Extension Economics

Information on the economic impact of agriculture in Judith Basin County for 2021 can be found here.

2021 Fall - Tara Mastel - MSU Extension Community Development Associate Specialist

Montana State University Extension works to improve the social, economic, and environmental well-being of Montana citizens through education. Fulfilling that mission looks a little different now than when Extension was created in 1914, but the goal of helping to improve the lives of residents of our state remains the same.

The recent rise in remote work presents an opportunity for people to stay in their small towns and secure a good job. In 2021, Extension launched the Master of Remote Work Certification Course to help Montanans learn the skills they need to work remotely.

"Remote work is a great option for people who want to stay in their community but can't find a job that meets their needs locally" said Tara Mastel, Remote Work Program Coordinator and MSU Extension Community Development Program Leader. "Remote work can help boost the local economy, enable people to find jobs that match their skills and experience and allow people to still enjoy living in a rural setting."

Nearly 20 participants from Montana have taken the month-long course, which consists of nine modules delivered in a self-paced, online format along with weekly discussion-based virtual workshop. Participants get hands-on experience with common remote work scenarios and the opportunity to practice skills critical to online work including written communication, problem-solving, time management, collaboration, goal setting, organization, and accountability.

"Things are changing due to more people working from home during COVID. The prospect of working from home is intriguing to me," says course graduate Nicole Beurkle who lives on a farm norht of Plevna. "Working remotely would save me nearly an hour of driving each day and would give me more time with my family."

Utah State University Extension developed and maintains the remote work course as part of a significant investment by the Utah state legislature to boost employment in rural Utah. The course is offered in Montana through a partnership between Utah State University Extension and Montana State University Extension.

MSU Extension faculty serve as coaches to help Montana participants through the course. Thanks to a partnership with Job Service of Montana, specially trained Workforce Consultants help graduates find remote jobs. Graduates interested in creating or expanding a remote business can work with Accelerate Montana's Rural Innovation Initiative as the University of Montana.

Graduates of the Remote Work Certificate Course describes the course as "just what they needed" to understand what it is like to work remotely and how to go about finding a remote job. "I wanted to stay in my community and not spend an hour or more driving each way to a job out of town," says graduate Mike Arney of Polson. "This course is exactly what I needed to know to jump inot a remote position since I haven't worked remotely before." Arney recently found a remote job that leverages his previous experience.

Current as of 12/21

What is a testmentary trust?

A testamentary trusts allows a trustee to manage assets on behalf of a beneficiary. A settler is a person who creates a testamentary trust. The terms of the trust are set forth in the settlor's written Will. A testamentary trust doesnot legally exist until the settlor dies and the Will of the settlor passes through the probate process. For more information about probate ready out MSU Extension MontGuide Family Financial Management.

This MontGuide answers questions Montanans have asked about testamentary trusts.

What are the differences between a testamentary trust and revoacable living trust?

A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement by which an individual shifts ownership of property (such as securities, a home, real estate, bank accounts, certifcate of deposits, stocks, bonds) from personal ownership into the legal ownership of the trust. A revocable living trust is just what the name implies - one that a person creates during life for one or more beneficiaries. The person who set up the revocable trust can change or end it at any time. For more information, read MSU Extension MontGuide Revocable Living Trusts.

The term testamentary trusts describes a trust created by a written Will. The property first passes through probate. Then the personal representative transfers the property to the testamantary trust. Both the revocable living trust and testamentary trust say how the trustee must distribute any assets in the trust to the beneficiaries after the settlor's death.

Settlors of both testamentary trust and revocable living trusts make similar decisions about who trust beneficiaries are to be, standards for distributions to those beneficiaries, decisions about naming trustees and successor trustees, and any special directions.

What assets can pass to a testamentary trust?

The settlor can specify in a Will which assets pass to the testamentary trust after the settlor dies Like the settlor of a revocable trust, the settlor of a testamentary trust can transfer most any kind of asset into a testamentary trust.

Additionally, life insurance policies, annuity policies, and pensions may allow the policy holder to list a testamentary trust as the beneficiary to receive the proceeds. Check with each company's policy to find if this beneficiary option is available.

What can the settlor specify in a Will?

