To place an obituary, please send an email to [email protected] including the following information. Currently, there is no option to place obituaries through our website. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact our obituary desk at 651-228-5263.
**General Information Required:**
– Your full name
– Address (City, State, Zip Code)
– Phone number
– An alternate phone number (if any)
**Obituary Specifications:**
– Name of the deceased
– Obituary text
– A photo in JPEG or PDF format is preferable; TIF and other formats are also accepted. We will contact you if there are any issues with the photo.
– Ad run dates
**Discounts:**
There is a discount for running the obituary more than one day, but this must be scheduled on the first run date to apply. Additionally, if a photo is used, it must be used for both days to qualify for the discount. Contact us for more information.
**Policies:**
*Verification of Death:*
To publish obituaries, we require the name and phone number of the funeral home or cremation society handling the arrangements. We must contact them during their business hours to verify the death. If the deceased’s body was donated to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program, or a similar program, their phone number is required for verification. Please allow sufficient time for contact, especially on weekends with limited hours. A death certificate is also acceptable for verification. Only one of these two options is necessary.
*Guestbook and Outside Websites:*
We do not allow references to other media sources or obituaries placed elsewhere when publishing in print and online. However, a website for the funeral home or a family email contact may be included. Please contact us with any questions.
**Obituary Process:**
After submission, we will fax or email a proof for your review prior to publication. The proof will include pricing and scheduled run dates. Please review it carefully and notify us of any errors or changes before deadline. We are not responsible for errors once the obituary is published.
For changes to an online obituary, please contact the obituary desk.
**Payment Procedures:**
Pre-payment is required before publication by the specified deadline. After receiving and approving the proof, call 651-228-5263 to provide payment information.
– Payments by credit card are accepted by phone only, due to PCI regulations.
– Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payments are accepted: provide your routing and account numbers by phone.
**Rates:**
– Minimum charge is $162 for the first 12 lines.
– Each additional line after the first 12 is $12.
– Obituaries with more than 40 lines receive a 7.5% discount per line.
– A second run date qualifies for a 20% discount on both placements.
– When placing three obituaries, the third placement is free.
– Each photo published costs $125 per day. For example, two photos over two days result in four photo charges totaling $500.
**Deadlines:**
Please adhere to the following schedule to ensure your obituary publishes as requested.
**Memoriam (Non-Obituary) Requests:**
Memoriam submissions are remembrances rather than obituaries, and rates differ. For more information, please call 651-228-5280 or email [email protected].
**Office Hours:**
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed weekends and holidays).
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### Preparing for the Great Wealth Transfer
Experts predict a massive transfer of wealth from older generations to Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, amounting to approximately $124 trillion through 2048, according to financial research firm Cerulli Associates. While not everyone will receive a significant inheritance — much of this wealth is concentrated among a small portion of the population — those who do will face important decisions.
Certified financial planner Fahmin Fardous of Zenith Wealth Partners in Morristown, New Jersey, says, “This is something powerful that could really propel your financial security. Let’s look at where you are and what your goals are in life.”
#### Preparing Before the Inheritance
Inheriting large sums while coping with the loss of a loved one can be emotionally overwhelming. Scott Bishop, CFP and co-founder of Presidio Wealth Partners in Houston, warns that “grief can lead to rushed decisions.” Setting goals, understanding inheritance terms, and researching the tax implications helps position you to make smart financial choices.
Many people experience a range of emotions such as happiness, sadness, or being overwhelmed. Mitchell Kraus, CFP with Capital Intelligence Associates in Santa Monica, California, notes that some may refuse to spend any money because it feels like “blood money,” while others might spend quickly because they don’t feel deserving.
Fardous adds, “Many clients have never had this kind of money before and don’t know what to do with it.”
#### Common Inheritance Mistakes to Avoid
Emotions can lead to impulsive decisions with newfound wealth. Fardous advises not to mentally pre-spend the inheritance before it actually arrives, as this can jeopardize long-term financial security. Kraus reinforces this by advising, “Don’t bank on an inheritance until you have it.”
While seeking professional advice is wise, avoid financial advisors who sell high-commission products. Instead, look for fiduciaries who are legally required to act in your best interest. Understand the difference between fee-based planners (who may receive commissions) and fee-only planners (paid solely by clients).
To reduce pressure from family and friends to make immediate decisions, Kraus recommends instituting a “90-day decision-free zone” where no irreversible financial moves are made. This period allows you time to think clearly and reduces stress.
#### Have the Hard Conversations Early
Knowing what you’re likely to inherit — such as money, property, or investments — and any restrictions helps you prepare for tax and distribution responsibilities. If you have a close relationship with the benefactor, discuss these topics early.
Kraus observes, “Many families worry about their parents’ financial security and save money to help them, sometimes at the expense of clear inheritance planning.” Early conversations can prevent misunderstandings.
#### Making a Plan for Your Inherited Wealth
After taking time to process your emotions, experts suggest these priorities:
– Consult a professional about your tax liabilities
– Establish an emergency fund with three to six months of expenses in a high-yield savings account
– Pay off any high-interest debt
Then, consider your personal goals. Whether it’s funding college, buying a home, or increasing retirement savings, be thoughtful. Bishop cautions, “The first thing you don’t want to do is buy three Ferraris.”
Reflect on what this money means to you and how it might change your life. “Big checks invite big mistakes. It’s important to slow down, have a plan, and then execute,” Bishop advises.
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*Kate Ashford, WMS™, writes for NerdWallet. Contact: [email protected] | Twitter: @kateashford*
*This article originally appeared on NerdWallet.*
https://www.twincities.com/2026/01/24/great-wealth-transfer/