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Trust: The Social Virtues & the Creation of Prosperity

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:23:29 +0000

In The End of History, Francis Fukuyama showed that the human historical process had culminated in a universal capitalist and democratic order. The end of the Cold War thus marked the end of ideological politics and the beginning of a struggle for position in the rapidly emerging order of 21st century capitalism. Yet despite the historic convergence of economic and political institutions throughout the world, we still see a great deal of social and cultural turbulence, not only in the West but in the emerging liberal states of Asia and Latin America. Now that Marxist economics and social engineering both have been discredited, Fukuyama asks, what principles should guide us in making our own society more productive and secure? In Trust, a sweeping assessment of the emerging global economic order "after History," Fukuyama examines a wide range of national cultures in order to divine the hidden principles that make a good and prosperous society, and his findings strongly challenge the orthodoxies of both left and right. Conservative economists believe that only free markets can liberate individual initiative and thereby foster greater prosperity, an assumption that dovetails with the popular myth that America was built by rugged individualists making unfettered "rational" choices. If Marxist economics undervalued the role of individual choice in a market economy, neoclassical goes too far in the other direction, promoting a radical individualism that neglects the moral basis of community and ignores the many "irrational" factors that influence economic behavior. In fact, economic life is pervaded by culture and depends, Fukuyama maintains, on moral bonds of social trust. This is the unspoken, unwritten bond between fellow citizens that facilitates transactions, empowers individual creativity, and justifies collective action. In the global struggle for economic predominance that is now upon us -- a struggle in which cultural differences will become the chief determinant of national success -- the social capital represented by trust will be as important as physical capital. But trust varies greatly from one society to another, and a map of how social capital is distributed around the world yields many surprises. For instance, contrary to the assumptions of the "competitiveness" school, the United States has historically been quite similar to Japan in levels of social trust; and both differ greatly from low-trust Chinese Confucian societies on the one hand, or Latin Catholic societies like France and Italy on the other. Fukuyama argues that only those societies with a high degree of social trust will be able to create the kind of flexible, large-scale business organizations that are needed for successful competition in the emerging global economy. The greatness of this country, he maintains, was built not on its imagined ethos of individualism but on the cohesiveness of its civil associations and the strength of its communities. But Fukuyama warns that our drift into a more and more extreme rights-centered individualism -- a radical departure from our past communitarian tradition -- holds more peril for the future of America than any competition from abroad.

The Executor’s Guide: Settling a Loved One’s Estate or Trust

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:23:29 +0000

Settling an estate can be like moving through a maze -- let The Executor's Guide lead the way. If you're faced with wrapping up the affairs of a loved one who has died, you may feel overwhelmed by all the work ahead -- especially when you're grieving. But with the right legal and practical information, you can do it. The Executor's Guide will help you get organized and make progress one step at a time, by assisting you in navigating an unfamiliar land of legal procedures and terminology. It explains how to: prepare for the job of executor or trustee take your first steps claim life insurance, Social Security and other benefits make sense of a will what to do if there is no will determine whether probate is necessary care for children and their property file taxes deal with family members handle trusts look up your state's laws work with lawyers, appraisers, accountants and other experts The 4th edition contains updated tables outlining key points of each state's laws, the latest information on estate taxes and worksheets that help you stay organized and on track. (20080202)

The Living Trust : The Failproof Way to Pass Along Your Estate to Your Heirs

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:23:29 +0000

If you are concerned about estate planning you may be surprised that, even with a will, the probate system can eat up as much as 10 percent of an inheritance and delay the process two years. In The Living Trust, noted living trust authority Henry Abts presents a simple, inexpensive legal alternative that eliminates the costs and delays of probate and ensures that your loved ones will receive their inheritance promptly and exactly as you intended. This new edition has been completely updated to reflect the federal tax codes and up-to-the-minute developments in the legal system.

Make Your Own Living Trust

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:23:29 +0000

Most of us know that upon our demise, a succession of fees and taxes will eat into our estates--no matter their size--if we don't plan now to protect them. Unfortunately, many of us still postpone this process because we hesitate to summon the outside legal assistance that's traditionally been required. The folks at Nolo Press have made it their mission to provide us with the means to complete a relatively uncomplicated official arrangement like this without lawyers, however, and their third edition of Make Your Own Living Trust offers hope even to the most hesitant among us. With easy-to-follow instructions, helpful worksheets, and all of the forms necessary, attorney Denis Clifford shows both individuals and couples how to avoid otherwise inevitable delays and costs by preparing on their own to transfer their property directly to their designated heirs. Clifford's method involves the creation of a "living trust," which is a basic legal entity that allows property to be simply passed along in this way immediately upon the death of the person who created it. He outlines advantages and drawbacks, and then clearly lays out the entire process. The excuses stop here. --Howard Rothman

