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Effective October 1, 2005, the Nevada dynasty trust law was modified to allow a dynasty trust to continue for up to 365 years with its assets protected from estate taxes, creditors and divorcing spouses during such time. Prior to the change in the law, Nevada dynasty trusts were limited to 90 years to approximately 120 years, which is the rule in most states.

A dynasty trust is an irrevocable trust that leverages a person’s estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax exemptions for as many generations as applicable state law permits. Whereas most attorneys draft trusts to provide for mandatory distributions to the grantor’s children at staggered ages (e.g., one-third at age 25, one-half of the balance at age 30, and the balance at age 35), a dynasty trust is drafted to encourage the trustees of the trust to keep the assets in trust for the benefit of the beneficiaries and to allow the beneficiaries to “use” the trust property rather than receive it outright where it will be subject to estate taxes, creditors and divorcing spouses.

For estate tax purposes, it is not sufficient to plan only one generation at a time. The potential estate taxes that the clients’ children’s estates may face as a result of such inferior planning are often not given enough consideration by the attorney in drafting the trust. As of 2009, the tax code allows each person to transfer up to $3.5 million without any federal generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax. Meanwhile, the exemptions in 2009 for federal estate and gift taxes are $3.5 million and $1 million, respectively.

Interestingly, the estate and gift tax exemptions are utilized in nearly every estate plan, yet all too often attorneys do not draft their trust agreements to utilize the GST tax exemption. Failure to use an individual’s GST tax exemption is a horrific economic waste over the course of time. Most dynasty trusts are designed as Beneficiary Controlled Trusts. The beneficiaries usually become trustees of their own trust upon reaching the age at which most attorneys’ trusts would distribute the trust assets outright to the beneficiaries. There are two general classifications of Beneficiary Controlled Trusts – discretionary trusts and support trusts.

For maximum creditor and divorce protection, the dynasty trust is drafted with an independent trustee to make discretionary distributions and other tax sensitive decisions. The primary beneficiary can be given the power to remove and replace the independent trustee with or without cause. Additionally, the primary beneficiary can be the investment trustee thereby being able to make all investment decisions over his trust assets. Thus, the primary beneficiary has the control over and use of the dynasty trust property as though he owned it free of trust. However, by having the dynasty trust as the owner, if drafted correctly, the assets are protected from estate taxes and from the beneficiary’s creditors, including divorcing spouses. This co-trusteeship, although slightly more complex than having just one trustee, provides the ultimate combination of control, estate tax savings and creditor protection.

Alternatively, the primary beneficiary can be the sole trustee of the dynasty trust. With this option, the beneficiary can only distribute assets to himself for his health, education, maintenance and support. This is often called a “support trust,” as opposed to a “discretionary trust” which uses an independent trustee for discretionary distributions. Although a support trust is simpler to administer than a discretionary trust, certain creditors of the beneficiaries of a support trust may access the trust assets, so it is less protective than a discretionary trust. One such creditor is a divorcing spouse of a beneficiary which is why the discretionary trust is the superior option to use in designing the dynasty trust.

The last downturn of the global stock market saw millions of ‘every day’ investors having their fingers badly burned. Overnight life savings were eaten away, retirement funds went into decline and the economic forecast for all of us who had any money invested in stocks and shares was gloomy to say the very least.

As a direct result investors in their thousands turned their backs on the rollercoaster stock markets and sought alternative asset classes in which to invest their hard earned money. This has led to a global boom in real estate markets and property prices, and it has spawned a generation of budding real estate investors.

For those of you wondering whether it’s too late to venture into real estate investing or considering how best to make the most significant returns from property investment, here are 5 hot tips for successful real estate investment to set you on the path to potential profits!

1) Consider Investment Property Abroad

There are many relatively untapped property markets in countries around the world that offer the real estate investor greater return on investment in the form of rental yields or short to medium term capital growth.

While major markets in the USA, UK, Australia and Europe are slowing down, there are emerging property markets globally that are hungry for investment and are proving to be highly profitable.

For example, in 2007 a number of countries are already aligned for accession into the European Union and as a result property markets in these countries are likely to benefit from greater numbers of visitors, more trade, increased investment into infrastructure and more stable economies. The likes of Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Turkey and even Northern Cyprus are just a few examples of overseas destinations with emerging real estate markets that may be worthy of your consideration.

2) Make Sure Your Plans Are Profitable

This sounds ridiculously simple right? Well, you’d be surprised how few people actually make sure their plans are actually sustainable and as profitable as they hope.

Examine any real estate market that you’re about to enter by firstly comparing property values across the city, state or region and making sure you know what your money will buy you. Then ensure that the rental yield you intend to obtain from your property is actually realistic or that the asking price you intend to set once you’ve renovated the property will be offered.

3) Never Assume Anything

This goes from assuming a house is structurally sound to accepting that tax laws won’t change – from believing your tenants when they tell you that they are house proud and honest to accepting the first builder’s quotation!

Do your due diligence on every single aspect of the process from ensuring the asking price for a property is fair to checking your tax returns before your accountant submits them for you. This is your investment, your future, your potential profit and therefore it is ultimately your responsibility.

4) Employ An Expert When In Doubt

Few people are a master of all trades therefore be prepared to acknowledge areas where you are far from being an expert and at least consider courting a second opinion. Again, this goes from checking out the structural soundness of a property to understanding the legal ramifications of letting out your property. If in doubt always double check – and if this means you have to call in an expert, make sure you call in an expert!

5) Set A Realistic Budget And Stick To It

Whether you’re purchasing property to let out or buying real estate to renovate you need to sit down and add up every single area of projected expenditure to enable you to set a realistic budget with which to work.

