Most of us have a whole world of digital stuff out there, and some of it is important.  You need a plan for how your survivors will access these accounts, whether you are disabled or dead.



As our world becomes more and more digital, it becomes more important that your survivors, heirs and executors can access certain online accounts.  This may include bank accounts, email, electronic document storage, insurance policies, and many other types of accounts.

Find more information and resources in our show notes at http://www.bigpictureretirement.net/039

If you've put together a little bit of money, or you have a regular stream of income, it's reasonable to be concerned about protecting those assets from lawsuits or other types of liability.

Today, John explains some of the simple steps you can take to put some protections about the money that you have.

First, consider what type of liability you might face. Second, consider what assets might be at risk. Third, check out your insurance coverage.  Fourth, separate your business assets from your personal property, and figure out the right tool for each object.

Highlights include:

• What assets or income are protected
  How your insurance coverage factors into the decision
• Different strategies for business vs. personal assets
• How a revocable trust doesn't provide protection
• How Delaware changed the rules
• Bonus:  John explains the history of trusts - using Devin in his story

For more information, visit http://bigpictureretirement.net/038

Devin and John talk about assigning people to act for you, and picking good stocks for your investments.

First, Brenda has a question about naming a successor trustee for a trust she has set up. In many kinds of legal and estate planning documents, you need to designate someone to act on your behalf. John explains the four options for naming those folks.

Next, Chris asks how to pick better stocks and stop losing money in the stock market. Devin shares that despite his skills and the resources available to him, he hasn't had a lot of success with individual stocks. He's had better luck diversifying, such as in an index fund. Then, John explains his philosophy with a great story about glove box money vs. casino money.

For more information, visit http://www.bigpictureretirement.net

Dr. Brandon Renfro, a PhD in behavioral economics, talks about bonds: When they're right for you and when they should be reconsidered.

Brandon does a great job of explaining different types of bonds, why they are considered a good investment, and how our current low interest rate situation changes the value of bonds as part of your portfolio.

For more information, visit http://bigpictureretirement.net