Month: July 2026
What Is a Trust?

What Is a Trust?

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What is a trust, and why do so many families use them in estate planning? In this YSR FAQ episode, Dennis explains the basics of revocable living trusts and how they help simplify estate settlement while avoiding probate.

This conversation covers how trusts are structured, how assets are transferred into a trust, and why many people use trusts to help manage property, investment accounts, and inheritance instructions. Dennis also explains the difference between trustees and executors, as well as common mistakes people make after setting up a trust, including forgetting to properly retitle assets.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a trust might make sense for your family or what actually happens when property is placed inside one, this episode provides a practical overview in plain language.

Key takeaways:

  • What a revocable living trust is
  • How trusts help avoid probate
  • Why assets must be retitled correctly
  • The role of a trustee 
  • And more!

Connect with Dennis O’Keefe: 

All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement of any third party, or as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, legal, or consulting services, and should not be acted upon without obtaining specific advice from a qualified professional. We believe the information presented to be reliable, but it is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Any opinions or statements by third parties are their own and may not be representative of the experience of others or indicative of future investment performance or success. No compensation has been exchanged for any testimonials, endorsements, and/or recognitions.
Should I Put My House in an Irrevocable Trust?

Should I Put My House in an Irrevocable Trust?

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Should you place your house into an irrevocable trust? In this YSR FAQ episode, Dennis explains why irrevocable trusts can become far more complicated than many people expect.

This conversation covers why families consider irrevocable trusts for nursing home or Medicaid planning, along with the long-term tradeoffs that come with giving up control of property. Dennis also explains the tax implications of selling a home inside an irrevocable trust, how step-up in basis rules work, and why timing matters when considering these strategies.

If you’ve heard that irrevocable trusts automatically protect your assets, this episode provides a balanced perspective on both the potential benefits and the risks families should carefully evaluate before making permanent decisions.

Key takeaways:

  • What makes an irrevocable trust different
  • Why timing and age matter
  • The risks of losing control over property
  • Potential tax consequences for heirs 
  • And more!

Connect with Dennis O’Keefe: 

All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement of any third party, or as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, legal, or consulting services, and should not be acted upon without obtaining specific advice from a qualified professional. We believe the information presented to be reliable, but it is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Any opinions or statements by third parties are their own and may not be representative of the experience of others or indicative of future investment performance or success. No compensation has been exchanged for any testimonials, endorsements, and/or recognitions.
Estate Planning Mistakes That Can Burden Your Family (Ep. 141)

Estate Planning Mistakes That Can Burden Your Family (Ep. 141)

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Estate planning is easy to delay until the people you love are left sorting through the fallout.

What happens when missing documents, wrong beneficiaries, or an unfunded trust create delays, costs, and family stress?

In this episode, Dennis O’Keefe shares hard-earned lessons about estate planning mistakes that can burden children and other loved ones. He covers why wills matter, how powers of attorney work, why beneficiary choices are critical, how to choose the right people for key roles, and why funding a trust may be one of the biggest steps families overlook.

Key takeaways:

  • Why a will helps direct assets instead of leaving major decisions to state intestacy laws
  • How durable and springing powers of attorney can affect family decisions during illness
  • Why naming an estate as a beneficiary can create taxes, probate delays, and family conflict
  • How choosing trustees, executors, and proxies requires judgment, not family rank
  • Why an unfunded living trust may still leave your family dealing with probate costs
  • And more!

Connect with Dennis O’Keefe: 

All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement of any third party, or as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, legal, or consulting services, and should not be acted upon without obtaining specific advice from a qualified professional. We believe the information presented to be reliable, but it is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Any opinions or statements by third parties are their own and may not be representative of the experience of others or indicative of future investment performance or success. No compensation has been exchanged for any testimonials, endorsements, and/or recognitions.