Make sure you add in everything from having searches and surveys conducted, legal fees, accountancy fees, insurance costs, likely interest payments on any finance required, taxation, connection of utilities, marketing for tenants or buyers, real estate agency fees, and of course don’t forget to add on the cost of the property and the price of any renovation and refurnishing and decorating work required.

Spend time considering every single area where a cost will be incurred and detail every likely payment that will have to be made and you will arm yourself with a bullet proof budget and do all you can to ensure you encounter no nasty surprises along the way.

Unless you’re paying cash, it is no wonder that you are searching for low interest auto loans. Getting the best auto loan rates just makes good financial sense.

However it takes a little work to find the lowest interest, simple work that most people are unwilling to do. Here are some tips to get the lowest auto loan interest rates.

1. Low Online Auto Loan Quotes

There are many banks and auto loan companies online that offer competing auto loan quotes. Because of this almost global competition online lenders are more likely to offer you the lowest interest auto loan quote in order to get your business.

Safe, secure and fast you can apply for a auto loan and get approval in minutes. Then you can compare and choose the one with the lowest interest rate. This allow you to shop for a car like a cash buyer, saving you even more.

2. Get Your Credit In Order

Your credit history will ultimately determine how low the interest rate will be on your auto loan. You should know where you stand, credit wise, before you apply for a loan not after. Get your credit report, it’s easy, and by law you are entitled to one free credit report a year or every 12 months, get it. The three main credit reporting agencies are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

3. Know Your FICO Score

This plays a big part in whether you will be approved and the interest rate of your auto loan. Your FICO scores are the credit calculations or scores many lenders use to determine your credit worthiness.

The FICO credit score range is widely accepted to be between 300 and 850, the higher the better. Raising low FICO scores not only can help you get the lowest interest auto loan but will also save you thousands on the total cost of the car.

4. Dealing With Bad Credit

It is not impossible to get a low interest auto loan with bad credit. In a perfect world you will have your bad credit erased, but as you know this can take time. Time which you may not have before you need a car.

In the case of a bad credit history a low interest car loan does not mean best low interest rate available, but lowest interest auto loan for people with bad credit.

You definitely want to have options in this case. Taking the time to research and compare auto loan quotes will pay off handsomely with a low rate auto loan with bad credit that will allow you to be able to afford that car.

In many cases low interest car loans are just a click away. If you can get your credit and FICO score high or high enough then it is just a matter of shopping for the best interest rate for a auto loan wisely. That is right, shop just like you will for a car, even if you have bad credit. Then compare a minimum of 3-4 auto loan quotes online or locally, this will enable you to find and secure the best low interest auto loans that you can afford.

Bad credit may not stop you from getting cash out of a mortgage refinance. Many people have less than perfect credit and there are lenders who are willing to work with you to get you the cash you need.

Bad Credit Mortgage Refinances

For many people who have bad credit, mortgage refinancing is an intimidating process. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Bad credit doesn’t always lessen your chance of being approved for a loan. In many cases, it simply means that you will be paying higher rates than people who have very good credit.

You should never let your credit score dictate whether or not you deserve to apply for a mortgage refinance. Specialized lenders are available to help you through the process. If you are still nervous about your credit, seek advice from a credit professional or debt relief service. They can often clear up any questions or concerns that you may have.

Getting Cash Out of a Bad Credit Mortgage Refinance

It is now easier than ever to get the cash you need out of a mortgage refinance. Whether you want to make home improvements, pay college expenses, or consolidate debt, you can get loans for up to 125 percent of your home’s value. If you have a great deal of equity in your home, you may even qualify for low rates and special loan terms. For a list of reputable refinance lenders visit www.abcloanguide.com.

Choosing a Mortgage Refinance Lender

Choosing a lender to work with could be one of the most important decisions that you ever make. Do not be too eager to take the first approval that comes your way. Take the time to shop around and research lenders. When looking for a bad credit mortgage refinance, you should compare rates, loan terms, and lending fees.

Wow, has the real estate market changed in 2008! Real estate investors have been shut out of traditional mortgage money unless you have a 9000 credit score and a 50 year work history without missing one day of work (ok enough of the weak humor but you get the idea). Even hard money loans are HARD to get as they have all gone out business.

But just as the mortgage market is shunning the real estate investor – we are starting to see signs that the real estate marketing is starting to bottom and home prices have even gone up in some markets.

So how do you take advantage of this buying opportunity if you can not get mortgage money from traditional sources?

Private lending is the answer. You can start borrowing money from private lenders to fund your real estate investments. Raising private money allows you to take advantage of the low prices without ever using any of your own cash or personal credit.

There are several significant benefits and advantages of private money lending compared to mortgage money or hard money lending.

First, you can begin buying more houses for “all cash” offers and drive significant discounts from sellers who are highly motivate to get cash versus waiting and hoping another buyer will get a mortgage approval.

Second, very simple paperwork with a typical private lender transaction only requires 3 or 4 documents with less than 20 pages.

Third, you control the terms and conditions under which you will borrow money and the lender will lend. You tell the lenders what rates of interest you will pay, how long the term is and all the other conditions are set by you not a bank or hard money lender.

Finally, you can turn many non-deals with no equity into super profitable deals with substantial equity by paying off existing debt at a discount… using private money.

Six Steps to develop a private money program for real estate investors:

Develop your private lending program and the terms and conditions under which you will borrow money and repay your lenders Build your info/credibility kit to establish yourself as real estate investing expert Create a marketing plan with 5 to 10 different marketing techniques to attract potential private lenders Create your group or one-on-one presentation Schedule group or one-on-one meetings and follow-up with potential lenders Present and close deals with your potential lenders

Given the new market realities, private lending may be the only option if you want to buy and own real estate investments and take advantage of the low prices.