Ask Todd: Estate Planning Mistakes That Can Disinherit Your Family

Simple estate planning shortcuts can create major problems for your family.Todd Lutsky explains why joint accounts and basic beneficiary designations often backfire—and how they can unintentionally disinherit children or trigger unnecessary taxes.Also covered:Why joint ownership can undermine estate tax planningHow beneficiary mistakes can leave assets to the wrong personThe advantages of trusts for control, protection, and flexibilityHow trusts work after death—and what trustees actually doWhen assets receive a step-up in basis (and when they don’t)From avoiding probate to protecting your heirs, this episode breaks down how to structure your estate the right way.