Editorial Review

Planning your estate is one of the most complicated endeavors you'll ever undertake, yet its results are also the most far-reaching; after all, it will continue to affect those you care about long after you no longer can. So it's worth understanding all the options and ramifications, being personally involved, and doing it right. This Nolo Press guide to estate planning is an excellent source of information on the many various details and considerations that you need to take into account--such as children and probate, estate and gift taxes, second marriages, and a wide variety of trust options (charitable, generation-skipping, spendthrift, living, and educational, for starters). It delves into the factors that affect married people versus single, the laws regarding children, types of beneficiaries and wills, plus joint tenancy, life insurance, retirement benefits, taxes, and organ donation. Showing a number of sample estate plans, explaining what hiring a lawyer can do for you (and how to choose a good one), how to do your own research, and including a glossary of estate-planning terms, Clifford and Jordan give you the tools to decide for yourself how you want your estate disposed of--and to make sure that's what your legal documents reflect.Read more

Reviews (11)

Excellent resource
This book is a must buy resource for persons interested in estate planning.Whether you are planning to do-it-yourself or use a lawyer, it is good to know what your options are.I am much better informed after reading this book.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Techniques
This book provides an easy to understand overview of estate planning plus easy to understand detail on many special circumstances.It is very easy to understand which estate planning techniques are right for you, and there are many examples that illustrate how the techniques work.Approximately half of this book is relevant to everyone.The other half gives clear, common sense explantions of advanced planning techniques that are typically reserved for those fortunate enough to be planning a high net worth estate (lets say $1M+).The advanced techniques are not for do it yourselfers, but the book gives you a good understanding of the issues and lets you converse intelligently with an attorney.

A "must-have", "do-it-yourself" legal resource
Now in a newly updated and expanded seventh edition, Plan Your Estate is a resource provided by attorneys Denis Clifford and Cora Jordan which is packed from cover to cover with everything anyone needs to know to ensure their worldly goods are promptly willed to loved ones. Written in no-nonsense terms that the non-specialist general reader can readily grasp, individual chapters clearly address wills, how to avoid probate, living trusts, property-control trusts, naming guardians for children and leaving property to children, estate taxes, living wills, how to reduce estate taxes, and much, much more. Especially recommended for individuals who own a business or who have children from a former marriage, Plan Your Estate is a "must-have", "do-it-yourself" legal resource, which is applicable to all American states except for Louisiana. Even those who prefer to let a professional handle the whole process of estate planning would be well served to read Plan Your Estate cover to cover, before stepping into an attorney's office where time is money and the clock is running.
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Subjects:  1. Administrative Law & Regulatory Practice    2. Estate Planning    3. Estates & Trusts    4. General    5. Law    6. Legal Reference / Law Profession    7. Popular works    8. Practical Guides    9. United States   

Reviews (3)

Full of Useful Information But Needs an Editor
This book is full of useful information and strategies for active traders and investors. However, it is poorly written. The author repeats himself often, while omitting important information that I guess he assumes the reader knows (for example that the mark to market election can only be changed once chosen with the specific consent of the IRS). Sections and subheadings are poorly organized. Often the author writes something like: "we recommend X for the following reasons" and no reasons follow. The book desperately needs editing. If you are prepared to put up with this and have a good understanding of the basics of the tax code as they apply to investing already then this book is very worthwhile reading. I am just starting Ted Tesser's book on taxes for traders. It is a MUCH better read. I have yet to see if it is as useful.

Everything you wanted (and need) to know...
If you are an active trader, this book MUST find its way into your hands. It covers every issue necessary to help you in filing your taxes with trader status. If you can file as a trader, a whole new world of business expense deductions will be open to you. I found that this book answered every question I had, along with some I hadn't even thought of yet.
Read it before visiting your CPA
The book discusses issues that should be considered before filing as a trader.It also discusses factors that traders should consider before electing mark-to-market accounting.The guidance here is consistent with what I've read and heard from other credible sources.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Consumer Finance    4. Floor traders (Finance)    5. Investments & Securities - General    6. Law and legislation    7. Personal Finance - Taxation    8. Securities    9. Tax planning    10. Taxation    11. Taxation - General    12. United States    13. Business & Economics / Taxation / General   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Taxation    4. Taxation - General   

Reviews (19)