The Living Trust Advisor: Everything You Need to Know About Your Living Trust

admin — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 17:23:29 +0000

Praise for The Living Trust Advisor "The Living Trust Advisor is a necessary survival guide in the inheritance arena for every American in these turbulent economic times." --Congressman Thaddeus McCotter "Living trusts can be the most important part of an estate plan-saving time and money by reducing or eliminating estate taxes and by avoiding probate. For all those who have or are considering a living trust, The Living Trust Advisor is an invaluable source and an essential tool for any estate plan. Your beneficiaries will thank you." --Angelique M. Neal, former attorney with the IRS, Office of Chief Counsel, Los Angeles "In The Living Trust Advisor Jeffrey Condon not only shows how to make the baffling world of trusts work for the average person, but gives invaluable advice on navigating the complex web of family emotions that inevitably come to the surface in estate planning. His expert advice and guidance should be on the bookshelf of anyone who needs more than just a basic will." --Brian J. O'Connor, Personal Finance Editor, The Detroit News "Jeffrey Condon bonds with the reader on a level that encourages our complete trust in his trust instructions. In this book, he wisely walks readers through all of the pitfalls, tax implications, changes that may occur, and subsequent legal implications. The Living Trust Advisor is a fine and entertaining read as well as an indispensable resource for everyone in need of advice and compassion in making a will or a trust." --Grady Harp, Reviewer for Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Powells, Reuters, USA Today, and Blogging Authors, Author of War Songs, and contributor of essays to museum catalogues

Estate & Trust Administration For Dummies

admin — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 17:23:29 +0000

Executing an estate or a trust fund is a big responsibility. Estate & TrustÂ Administration For Dummies contains advice for handling estates and trusts of any size. It offers solid pointers on reading and interpreting a will and other documents, and helping heirs avoid paying too much (or too little). It also shows you how to take care of a loved one's estate in the event that a will or trust was never created. This authoritative, plain-English guide helps you understand and follow the rules that govern estates and trusts, ensure a smooth transfer of property, and manage fiduciary affairs in an orderly manner. Youâ��ll get help choosing and assembling a team of professional advisors, settling debts and paying bequests, operating a revocable or irrevocable trust, and making sound trust investment decisions. Discover how to: Understand executorsâ�� and trusteesâ�� duties Read and interpret important documents Properly execute an estate or trust Handle estates both large and small Get familiar with the probate process and estate taxes Identify different types of trusts Follow the deceasedâ��s wishes â�� and the law Notify insurers and employers of a death Follow the steps for closing an estate Establish, fund, and change ownership of a trust Keep proper trust records Yes, you can do the job and do it well. All you need is a little help from Estate and TrustÂ Administration For Dummies.

Suze Orman Will & Trust Kit

admin — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:23:29 +0000

This is an easy-to-use and fast way for you and other members of your household to create your own advance directive, also known as a living will, durable power of attorney for health care, living revocable trust, and all the other must-have documents you need to protect you and your family. Itâ��s as easy as 1-2-3â��simply personalize, print, and protect. Suze Orman and her own estate trust attorney have created the most state-of-the-art documents found anywhere. There are more than $2,500 worth of estate documents in this kit. Why pay thousands of dollars when you can get the same documents in this kit! This kit includes: â�¢ More than 50 state-of-the-art documents â�¢ Free automatic on-line updates â�¢ Verbal and written instructions taking you step by step through the four must-have documents â�¢ Password protection securing multiple usersâ�� information â�¢ A tutorial that shows you everything you need to know â�¢ 10 electronic books PC and Macintosh Compatible . . . and good in all 50 states!

Suze Orman’s Will & Trust Kit: The Ultimate Protection Portfolio

admin — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 17:23:29 +0000

NEW, ONLINE VERSION!Â Â Â Â Â This is an easy-to-use and fast way for you and other members of your household to create your own will, living revocable trust, and all the other must-have documents you need to protect you and your family. Itâ��s as easy as 1-2-3Â�simply personalize, print, and protect. Â Â Â Â Â Suze Orman and her own estate trust attorney have created the most state-of-the-art documents found anywhere. There are more than $2,500 worth of estate documents in this kit. Why pay thousands of dollars when you can get the same documents in this kit for $19.95! Â Â Â Â Â This kit includes:Â�Â Â Â Â More than 50 state-of-the-art documentsÂ�Â Â Â Â Free automatic on-line updatesÂ�Â Â Â Â Verbal and written instructions taking you step by step through the four must-have documentsÂ�Â Â Â Â Password protection securing multiple usersâ�� informationÂ�Â Â Â Â A tutorial that shows you everything you need to knowÂ�Â Â Â Â 10 electronic booksÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â PC and Macintosh Compatible . . . and good in all 50 states!Â

Living Trust Maker

admin — Mon, 03 May 2010 17:09:27 +0000

Spare your family the hassle and expense of probate! Â Probate court proceedings can take months, and cost thousands of dollars. A living trust lets survivors transfer property quickly and easily to the people who inherit it. Living Trust Maker software includes everything you need to create your own valid living trust. Just launch the software and follow the easy, question-and-answer format. In little time, and at a fraction of the cost of a lawyer, you can create: Â â�¢ a valid living trust, tailored to your wishes â�¢ a trust for an individual or a couple â�¢ a trust that matches the laws of your state* â�¢ a children's subtrust (for property left to children and young adults) â�¢ custodianships for property left to children Â Should you later have a change of mind or circumstances, no problem! The software lets you can make as many revisions to your documents as needed. Â If you get stuck along the way, online help is always available. The helpful, plain-English legal manual will show you: Â â�¢ what property to put in your trust, and what to leave out â�¢ how living trusts provide for property management in the event of incapacity â�¢ whether to use a trust for an individual or couple â�¢ how to pick a trustee â�¢ how to transfer property, including real estate and bank accounts, to your trust â�¢ and everything else you need to know to ensure your trust reflects your needs. Â PLUS: When you register your copy of Living Trust Maker software, you'll be able to download a free eBook of Plan Your Estate -- Nolo's comprehensive guide to estate planning, valued at $28.99 Â *Estate-planning documents not valid in Louisiana.