Blog
Homeowner 101: What is an Escrow Account?
If you are a first-time homebuyer, you probably have noticed that there is a whole language that you have to learn as a homeowner. We promise, it gets easier, but it can be a huge help to get some background information on the lingo you’ve been hearing. To that end,...
Losing the Nest Egg: How Families Lose Wealth Over Generations
You may have heard this shocking statistic circulating lately -- 70% of families lose their wealth within two generations (and 90% lose it by the third!). It’s hard to really imagine how this could be so, but according to a survey done by Williams Group Wealth...
‘Tis the Season for Estate Planning
At Brian M. Douglas & Associates, we care deeply about our clients and their families. From our perspective, estate planning is all about love, and we are committed to helping our clients show their love by providing for and protecting those they cherish. But,...
Five Reasons You Need a Real Estate Attorney to Protect Your Home Sale
Selling your home can be a stressful time. The pressure is on and it feels like any small hitch could derail the whole process. In fact, it often can. Twenty-five percent of all home sales are delayed during closing due to an unexpected obstacle. Your real estate...
Incorporating IP into Your Estate Plan
As you prepare your estate plan, the most obvious assets that jump to mind are likely heirlooms, real estate, and bank accounts. However, you may be overlooking some of your most valuable assets. Your intellectual property has value, and it is just as important to...
Give Thanks with a Thoughtful Estate Plan
What are you Thankful for this Year? Thanksgiving is the first spark of the holiday season, and before we head into the merriment, joy, and yes, sometimes stress, we are given the opportunity to pause and consider what we are thankful for. What are you most thankful...
FAQ: Estate Planning for International Travelers
Traveling the world is an exhilarating adventure! Planning for a big trip across the globe is fun and exciting. However, thinking about estate planning while plotting the course of your big adventure can be decidedly less exciting. Although estate planning isn’t the...
Georgia Homestead Exemption Reminder
As we near the end of the year, we draw closer to another tax season. If you are a homeowner in the State of Georgia, you are likely very familiar with the season of property assessments and taxation. However, you may not know as much about your homestead exemption....
Protecting The Fur Babies: Estate Planning for Pets
Your Fur-Baby is Part of the Family If you are like us at Brian M. Douglas & Associates, you know that pets are a part of the family. In the words of Jane Goodall, “You cannot share your life with a dog … or a cat, and not know perfectly well that animals have...
Estate Planning Doesn’t Have to Be So Spooky
During the weeks leading up to Halloween, everywhere you look there are signs of the spooky season: ghosts, monsters, zombies, and ghouls are hanging from windows and doors throughout Atlanta. We may even visit a haunted house or see a horror movie. But truthfully,...
Are You a Member of the Sandwich Generation?
These days, there is a name for every generation: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and each generation is loosely defined by a few key characteristics that group them together. You may have heard the term “Sandwich Generation” used lately, but what does it...
Using an LLC to Protect Your Life Savings
Whether you are just starting a new venture or are building your existing business, being an entrepreneur is an exciting endeavor! As a business owner, you have the ability to build a lot of personal and financial freedom into your life. However, if you are like many...