A settlor outlines the terms of a testamentary trust in a written Will. The settlor can specify:

• the trustee(s) and successor trustee(s) to manage the testamentary trust assets.
• the beneficiaries who receive money or other property from the testamentary trust
• when the trustee may use trust assets for the beneficiaries' benefit, such as distributing income to pay the beneficiaries' living expenses
• whether the beneficiaries receive only the interest on the trust investments or whether the beneficiaries also may recieve principal (assets) under stated circumstances
• conditions for ending the testamentary trust, and
• the beneficiaries (persons or organizations) to receive the testamentary trust assets when the trust ends

Who can be a beneficiary of a testamentary trust?

The settlor can choose any person or organization to be a beneficiary of a testamentary trust.

• minor children and/or adult children who have not reached finanacial maturity
• adult children and/or other family members with disabilities or debilitating health conditions such as Alzheimer's disease,
• children from a prior marriage, or
• a surviving spouse for the surviving spouse's lifetime and the ultimate beneficiaries of the trust assets after the surviving spouse dies (e.g., the settlor's children). For more information see MSU Extension MontGuide Using Trusts in an Estate Plan to Provide for Children from Blended Families

Minor children as beneficiaries: Montana law allows minor children to inherit property. If the property needs management while the child is still a minor, the court will appoint a conservator. The conservatorship ends when the minor child reaches age 18 and the conservator releases the property to the child.

Some parents and grandparents consider age 18 to be too young for a child to take control of a large sum of money or other property. Two alternatives are (1) to continue the trust (management by the trustee or successor trustee) as described later, and (2) to provide that the property pass to custodial accounts for the children under the Montana Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA). For more information, read MSU Extension MontGuide Montana Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) : Custodial Accounts for Children Under Age 21.

Under UTMA seperate accounts are set up for each child. UTMA uses the term custodian for the person who manages the account for the child. The custodian can spend as much of the money as the custodian considers appropriate for the child. The custodianship ends when the child reaches age 21. At that point, the custodian turns over the assets to the child.

Even at age 21, many children lack financial maturity to manage a large inheritance. Thus, parents, grandparents, and other relatives may choose to leave assets in a testamentary trust for the child's benefit. This estate planning tool allows the trustee to give money or property to the child outright later in life. At the same time, the trustee can provide current benefits to the child until the child reaches a specific age.

Finish reading Testamentary Trusts in Montana (PDF)

Current as of 7/21

While estate planning is an important issue for Montana families, blended families bring unique challenges to the process. Testamentary and Clayton Election Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) trusts are alternatives to help blended families achieve a variety of estate planning goals.

Montana families are made in different forms. Some are more traditional first-time married parents with biological children from that marriage. Other families, which may have children from an earlier marriage who are "his," "hers," and/or "theirs," have come to be known as blended.

Blended families bring unique challenges to the estate planning process. Complex relationships often exist among family members. Financial issues can result in family discord. Another challenge is rooted in Montana laws governing who inherits property when the deceased family member did not have a written will or other document listing beneficaries. While these laws often align closely with the estate planning goals of a traditional family, they are less likely to address the complex issues of blended families.

A will that includes a testamentary trust can help blended families create an estate plan to meet goals of passing specific property to specific heirs. The property in the testamentary trust can provide income for the surviving spouse during lifetime. And, after the death of the surviving spouse, allow the remaining trestamentary trust property to pass to desired heirs.

Estate plans to accomplish these goals may incoporate one or more types of testamentary trusts: bypass trust, credit shelter trust, Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) trust, marital trust, family trust, A-B trust structure, or A-B-C trust structure. This MontGuide focuses on the use of a will or Revocable Living Trust with a testamentary trust commonly referred to as a Clayton Election QTIP trust.

Finish reading MontGuide

What else is included?

• Exploring estate planning options for a blended family
• What if Karen dies first without a written will?
• What if Bill dies first without a written will?
• Developing an Estate Plan for a Blended Family
• Estate Plan Option #1: Write a will for each spouse
• Estate Plan Option #2: Use wills or Revocable Living Trusts to create testamentary bypass trusts for each spouse.
• Estate Plan Option #3: Write wills or Revocable Living Trusts for each spouse with a provision for a Clayton Election QTIP trust

June 3rd, 2021 - Bozeman

While some people find monthly bills easier to plan for and expect, non-monthly bills can be harder to keep track of. If not planned for properly, a bill that's due every six months, such as auto insurance, may end up on a credit card or other form of payment.

