The 3 Biggest Downsides of DIY Estate Planning
Marissa Petillo Marissa Petillo

The 3 Biggest Downsides of DIY Estate Planning

With so many online options for creating your own will and estate planning documents, it’s tempting to go the DIY route. While this might seem quick and affordable, there are some major drawbacks to consider. Here are 3 big reasons to think twice before tackling your estate planning alone:

Read More
The Estate Tax Is Changing in 2026 — Here’s What That Means for You
Marissa Petillo Marissa Petillo

The Estate Tax Is Changing in 2026 — Here’s What That Means for You

Originally Published: Dec 7, 2025 | Latest Update: 2026

🚨 2026 FLASH UPDATE: Since this post was first published, the "Estate Tax Sunset" has been officially repealed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The federal exemption has actually increased to $15 million per person (roughly $30 million for married couples) for 2026. While the "tax cliff" is gone for now, Florida families still face major risks regarding probate, asset growth, and legal formalities. Read below for the original context and how to navigate these new numbers.

There’s a major change coming in estate planning, and it may affect your family without you even realizing it.

Read More
What Is an Executor—and Why Choosing the Right One Matters
Marissa Petillo Marissa Petillo

What Is an Executor—and Why Choosing the Right One Matters

When someone creates a will, one of the most important decisions they make is choosing the executor - the person legally responsible for carrying out the instructions in the will after they pass away.

Many people pick an executor quickly, almost as an afterthought, without fully understanding what the role involves. But serving as an executor isn’t just a formality or a title. It’s a serious job, with legal responsibilities, deadlines, paperwork, and emotional complexity.

Read More
Life Insurance: The Most Overlooked Tool in Your Estate Plan
Marissa Petillo Marissa Petillo

Life Insurance: The Most Overlooked Tool in Your Estate Plan

Most people think life insurance is just about replacing income - a safety net to make sure your family can pay the bills if something happens to you. And yes, that’s part of it.

But here’s the real secret: life insurance can be one of the smartest ways to create instant wealth for your family and keep your estate plan running smoothly.

When someone passes away, even a well-organized family can face unexpected costs.

Read More