Articles by Oakleigh Wealth
Introducing Wealth.com: DIY Estate Planning with Advisor Support
Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Wealth.com, you can create a legally valid will or trust from the comfort of your home—no attorney required (unless you want one). This modern platform walks you through each step, and while Oakleigh Wealth doesn’t provide legal advice, we’re here to help you understand the key terms and decisions along the way.
Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder: What the OBBBA Means for Your Taxes and Planning
On July 4, 2025, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) was signed into law. While the name might sound like a joke, the changes it introduces to the tax code are very real, and they’ll affect nearly every household in some way, especially retirees and those approaching retirement.
Why Reviewing Your Beneficiaries Should Be Part of Your Regular Financial Checkup
When it comes to estate planning, one of the most overlooked—but most important—steps is reviewing your beneficiary designations. These designations can override the instructions in your will or trust, which is why they warrant regular attention.
The Five Major Decisions of Every Estate Plan
Estate Planning is an essential component of your overall financial plan. It allows you to gain some control over aspects of your life both during your lifetime and after your death.
Five major decisions go into each estate plan. Those decisions are described below, along with examples and a description of people in your life that may be up to the task.
Will vs. Trust
One of the most common questions I get around estate planning is, “What is the difference between a will and a trust?”
There are a few similarities but a lot of differences, too. In both cases, these documents are a part of your Estate Plan – to have a complete Estate Plan, there are also powers of attorney for medical and financial purposes and other documents needed.
Whether a will-based or trust-based estate plan is right for you depends on your specific wishes and the contours of your financial situation.
You need a will, but do you need a lawyer?
Estate planning can be an uncomfortable subject. Most of us would prefer not to think about our demise, so we avoid it. Or, you may not know where to start, and the added hurdle of finding a lawyer has led you to put off creating or updating your will. But, like most people, you probably don’t need a layer to make a will.