Blog Articles

Info About Wills, Trusts, and More…

Hello and welcome! I am Eileen Kerlin Walsh, and I will bring you valuable and topical information on Estate Planning. Estate Planning is the legal process of protecting your assets and your loved ones in the event of disability or death.

Why do you need an estate plan? If you don’t have a valid Will or Trust, Illinois law determines how your assets pass, to whom and when. Having no estate plan can lead to unnecessary taxes, creditors, probate court and other undesirable results. This is the most costly way to pass assets to your loved ones. You can do much better and my column will show you how!

The Property Sisters: New Year, New You Part II

Part II of II Live Well, Love Life, Get What You Really Want! There is no better time than a new year with chapters yet unwritten, to continue our lessons in inspiration towards our best selves. Eileen is sharing her Back Pocket Skills® – a set of tools to help you...

Is Your Client’s Well-Meaning Gift a Lucky Blessing (or a Curse)?

We all plan for “just-in-case” scenarios. When packing for our week-long vacation, we throw in a rain jacket even though the weather forecast is sunny—just in case. When helping clients plan for the future, it is also important to consider what will happen just in...

Changes to the FAFSA Form and What It Means for Grandparents

For grandparents who want to leave a legacy to their grandchildren, the gift of a 529 college savings plan is an option. Opening a 529 plan account can help a grandchild with educational expenses, and can also help grandparents with their estate planning goals. In the...

Estate Planning Lessons We Learned from U.S. Presidents

  February marks a month in which we celebrate U.S. presidents. Let’s examine a few of the important lessons we can learn from the estate planning of some of our country’s most famous political leaders.   George Washington Washington was arguably the most...

The Property Sisters: New Year, New You Part I

Part I of II As we’re ending February and well into the new year…how are you doing? Maybe you haven’t fully committed to your New Year’s Resolutions? Not to worry, you have 10 glorious months left! Our recommendations will breathe fresh air into your home, your...

2021 Year in Review from Kerlin Walsh Law

  What a year 2021 was! It was challenging as we re-entered work, school, holidays and events. Through all the difficulties, we continued to keep calm and carry on at Kerlin Walsh Law, as we have done for 20+ years.   We launched several new initiatives in...

Advisors: When a Client Wants to Make You Beneficiary…

Imagine the following scenario: As a professional advisor, you have worked with a married couple for decades. They have been ideal clients, have taken a genuine interest in you and your family, and have told you on multiple occasions how much they appreciate your...

We know you love your Advisors, but…

  Imagine the following scenario: For years, you have worked with a valued professional advisor who has become a close friend, maybe even closer than some of your family members. You know his or her family, attend church together, and know him or her to be a...