Protecting Your Estate

Financial consultant Joan M. Bouchard of Financial Underwriters in Danbury will present a workshop, “Estate Conservation,” on October 19, from 6 to 8 pm in the boardroom of the C.H. Booth Library.

Without sound financial preparation, the estates people spend a lifetime building can be significantly reduced by taxes, probate costs, and administrative fees, Ms Bouchard said.

An estate may be subject to federal estate tax rates as high as 55 percent. Probate and administrative fees can consume another ten percent of the estate.

Unless there is a will, probate could tie up an estate for several years, and heirs could be forced to use their inheritance to pay estate taxes.

Unless a guardian has been selected, the court may decide guardianship of minor children.

Ms Bouchard will offer tips through proven strategies on how to avoid many of these problems.

There is no cost for the workshop and no obligation. Participants will receive a free 20-page workbook with information to help them make sound decisions about preserving their estates.

Ms Bouchard has been providing professional financial and insurance services since 1983. She holds the designations of Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant, and Registered Health Underwriter.

Seating for the workshop is limited. For reservations, call 203/797-1203.