you spend the time, energy, and money moving them.
Your Lindstrom & McKenney, Personal Estate Specialist can help you prepare for your move. You may want to start by asking your Estate Specialist about our Personal Property Inventory solutions and other personalized services. In addition to planning your move, we can save you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary insurance expenses, moving or storage expenses, and other hassles. No matter where you live, or where you are moving to, we make it as easy and simple for you.
Sentiment & Family Heirlooms
You are not alone if you are struggling with yourself or others over what should be done with those valuable but sentimental possessions or family heirlooms.
While one cannot put a price on love or on memories of someone deeply cared for, it is important to know the true monetary value of sentimental, family heirlooms. That way, you can understand their impact on your entire financial and estate plan, as well as plan for a fair distribution later on.
TIP: Don't make the mistake of accidentally passing along the "gift of guilt."
Many people, unintentionally, pass along the "gift of guilt" by gifting or bequeathing a valuable object to someone they love. Perhaps you have some of these objects now, even though you never used or enjoyed them.
Going Through A Divorce?
Almost nothing is quite as difficult as dealing with a divorce. Whether it is your own, your parents, or your child, it is a very difficult time.
Valuable personal possessions, especially diamonds, jewelry, and sterling silver can quickly become the basis of a great deal of turmoil, disagreement, and legal fees. Disagreements such as: What is it really worth? Who should receive it? What is an equitable monetary figure to compensate the person who does not receive an item? Are all quite common.
WARNING: Don't make the mistake so many do by assuming the appraised value is equal to monetary value. It is NOT.
You can count on your Lindstrom & McKenney Estate Specialist to understand the pain involved in this process and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision. They can work with your attorney and provide you with supporting facts that can save you thousands of dollars in fees as you navigate the uncertain waters ahead.