Dangerous Advice that could get you in trouble...
Famous authors of several other books like this one, for example Jerome Schneider, have already been * convicted * of tax fraud and have handed over their entire client lists to the US Government.
Don't read at your peril
If you are looking for a "feel good" book that only gives you the sugar frosting about offshore without warning you about the many pitfalls, then this book isn't for you.
Pretty good book for newbies
This is a good book for teaching newbies the basics of how to go offshore, open bank accounts, and (perhaps most importantly) avoid offshore scams.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Consumer Finance    3. Estate planning    4. International - General    5. International business enterpr    6. International business enterprises    7. Law and legislation    8. Money & Monetary Policy    9. Personal Finance    10. Personal Finance - Investing    11. Personal Finance - Money Management    12. Tax planning    13. Taxation    14. United States    15. Banking    16. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General    17. Investment & securities   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Estates & Trusts    5. Taxation    6. Taxation - Corporate    7. Taxation - General    8. Business & Economics / Taxation / General    9. USA   

Subjects:  1. Gifts    2. Inheritance and transfer tax    3. Law    4. Law and legislation    5. Taxation    6. United States   

Reviews (2)

Los Angeles Times review was on the money!
After reading a review of this book in the Los Angeles Times I went and bought this book for myself. I skimmed over the various chapters and have read the ones that were most important to my situation. I certainly agree with the very favorable review it received in many ways. But, most importantly, you don't have to be a millionaire investor to get a wealth of information that this book provides. Easy read, too!

Perfect!!
Finally, a book that makes the IRS easier to understand.Through his real life examples and charts, it's made easy for me.After reading this book, my family & friends now think I'm an expert.I'm telling my accountant what I need to do!Who would of thought?I highly reccommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Law and legislation    5. Real Estate - General    6. Real Estate - Investments    7. Real estate investment    8. Taxation    9. Taxation - General    10. United States    11. Business & Economics / Real Estate    12. Investment & securities   

Reviews (8)

Shipping SUCKS!!!!!!!!
I ordered this two months ago.Got an extension on 2006 filing because AMAZON said it wouldn't ship until yesterday April 29 (yeah right) Now today Amazon says it will not ship until May 19. WHAT IS GOING ON AMAZON?!?!?!

JK Lasser Taxes
Book is well written and comprehensive. It catagorizes the tax laws and give easy to understand examples.

Taxpayer's Reference Guide
Your Income Tax for 2006, by J.K. Lasser
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer Finance    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Income tax    6. Personal Finance    7. Personal Finance - Taxation    8. Tax returns    9. Taxation - General    10. United States    11. Business & Economics / Taxation / General    12. Taxation   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (14)

Crucial Information
This book contains must have information for anyone owning an IRA. I had a previous version and wanted to keep current as I approach the magic age. This book tells you how to avoid fines and penalties from the dastardly IRS. Keep as much of your hard earned savings as possible for as long as possible by reading this book several times then saving it for future reference. I also marked many pages for my beneficiaries just in case. Do yourself a favor and invest in this book.

Very User Friendly!
The book is well organized.I was able to use it, immediately, to answer 'basic questions' to help a relative avoid a costly mistake and, more importantly, to learn 'options' that could help.Though I am an insurance agent, I've had little exposure to the 401(k), IRA, etc., market.This book is quickly moving me to the 'top 20% group' of informed agents and financial advisors.I highly recommend it, thanks to Ed Slott!

Pay attention to the sub-title
The reviewer plugging the "MarketBuster" book has totally missed the point of this NOLO book, which is given in the subtitle: Taking Your Money Out. The reviewer is talking about strategies for growing your account.
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Subjects:  1. 401(k) plans    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Consumer Finance    5. Deferred compensation    6. Individual retirement accounts    7. Law and legislation    8. Personal Finance    9. Personal Finance - 401k    10. Personal Finance - General    11. Personal Finance - IRA    12. Personal Finance - Retirement Planning    13. Personal Finance - Taxation    14. Popular works    15. Retirement Plans    16. Tax Law    17. Taxation    18. United States   

Reviews (1)

Covers the new law comprehensively and accessibly
To begin with, bankruptcy law changed completely as of October 17, 2005 for really the first time since 1978. Therefore, all books published before that date are pretty much worthless since they are giving you outdated advice on the old law. Of the ones that are in print covering the new law that I have looked through, this one seems to be the best combination of accessible and complete. It does a good job of answering common questions that a person would ask about bankruptcy in the new environment, as well as going into painstaking detail about all of the changes to the law, including the new means test. Included are the steps you need to take to declare bankruptcy, the order in which you need to take them, and the forms you need to fill out. The book also talks about impacts to your life you might not have thought of, such as how declaring bankruptcy might impact your ability to get certain types of jobs or even auto insurance of all things! The reason I have read so much about this is not that I have declared or am planning to declare bankruptcy. Just call me an interested citizen that followed the debate over the new law very carefully and therefore I know a little more than the average citizen about what is in the new law. That is how I know that this book covers and emphasizes the changes so well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bankruptcy    2. Bankruptcy & Insolvency    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Consumer Finance    5. Estate Planning    6. Law    7. Personal Finance - General    8. Popular works    9. Tax Law    10. Taxation    11. United States   

