Helping a child to successfully establish independence is never easy, and more challenging now. Rent prices are through the roof. College loans, car loans, medical insurance, and the dreaded credit card bills (thanks to Uber and Amazon) can make the financial aspect of leaving home seem very scary at the least.

There are several Estate Tax planning opportunities available to individuals to help prepare for the sundown of the TCJA and to take advantage of today’s favorable tax laws.

Recently banks in financial distress (SVP, Credit Suisse, etc.) have been in the news, which can create anxious times for bank depositors. But it is important to note most traditional banks in the United States are FDIC insured, which should provide comfort to some consumers.