The men and women who have served in the Armed Forces, along with their families, are owed a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid. Each and every one of them has sacrificed so that all Americans can enjoy the freedom and safety that comes with living in the United States. Although it may be impossible to ever truly repay a veteran for his/her service, the U.S. government does offer a number of benefits to veterans and their dependents. Many eligible veterans, however, are unaware of … [Read more...] about Top 5 VA Benefits
Will Your Estate Plan Still Work If You Move?
Before the pandemic, Americans were more mobile than ever. When you move, you have to change your address, your voter registration, and all sorts of other things. But, do you need to revise your estate planning documents? Like with many things in law, it depends on your situation. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Will Your Estate Plan Still Work If You Move?
Leaving Behind Your Legacy
If you already have an estate plan in place, it may be time to take that plan to the next level by incorporating legacy planning into your overall plan. Legacy planning is not something that takes the place of your existing estate plan. Instead, legacy planning takes over where your estate plan left off. It allows you to do more than just plan for the disposition of your tangible assets because, when you stop to think about it, you likely want to pass down much more to future generations. … [Read more...] about Leaving Behind Your Legacy
What Does a Living Trust Do for You?
Whenever estate planning is the topic of conversation, the subject of living trusts almost inevitably become part of the conservation. The reason for this is simple -- a living trust can help accomplish a very numerous, and diverse, list of estate planning goals. For you to decide if a living trust should be included in your estate plan, however, you need to know exactly what a living trust can do for you. What Is a Living Trust A living trust is one of two types of trusts, with the other … [Read more...] about What Does a Living Trust Do for You?
Can a Trust Attorney Be My Trustee?
Although the primary focus of your estate plan may be the eventual distribution of your estate assets after you are gone, your estate plan will likely include a wide range of additional, inter-related, goals and objectives in addition to your primary objective. In order to accomplish all of those goals and objectives, you will need to utilize a variety of estate planning tools and strategies. One of the most common of those tools is a trust. If you do choose to establish a trust as part of your … [Read more...] about Can a Trust Attorney Be My Trustee?
Seniors, Elderly Face Financial Hardships
More Americans could face housing-related financial hardships in retirement, according to a new Harvard study. This, coupled with new Medicare worries, a dramatic shift could be setting itself up for the more than 130 million Americans over the age of 50. Not only that, but 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 every day. This population trend will continue for at least the next 15 years. That means 20 percent of the country’s population will be retired seniors. These trends will continue, making … [Read more...] about Seniors, Elderly Face Financial Hardships
Controversial Right to Die Bill Becomes Law
It’s likely one of the most excruciating questions we’ll ever face: should we choose to allow a doctor to assist us in our own death? It’s difficult for a few reasons, first, what if it’s someone we love who could very well choose to end his or her pain in this life? It’s also difficult because if it’s us making that decision for ourselves, there are going to be loved ones who will feel the pain of that choice. Earlier this month, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law his state’s own … [Read more...] about Controversial Right to Die Bill Becomes Law
Our Family Pets and Pet Trusts
Our nation is obsessed with the loyalty and love our non-human family members bring, and that’s certainly true when it comes to our dogs. Many families that have dogs are quick to let anyone know their four legged family members are by far the most loyal. Remember the shock that you felt when we learned real estate mogul Leona Helmsley left a massive $12 million fortune to Trouble, her Maltese? If you thought that was jaw dropping, you’ll definitely rethink it once you learn what celebrities … [Read more...] about Our Family Pets and Pet Trusts
Fearing the Unknown: Social Security Myths
Funny thing about human nature; we will believe many things with no proof or substantiated evidence. After all, it’s just a matter of time before Big Foot strolls through someone’s house, extends his hand..or paw…and introduces himself, right? It’s just part of the human design: we are capable of believing most anything. Unfortunately, it’s the rumors about important issues that can cause problems. This week, we take a look at a few of the big untruths about Social Security. Granted, the … [Read more...] about Fearing the Unknown: Social Security Myths
Financial and Estate Planning Essentials
One of the reasons planning for life after retirement is because no one knows what the future holds, when the next stock market crash will happen or how tax laws will affect our estates in the future. Are there ways to protect assets from creditors? Can you truly reduce estate taxes? Keep reading as we explore a few financial and estate planning essentials. Financial and Estate Planning Essentials There are many ways to better protect what you’ve worked to acquire over the course of your … [Read more...] about Financial and Estate Planning Essentials