Subjects:  1. Accounting - General    2. Law    3. Legal Reference / Law Profession    4. Taxation    5. Taxation - General    6. Business & Economics / Taxation / General    7. USA   

Reviews (4)

Very helpful book on touchy subject
This book deals with the emotional side of the will - how to pass on your values and feelings as well as your money.How to discuss your will (or not) with your heirs beforehand, and how to write it so there will be no wrangling afterwards.
Avoid Problems Down the Road
As a legal aid hotline attorney and also the owner of a medical supply business, I frequently hear about the stress, conflict and heartache that careless estate planning can cause in families.This excellent book presents individuals planning their estates with excellent suggestions and issues to think about to avoid future problems.There is a lot more to estate planning than dollars and cents and this insightful and thoughtful book helps make important, difficult decisions easier.I will recommend this book to my customer and clients.

The Good Will helps create a holistic will
Creating the Good Will is an eye opener. As an elder care columnist/speaker/author I've read and written about this subject many times. As a veteran of 20 years of caregiving, I've had to deal with a lot of end-of-life paperwork. Elizabeth Arnold has written the most readable, well-rounded and compassionate book on end-of-life planning that I've read, and she's made it enjoyable, as well. Her gift for stories, which I believe are the best teachers, makes this book come alive. I recommend it to anyone interested in the subject - which we all should be.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Consumer Finance    3. Estate Planning    4. Estates & Trusts    5. Personal Finance    6. Personal Finance - Financial Planning    7. Personal Finance - General    8. Popular works    9. Psychological aspects    10. United States    11. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General   

Subjects:  1. Government - Legislative Branch    2. Government - U.S. Government    3. Law    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. Taxation    6. Business & Economics / Taxation / General    7. USA   

Reviews (5)

Highly RecommendedLifetime Guide on How to Prepare, Preserve and Protect Your Estate Matters
Patti Spencer, Esquire, is widely recognized as an authority on estate planning matters.She has written a weekly column in the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal, "Taxing Matters" since 1999.Her book, "YOUR ESTATE MATTERS" grew out of those weekly columns.Patti is known for her "down to earth" conversational style and for using humor in presenting what most times is a dry and dull subject.Patti presents very valuable information and advice which will enable the reader to greatly incerease their knowledge on the subject.The book is easy to read and helps debunk many myths about estate planning, including the one about:if you don't have a will, the state gets everything."This book is the one resource I have found that provides practical and understandable advice and reasonings regarding estate matters.Patti has really hit a home run with this book.It is a must read for anyone, from an individual, a retiree, a business person or anyone who is getting prepared to address their estate matters.In 35 years of professional life, this is one of those valuable resources that has the potential to have a profound impact on changing the way people think about the subject of estate planning.I highly recommennd this book and will be sure that my business clients, especially those with family owned businesses, get this book and read it cover to cover.It should become a part of every business owner's business survival kit and everyone's personal library.
good organization of estate planning topics
The columns are interesting in themselves, but are much more searchable with an index and grouping by subject, starting from planning early in life, then progressing through changing needds at marraige, parenthood, retirment, and estate settlement.This is a great guide for learning about transfer of wealth and how the government is a party to it.The quotations at the beginning of some topics are a nice opeing statement to get you thinking philosophically about a subject, or just to give you a chuckle while reading an otherwise dry subject.

Helpful and Humorous
I was thrilled to find that someone finally wrote a resouce book that I can understand that answers my financial and estate planning questions!The author's sense of humor actually turned dull topics into fun reading.I recommend this book for anyone planning to see an attorney for a will or estate settlement. You'll be well prepared. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Administrative Law & Regulatory Practice    2. Estate planning    3. Estates & Trusts    4. Law    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Popular works    7. Tax planning    8. United States    9. Constitutional & administrative law    10. Equity & trusts   

Reviews (9)

OK as a reference dictionary
The book is useful as a reference dictionary of accounting and tax related terminology.I was expecting instead a listing of deductions as implied by the title.

