Ask an Advisor: Should I Put My Home and Other Assets in a Trust? When Does it Make Sense for the Average Retiree?

Trusts can be useful estate planning tools, but they are not automatically necessary for every retiree. Whether one makes sense depends on your assets, family situation, privacy concerns and goals for transferring wealth. For many retirees, a simple will and a few beneficiary designations may accomplish the same goals with less cost and complexity.