Leave a Legacy

"Leave a Legacy" is a series of thirteen half hour programs designed to provide the viewer with an overview of the estate planning process. The series covers topics such as wills, trusts and trust based planning, business and business exit planning, power of attorney, charitable planning, ownership, incompetence and intestacy, financial planning and insurance planning. The series will make you aware of the need for creating a well thought out estate plan.

Episode List

Estate Planning - an introduction (BILL WINTER)

What is estate planning and why do I care about it? A general discussion of the topic, a broad overview of different planning opportunities, definitions etc.

Ownership - What's in a name? (DAVID CLAUSS)

This show focuses on how people own their property and explains the ramifications of each type of ownership. Ownership types discussed includes single names, joint ownership, survivorship rights, tenants in common, holding property in a business name, holding property in a trust name, TODs/PODs (Transfer or Pay on Death accounts).

Wills - What they are and how they work (DENNIS COOK; BILL WINTER)

Obviously the discussion here centers on will-based planning. What is a Will, how does one create a Will, how do they work during your lifetime, and how do they work when you die. What do they cost now, and what are probate costs later?

Powers of Attorney - What are they and how do they work? (DENNIS COOK; BILL WINTER)

If a person cannot handle his own affairs for whatever reason, what can he/she do make sure that someone can look out for his/her affairs "in case something should happen." We'll discuss financial powers of attorney, general vs. special powers of attorney, what makes a power of attorney "durable," health care powers and living wills.

Incompetence and Intestacy - What happens if you become incapacitated or die in Wyoming with no plan in place? (DENNIS COOK; BILL WINTER)

For those who do no planning, the legislature has written your plan. What is a guardianship and how does it work? What is a conservatorship and how does it work? What does it mean to die intestate and who inherits. How does the Court decide who runs your affairs?

Sophisticated Estate Planning - Techniques of the rich and famous (DENNIS COOK; BILL WINTER)

How is it that the very wealthy legally avoid taxes? Put another way, what legal techniques are used by the rich that permit them to pay the least amount of taxes possible? This show will discuss advanced estate planning techniques used by the top 2% of all Americans in terms of wealth.

Trust Based Planning - What is it? (DENNIS COOK; BILL WINTER)

This show focuses on the anatomy of a trust. What are trusts, why do people use them, and how do they work?

Charitable Planning - How can people do good and well at the same time? (DAVID CLAUSS)

The focus of this show is on the various charitable planning techniques that people use to benefit their favorite charities or causes, and how their charitable intentions fir into a well designed estate plan.

Business Planning - Let's get to work (DAVID CLAUSS)

A discussion of various business entities, including sole proprietorships, general and limited partnerships, "S" and "C" corporations, and limited liability companies. Why and how do people use these tools? How can one limit his liability use a business entity?

Business Exit Planning - Leaving your business in style (DENNIS COOK; BILL WINTER)

One of the most overlooked parts of business planning is deciding how a business person is going to leave his or her business. Most business planning centers around income tax and asset protection issues, but few business people deal with the inevitable process of leaving their business voluntarily or involuntarily, and if voluntarily how can one afford to leave his business?

Financial Planning - an introduction to personal financial planning (TBD - CPA)

How does a person develop a financial plan, integrate it properly to achieve his or her life goals, maintain it and adjust it over a lifetime? This program features a broad discussion of the topic. The presenter will discuss various investment options, define investment terms, and demystify the types of investment choices available to the personal investor.

Insurance Planning - Understanding the basics (FRANK KELLY)

An overview explaining the myriad of insurance options available in the marketplace. A discussion of what problems are solved by insurance products and how to develop an integrated plan to deal with the dangers of modern life. Discussion will include everything from basic property casualty insurance options, to life insurance choices, to long term care insurance coverages, and annuity options.

Show 13 - Roundtable Discussion

An overview of estate planning and frequently asked estate planning questions.

Other Estate Planning Resources

For more information on planned giving, please visit the Wyoming PBS Foundation's Planned Giving website.