Numerous gifting strategies remain favorable.  One advantage of making gifts during lifetime is removal of post-transfer appreciation in the value of the gifts from the donor’s estate.  An increased unified credit makes it possible to achieve this advantage to a greater extent.  Family Limited Partnerships, limited liability companies and similar discounting techniques will continue as popular planning techniques.
	•Charitable giving remains favorable for clients with charitable causes. The transfer of low cost basis assets remains a favorable technique, to create an income stream through the use of a Charitable Remainder Trust or to avoid the capital-gains tax on the sale of the assets.
	•529 education savings plans are also a great wealth management tool giving the donor control over the assets, yet immediately removing assets from the estate.
	Keep meticulous records.  Complete and accurate transaction records will be essential to figure cost basis on assets in the year of ‘carry over basis’ and possibly beyond.
	Life insurance will continue to play an important role in estate planning. Don’t make any drastic decisions regarding elimination of insurance coverage or changes to current trust arrangements.  Liquidity needs will likely remain in most estates and insurability at a later date will be key to providing the necessary protection.