Archive for December, 2006
Now remember, these have to be things that actually come out of the Old Testament, not just stuff you have in mind about some generic Supreme Being.
I have a feeling few of you will be able to do it since so much of the Old Testament is dedicated to slaughter, incest, anger, jealousy, irrationality and war after war after war after war … It is IMMORAL.
Bryce Watkin
There are some things in the Old Testament, like homosexuality being a sin, that I hear Christians saying are true, and there are other things, like stoning disobedient children and not eating shellfish, that I see many Christians ignoring. According to most Christians, is the Old Testament valid or not? If only parts are valid, how are those parts determined, and why did the other parts become invalid? Or is this one of the things that varies among denominations?
Rod Fabeck
In the Old Testament, God is angry, violent and murderous. He turns people into salt, kills first born sons, strikes people down with lightning, locusts, plague, and kills all life on Earth save for a boat. The New Testament God is kind, understanding, giving, loving, caring, forgiving. Why is there such a difference? Is it the same God?
Clint Wedgewood
The Secrets To Preparing A Last Will & Testament That Protects Your Family and Preserves Your Assets
Federal and State estate taxes can erode as much as 70 percent of your estate leaving your loved ones with significantly less money than you had anticipated. A credit shelter or tax savings trust, included in your Will and that of your spouse, can eliminate or reduce these devastating taxes. In order for a tax savings trust to work, assets owned by you and your spouse must be titled so that each owns approximately the same amount of assets in their own name. Upon the death of the first spouse, assets are transferred to the trust. The assets then pass tax free to your children upon the death of your spouse.
For some individuals, the use of an irrevocable life insurance trust is also a key component to reduce the bite of death taxes. This trust will become the owner of a life insurance contract and will receive the death benefit upon the death of the surviving spouse in a marriage. The proceeds from the policy will be excluded from the estate of the surviving spouse, thereby eliminating or reducing the estate tax to be paid. Furthermore, the remaining monies in the trust can then be distributed tax free to your children or other chosen beneficiaries.
In addition to preserving your financial estate, protecting your children in the event you and your spouse die before they are eighteen (18) is a fundamental goal of any successful estate plan. The Will should designate an individual known as a guardian who will assume parenting responsibilities. This person should share your child rearing philosophy and be mentally and physically able to perform this difficult and challenging task. Naming an elderly parent as guardian is not recommended. Many individuals will name a trusted brother or sister and their spouse. It is not a good idea to name a brother-in-law or sister-in-law to serve with your sibling as a co-guardian. Who is to say if that in-law will remain married to your sibling? You do not want an estranged in-law with a legal claim to raise your children.
Careful consideration should also be given to the choice of an executor for your estate. An executor should be a responsible and organized person. This individual could be a spouse, adult child or trusted professional. An executor will work with an attorney to probate the Will and to value the assets of the decedent as of the date of death. Thereafter, estate debts and taxes will be paid by the executor with the balance of the estate being distributed to the beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of his Will.
It is important to realize that without a properly prepared Will the State and Federal government will receive more of your estate than you may believe. Moreover, without a Will the beneficiaries of the estate you have worked a lifetime to accumulate will be decided by the State and not you. In many instances, these State mandated beneficiaries are not the same people you would have named in a Will.
In conclusion, a properly prepared Last Will and Testament with the appropriate tax savings trust and the proper selection of an executor and guardian will preserve your assets and provide the peace of mind you and your loved ones deserve.
By: Nicholas Giuditta
About the Author:
Nicholas Giuditta is a trusts and estates lawyer in Cranford,New Jersey. He prepares estate plans for high net worth individuals that protect their loved ones and preserve their assets. Find out how your family can benefit by visiting http://www.giudittalaw.com.
Dallas Barkhurst
And why in the old testament is slavery and stoning people condoned?
God wouldn’t allow those things in the first place would he?
I’m not sure what it says about that stuff in the new testament. But I know Jesus Christ wouldn’t condone any of it so why is it in the old testament?
Bong Schmertz



