Best Layman's Tax Book
No tax code just no non-sense explainations of what is and is not deductible. I am a tax preparer and I give these to all of my small business clients

Great addition to your library of books on biz deductions
This is a great book for starters. It shows each deduction with explanation. I still use it as a reference before calling my accountant. There is not much surprises as far as new deductions but this books is a great addition to your reference library.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Reference - General    4. Small Business - General    5. Small Business/Entrepreneurship    6. Taxation    7. Business & Economics / Reference   

Editorial Review

Problems resulting from tax law blunders aren't new. Tax attorney Michael Savage contends, however, that small businesses that run afoul of the Internal Revenue Service and face big fines are often not guilty of malfeasance; rather, he says, they simply lack the wherewithal to handle complicated regulations as competently as their larger counterparts. In Read more

Reviews (7)

Excellent Text
Simply an excellent little book, concise and written in a very clear format. Indeed, not making just one of the many mistakes the author comments upon could save your business thousands in taxes, fines and penalties.
Too much exaggeration
The contents in this book are not really new. The author tends to exaggerate things quite a bit. Examples in the book may be true, but grossly sensationalized and hardly applicable to any real world case.

Great book - concise and helpful
This book outlines 76 ways that small businesses often get in trouble with the IRS. A lot of these mistakes are very tempting to make -- in fact, onecan argue that it's the tax law that's the problem in many cases, not thebusiness practice. Nonetheless, the author makes clear the IRS position onthese mistakes, and shows how damaging the mistakes can be when the IRSwins in tax court over the business owners.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Income tax    4. Law and legislation    5. Popular works    6. Small Business - General    7. Small Business Finance    8. Small Business/Entrepreneurship    9. Small business    10. Tax Accounting    11. Taxation    12. Taxation - General    13. United States    14. Financial, taxation, commercial, industrial law    15. Small businesses & self-employed    16. USA   

Reviews (3)

Want a quick summary of this book?Here ya go ...
Leaving money to kids is stupid.It will make them lazy and profligate.Instead, leave your money to charities.Like the ones run by the people who write glowing endorsements of this book.Whatever you do, don't leave money to any wicked organizations that promote abortion or free thought.
Recommended but not without its problems
"Splitting Heirs" is an appropriate title for this book and the problems it deals with.So often people fail to plan for their eventual death and everything they have spent years accumulating ends up in the hands of the court system, lawyers, and others.Even when they do plan it often ends up in the hands of their children who may or may not be mature enough to handle the windfall.The parable of the prodigal son often comes to mind as children squander their inheritance. Best book I've read about true wealth
This book can be read in a night but contains wisdom for a lifetime.Expecting another book about estate planning, I was pleased to find only the essential data needed to introduce the subject and the bulk of the content about thoughtfully (and prayerfully) making the six decisions about wealth transfer.This is the first book I have read by Ron Blue but I suspect it is one of his best.Intertwined between the chapters teaching us about the six decisions of wealth transfer are sole searching questions, historical examples of heros in philanthropy, and humorous cartoons introducing each chapter. But the real treasures in this book are the biblical references with reminders of the definition of stewardship in nearly every chapter - "God owns it all" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Consumer Finance    4. Estate planning    5. Estates & Trusts    6. Finance, Personal    7. Personal Finance - General    8. Religion    9. Religious aspects    10. United States    11. Wills    12. Religion / Stewardship   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (10)

Excellent, Especially the Advice on Dealing with the IRS
Easy-to-read, well organized, and thoroughly helpful. I recommend "Taxes 2005 for Dummies" to people who want to prepare their own taxes, either by hand or by computer. Excellent advice and strategies for dealing with the IRS.
Readable and Helpful
I purchased this book because I was using TaxCut Standard, which is not very helpful at times, and I got stuck on a particular form. This book helped me to understand the Individual 1040, using language that is more clear and personable than the official IRS instructions. Comprehensive, but sometimes vague
I like this book a lot, because it gave me great ideas about how to structure my finances to take advantage of the tax deductions the government provides.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Income Taxes    4. Income tax    5. Law and legislation    6. Personal Finance    7. Personal Finance - Taxation    8. Popular works    9. Tax planning    10. Tax returns    11. United States    12. British Isles    13. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Taxation    14. Taxation   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Taxation - General    5. Business & Economics / Taxation / General    6. Taxation    7. USA   

Subjects:  1. Corporations    2. Law    3. Law and legislation    4. Taxation    5. United States