How the Wealthy Pass Down Fortunes—And How You Can Too

Smart estate planning can save your heirs time, money, and stress. Here’s where to start.
How the Wealthy Pass Down Fortunes—And How You Can Too
A real estate sign is shown at a home for sale in Houston, Jan. 13, 2021. Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via AP
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Death and taxes may be inevitable. A big bill for your heirs is not.

The rich have made an art of avoiding taxes and making sure their wealth passes down effortlessly to the next generation. But the tricks they use—to expedite payouts to heirs and avoid handing money to the government—can also work for people with far more modest estates.