To east the burden for individuals who struggle with non-monthly bills, Montana State University Extension has a free financial planning MontGuide available to help with calculations.

"The Schedule of Non-monthly Family Living Expenses' MontGuide will give you a clear picture of how your non-monthly payments are distributed throughout a 12-month period," said Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension family economics specialist. "At a glance, you can see what bills are due in what months and plan ahead for them."

The form will help individuals calculate how much to set aside each month so they can avoid the stress that arises when several major bills come due during the same month, Goetting said. The MontGuide contains a sample form and directions for filling it out. A blank form is also provided.

"The Schedule of Non-monthly Expenses" MontGuide

Users can go to the same site and click on the worksheet to calculate their monthly and yearly averages. Paper copies are also available at local Extension and reservation offices.

The Cybox website offers tools to assist you to assist you in tracking and reducing food expenses.

Before reaching a decision to sell, give, or leave property as an inheritance, owners should become aware of the income tax concepts of basis and adjusted basis. Property owners should also know the difference between the stepped-up basis on inherited property and the carryover basis on property the owner gifts during lifetime. This MontGuide will expand on the above concepts and illustrate the potential tax consquences.

What is the meaning of BASIS?

Basis is the taxable value of property. Basis begins with the cost of the property when the owner first obtained it. The value of some property typically increases. Examples include homes and land. On the other hand, we have all heard of stock and mutual funds which have increased or decreased in value.

The adjusted basis on real property (land and whatever is built on, growing on or affixed to it, such as fences or buildings) is the price an owner paid for it adjusted by depreciation, amortization, casualty losses and the cost of any added improvements, such as a garage, at the time the owner made the improvements. An owner uses the adjusted basis to calculate any gain or loss on the value of property upon a sale.

What Is the TAX IMPACT of SELLING property?

If property sells for more than the adjusted basis, the profit becomes taxable at the state and federal levels. For example, Sarah is considering selling her land because she jsut received a diagnosis of terminal cancer. The physician told her she may have up to three months to live. Sarah thinks selling her land would "make things easier" for her son after her death.

Sarah bought the land in 1977 for $47,500. An Accredited Rural Appraiser placed the fair market value on her land at $1.5 million. The U.S. Treasury Regulations define fair market value (FMV) as:

"...the price property would sell for on the open market. FMV is the price that would be agreed on between a willing buyer and a willing seller, with neither being required to act, and both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts."

Sarah has not made any improvements on the land since she purchased it. The adjusted basis of her land is $47,500. If Sarah sells the land for $1.5 million, she will have a long-term capital gain of $1,452,500. Her certified public accountant computed the gain by subtracting the $47,500 adjusted basis from the $1.5 million sale price. He then informed Sarah she would owe three different taxes if she sold her land.

View tax impact table (PDF)
*More information about the federal income tax rate

Read Full MontGuide on Tax Impacts (PDF)

Current as of 5/21

This MontGuide describes a process for selecting an attorney to help Montanans develop an estate plan and/or administer an estate (probate).

When selecting an attorney to help develop an estate plan, it is helpful to have one who is well-informed about Montana will and trust laws, and other legal tools. You want the attorney to develop an estate plan tailored to your needs, by considering your age, health, family, income, assets, goals, and other circumstances.

If the goal is to find an attorney to help settle an estate or administer a probate, then look for one who is knowledgeable about the probate process and trust law in Montana. Attorneys have different areas of expertise. For example, an attorney who excels in litigation may not be the best choice for developing an estate plan or administering a probate. This MontGuide describes important steps to consider when selecting an attorney in Montana to help develop and implement an estate plan or to provide legal help with the probate process.

Step 1a: If searching for an attorney to help develop an estate plan, the first step is to organize information the attorney needs to know.

The attorney will need to know about you and your assets, family, and estate planning goals. Make a list of assests you own. MSU Extension provides a checklist, "What My Attorney Should Know", click the link to view the MontGuide.

Complexity of assets.

