The holiday season is upon us, and as others rush about the malls and the internet looking for gifts, we can recommend a unique, useful and memorable gift that will be perfect for any loved one: An Estate Plan! Before you roll your eyes at the idea, consider this: An estate plan is something every… Read More »
Blog Posts Page 31
Planning Your Affairs When Faced with a Chronic or Terminal Illness
We mention often on our blog that each family will have unique circumstances and unique estate planning needs—this is especially true of families in which one member has a chronic or terminal disease such as cancer, diabetes, or, as mentioned in this article in Forbes, multiple sclerosis. For most people, the documents in their estate… Read More »
Seniors To Receive a 3.6% Raise in Social Security. Finally!
There is good news today for senior citizens! Finally, seniors will receive a long awaited Cost-Of-Living increase in their social security benefits. According to this article in CNN Money, “Social Security recipients will receive a cost of living adjustment of 3.6% starting in January.” This will be the first “raise” recipients have seen in three… Read More »
Coping After the Death of a Spouse: A “To Do” List
Losing a spouse may be one of the most difficult life events that any of us have to deal with. A spouse is a parenting partner, a co-CFO, a best friend and a beloved soul mate. Losing the person who supports you in so many ways can create an emptiness which can be almost paralyzing…. Read More »
Death of Steve Jobs Saddens the World
The recent death of creative visionary and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs saddened the world. News of his death traveled like wildfire, and had the online social networks humming with tributes, memorial posts, and sentiments of grief. Mr. Jobs was very private about his personal life, but through his public appearances and his support of various… Read More »
Meeting The Challenges of Caregiving For Your Aging Parents
As senior issues and caregiver concerns get more media attention, more and more families are making the question of who becomes mom or dad’s primary caregiver a family decision. Although one sibling may still take on the role of “primary caregiver,” families are making the conscious decision to try to share caregiving responsibilities more equally…. Read More »
How To Leave An Inheritance To A Child Who Might Squander Or Abuse It
Giving your children an inheritance can be one of the most generous, most loving things a parent can do… Unfortunately, under certain circumstances it can also be the most dangerous. A recent article in the New York Times addresses a question asked by many parents in estate planning offices all over the country: How to… Read More »
How Does California Rank on the Long-Term Care Scorecard?
One of the primary concerns of the aging population is long-term care. As the life expectancy of Americans goes up so does the expectation that they will someday need some form of long-term care. You may not know whether that care will happen in a hospital, a nursing home, or in your own home, but… Read More »
Leaving a Gift or Bequest to a Special Needs Child
If you have a child with special needs, planning your estate takes on a whole new dimension; especially, as this article in Forbes points out, now that “state and local governments are tightening income restrictions for medical benefits and supportive services, which are typically paid for by Social Security and Medicaid. Those services are tough… Read More »
Some Tax Saving Strategies from the Wall Street Journal
Income, estate, and other federal tax levies have commonly been a bone of contention between those with different political ideologies; but the current conflict has reached unusual heights, with various million- and billionaires publicly expressing their views (pro or against) about current tax laws. Of course, million- or billionaires aren’t the only ones with strong… Read More »