As Valentine's Day approaches, you might be thinking about flowers, chocolates, or a romantic dinner. And hey, those are all great (who doesn’t love a little chocolate unless you’re like me, on a sugar fast?). But what if I told you there's a way to show your love that lasts far longer than roses and holds far more meaning than any box of truffles? I'm talking about estate planning—the ultimate love letter to the people you care about most.

When you create an estate plan that includes a living trust, you've taken an essential step toward protecting your home and family from the cost of court. However, many people don't realize that placing their home in a trust requires updating their homeowner's insurance policy. Without this crucial step, you could face a devastating scenario: paying out of pocket for significant damage because your insurance claim was denied. Let's explore how to ensure your trust and insurance work together to protect your most valuable asset.

​​Surveys conducted in 2024 by Caring.com and Ameriprise Financial revealed a troubling trend: Americans are falling behind on estate planning. The Caring.com survey revealed that only 32% of Americans have a will - a 6% decline from 2023. The Ameriprise survey found that 52% of couples lack estate plans. These statistics highlight a dangerous disconnect between understanding the importance of estate planning and taking action. Let's examine these misconceptions and their potentially devastating consequences.

Imagine discovering thousands of dollars that belong to you, only to be told you can't have it....