The more complex your assets, the more competence in estate planning you want an attorney to have. All Montana estate planning attorneys should be capable of developing an estate plan for basic assets such as a home, vehicles, and financial and investment accounts when the value or those assets is not large enough to raise a federal estate tax concern.

During 2021 the federal estate and gift tax exemption is $11.7 million per individual, or $23.4 million for a married couple. In 2026, however, the exemption reverts to $5 million with an inflation adjustment. With new political leaders at the national level, the exemption should chnage before 2026.

Retirement accounts, including Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs - traditional and Roth), 403(b), 457, and 401 (k) accounts, have unique, technical rules. If your retirement account balances are large, your attorney should understand federal and state income tax rules.

Family businesses add complexity. If you are involved with a farm, a ranch, or any other business, the attorney should have knowledge and experience with tax issue for legal entities such as partnerships, limited liability companies, and S and C corporations.

If you own real property in another state, you may face estate, inheritane, or another tax issues in that state. Your attorney should have the ability to manage the out-of-state property in your estate plan. Owning assests in other countries adds significant complexity.

Complexity of family

Your family is another factor to consider when selecting an estate planning attorney to develop your estate plan. Whether you are single, a couple in a long marriage with all children being from the marriage, a couple with no children, a blended family with "his," "her," or "their" children, or find yourself in some other situation - all could have an effect on an estate plan.

If you have family members with disabilities, your attorney should understand special needs trusts, ABLE savings accounts, and other planning techniques to avoid the loss or interruption of needs-based benefits to the disabled family member.

If you have wish to leave assets to a friend or relative who lacks skills or judgement to manage them, then you will want an attorney who can advise about provisions to include in a trust. The attorney should consult you about selecting a trustee and successor trustee for a trust. An attorney should also tell you aboiut the advantages and disadvantages of other alternatives for minors, such as the Montana Uniform Transfers to Minors Act.

Finish reading reading Family Financial Management MontGuide

Revised 8/17

For those looking to buy a home for the first time, Montana State University Extension has a MontGuide available discussing how Montana law allows individuals to have a special savings account to pay for homebuyer expenses and reduce state income taxes.

According to Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension family economics specialist, as long as the money is left in the first-time homebuyer savings account - or withdrawn for eligible expenses - it is not subject to income taxation at the state level. However, the amount is subject to taxation at the federal level. A person in the 6.9% state income tax bracket could save $207 in taxes each year by opening a first-time homebuyer account.

"The maximum amount that can be used to reduced Montana taxable income, however, is limited to $3,000 annually for each taxpayer," Goetting added.

First-time homebuyer savings accounts can be established at a state or federally chartered bank, savings and loan establishment, credit union, trust company or mutual fund company or with a brokerage firm. The account must be kept seperate from all other accounts and it must be maintained specifically for the purchase of a single-family home by the account holder.

"Money withdrawn from the account is not subject to Montana income taxation if used for eligible costs for the purchase of a single-family residence by a first-time home buyer," Goetting said. "Examples of eligible expenses include down payment, closing costs, realtor's fees, appraisal costs, credit history report, points, pro-rated property taxes, home inspections and loan origination fees."

"First-Time Homebuyer Savings Accounts" MontGuide

Current as of 3/21

The Montana Legislature passed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in response to Congress passing an act by the same title. An ABLE is a savings account allowing persons with disabilities to save money without reducing their SSI, SNAP, HUD housing or Medicaid benefits. Federal law requires each state to establish policies and procedures.

What is an ABLE account?

An Achieving a Better Life Experience account, commonly called an ABLE account, is a savings account allowing a person with a disability to save money without risking a decrease in state and federal benefits. The person with a disability must have blindness as defined by the Social Security Act (SSA); or a medically-determined physical or mental impairment with marked severe functional limitation that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 continuous months or result in death. A physician must certify the disability and the disability must have occurred before the individual became age 26.

This MontGuide answers typical questions Montanans have asked about ABLE accounts. The MontGuide includes regulations issued by the Internal Revenue service (IRS) on October 1, 2020, and Administrative Rules released by the Montana Department of Revenue issued on January 16, 2021.

Why was the ABLE legislation passed?

The Montana Legislature passed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in response to Congress passing an act by the same name. The federal act required each state to establish its own ABLE account regulations.

Prior to ABLE legislation, individuals witha disability who received means-tested government benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), HUD housing, and Medicaid, had no way to save a significant amount of money to meet their disability-related needs.

Because the application for various federal or state programs such as Medicaid, requires the completion of a means or resource test, any savings beyond $2,000 held by an individual with a disability could results in a reduction in benefits. This meant a small inheritance, an insurance payout, or even a relative's gift of money to buy assistive technology, such a motorized scooter or wheelchair, could potentially diminish benefits to a person with a disability. The only way to prevent a decrease in benefits was for the person with a disability to spend the money down to $2,000 or place the money in a special needs trust.

By establishing an ABLE account, persons with a diability can have savings beyond $2,000 to improve their financial security. Persons with disabiities can use the money in the account to cover qualified expenses.

Who is eligible for an ABLE account?

An individual is eligible to establish an ABLE account if:

• The disability was present before the age of 26; and
• One of the following is true:
  • The person is eligible for SSI or SSDI because of a disability
  • The person experiences blindness as determined by the Social Security Act
  • The person can produce a written diagnosis of a disability from a licensed physician if requested.

A person with a disability does not have to provide proof of eligibility when opening an ABLE account. However, because an ABLE program may later require a proof of eligibility, an account holder should save a record of the diagnosis, the benefits verification letter, and any other relevant documents.

Read full MontGuide on ABLE accounts here (PDF)

Info included in the rest of MontGuide

• Who can set up an ABLE account?
• What is the contribution limit for an ABLE account?
• Who may make tax deductible contributions to an ABLE account?
• If a 529 college savings plan existts for an eligible disabled person, could those funds transfer to an ABLE account?
• Where may an individual open an ABLE account?
• Where may I find information about Montana ABLE accounts?
• What factors should a Montana resident consider when deciding what plan to use for an ABLE account?
• What types of expenses are eligible for the account owner to pay from an ABLE account?
• Does an owner have to prove withdrawals from an ABLE account are for qualified disability expenses?
• What happens if an owner made a withdrawal from an ABLE account, but did not use the money for qualified disability expenses?
• What happens to funds in an ABLE account after the death of the owner?
• How is an ABLE account different than a Special/Supplemental Needs Trust (SNT) or a Pooled Trust?
• What should an employer know about ABLE accounts?

Most adult children do not initially see themselves as caregivers, and aging parents often do not see themselves as needing care. Often this changes gradually, starting with small acts of assistance. This guide will discuss issues to consider if you are faced with caregiving for an aging parent.

The fastest growing age group in the U.S. is people in their 80s. Withthe modern health care, individuals are living longer than ever before. Women on average live five years longer than men, 79 years compared to 74 years. Most elderly adults are living on thier own or with a spouse or family member - they're not in nursing homes. This MontGuide will discuss issures to consider if you are faced with caregiving for an aging parent.

Most adult children do not initially see themselves as caregivers, and aging parents often do not see themselves as needing care. Often this changes gradually, starting with small acts of assistance. These types of exchanges are common, and helping one another out is considered being part of a family. At some point though, we may be faced with providing caregiving that requires more of our time, resources and energy.

Addressing the Issue with Your Family

A family meeting with your adult siblings is the place to start. Set up a telephone conference call if siblings do not live near one another. Ask each person to share his or her thoughts about your parents' needs. Often each sibling views the situation differently.

The next item to discuess is what assistance might be helpful for Mom or Dad. This could range from providing services such as housecleaning and grocery shopping to personal care needs such as dressing and bathing. Siblings also need to determine whether or not the family will hire someone for these services or try to provide them within the family.

Paying for services yourself is called managing care. Providing the services means that you are managing care. In both cases you are still caregiving. You are just providing the care in a different way.

When Family Member Disagree

Not all families are close or have good communication skills. Realizing that one's parents are nearing the end of their lives causes sadness, fear, and grief. Talking about caregiving can open up old "wounds" and start new rivalries. Family member anger and resentment can surface during this time.

In these cases, the siblings need to come together and set up ground rules for discussion. This may sound formal, and it is; however, it can be helpful if there is conflict or animosity amoung siblings.

Focusing on common goals related to the care of your parents assists your family in establishing favorable communication.

Work on controlling your own reactions during conversations with family members. Avoid responding when a sibling tries to "push your buttons." If siblings cannot cooperate, consider asking a healthcare provider, care coordinator who works with families, or a spiritual advisor to lead the conversations.

Providing Care: What are the Options?

There may be come a time when a parent is unable to live on his or her own. At that point the family must look at other care options. Fortunately, there are more options available today than there have been in the past.

Senior Independent Living is popular. In this setting the resident has his or her own apartment or house in a senior complex that may include such amenities as weekly housekeeping including linen change, meals served in a central dining room, and activities for the residents. An older adult can also find friendship and activities to keep them active and alert. Some offer transportation services to healthcare appointments and shopping.

Assisted Living is an option for the parent who needs more care than can be provided in Senior Independent Living. Usually the resident has his or her own room or efficiency apartment. Some assisted living facilities are located in private homes where the residents live with a family and a few other elderly adults.

Click here to view a national website that discuess cost of care and more details about assisted living.

Licensed Nursing Facilities over the most in-depth level of care- a license nurse is available 24-hours a day. Typically this type of care is in an institutionalized setting and residents share a room or have a single room. A full range of care is offered in a licensed nursing facility. Activites are provided. Residents are checked on throughout the day by staff.

Licensed Adult Day Centers are another type of facility that is becoming more popular. These day centers offer a safe place for elderly adults to go during the day while their adult caregivers are at work or taking care of other obligations. This works well for families who are providing care at home for an elderly adult who is unable to stay alone.

Read the full MontGuide on Caregiving

The dramatic rise in health care expenses in recent years has been prompted some individuals to combine a high deductible health insurance policy with a federal Health Savings Account (HSA) to control these costs.

HSA's are special savings accounts that were established by federal law to allow eligible individuals to make deposits that can be used to pay for future qualifying medical expenses. Deposits to HSAs reduce an individual's state and federal taxes. Any funds remaining in the HSA at the end of the year may be used to pay for qualifying medical expenses in future years for the individual, his or her spouse dependents.

Qualifying medical expenses include health insurance deductibles and co-payments, long-term care costs, presciptions, dental expenses, eyeglasses and contact lenses, and many other medical expenses.

Special rules apply to medical insurance premiums.

Read full MontGuide on Health Savings Accounts (PDF)

MontGuide outlines the legal and tax ramifications, as well as impacts on emotional and physical health, of financing long-term care.

One major worry for older adults is that costs for long-term care will exhaust their life savings. Some fear that if their assests are depleted by a long-term illness the dignity, security and independence they worked a lifetime to attain will also dissipate.

According to one study among persons age 65 and over, 43 precent are expected to spend some time in a nursing home. Among this population, 55 percent are expected to have total lifetime nursing home care of at least one year and 21 percent will have a total lifetime nursing home care for five or more years.

This MontGuide explores:

• options for covering long-term care costs
• eligibility requirements (federal and state) for the Medicaid application process
• rules about transferring property
• role of trusts in the protection of assets
• potential emotional and tax consequences of giving away assests
• Montana Medicaid lien and estate recovery program

Read Full MontGuide on Medicaid and Long-Term Care Costs (PDF)

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administers many loan, direct payment, and other agricultural assistance programs. People who can benefit from FSA programs include farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers, including those getting started in agriculture. Many programs provide financial assistance to farmers and ranchers in times of distress. FSA began as an agency in 1933 in response to needs during the Great Depression. Over time, the FSA has served many roles, including providing medical care, promoting of cooperatives, and mediation services to help farmers avoid foreclosure. FSA’s programs have changed over time and many are updated with the Farm Bill, which is legislation passed roughly every five years.

Read more about the Farm Services Agency

Visit the Montana Farm Services Agency website.

Estate Planning is a topic that is often avoided by individuals because it deals with attitudes and feelings about death, property ownership, business arrangements, marriage and family relationships that they or other family members may not be ready to contemplate. Some individuals have been overheard to say, “Estate planning is only for the old and rich.” Nothing could be further from the truth. In today’s complicated society all families regardless of their resources and ages can benefit from overall financial planning – one aspect of which is estate planning.

Continue reading about estate planning in Montana 

What is a Will? This MontGuide defines some of the legal terms used in wills and answers questions that are often asked about wills.