What to Do When a Loved One is Diagnosed with Dementia
A dementia diagnosis is a traumatic time for any family. Dementia happens slowly and progressively over time. In the early stages, some symptoms are often thought of as just signs of aging. Beginning signs...
Why Do People “Put Off” Estate Planning?
The statistics are rather alarming. In 2005, 50 percent of Americans had a will; today, only 32 percent of us have one. Meanwhile, only one in three Americans over the age of 55 has a durable power of...
Myths and Misconceptions about Retirement Planning
Numerous studies have shown that Americans’ greatest fear regarding retirement is running out of money. Even so, myths abound about planning for retirement, Social Security, the cost of medical care,...
Moving Out of State? You May Need to Revise Your Estate Plan
Approximately 3 million Americans move to another state each year, while last year alone the number was 4.7 million. Given the stress and myriad changes that come with such a move, it’s not surprising...
The Risks of Giving Adult Children an “Advance” on Their Inheritance
There are many reasons you might consider giving your adult children a portion of their inheritance now, while you’re alive and well. Maybe you’ve seen your nest egg grow thanks to a robust stock market,...
Yes, Even Millennials Should Have an Estate Plan
Many people believe that estate planning is only for elders. The truth is that younger folks, including millennials, can benefit from having an estate plan of their own. ...
What Will Happen to Your Digital Estate When You Pass Away?
Even if you are not tech savvy, you likely have a digital “estate” comprised of assets with financial and sentimental value. You probably also have plenty of personal information floating around out...
The Objectives and Benefits of a Spendthrift Trust
A spendthrift trust is typically used to prevent a beneficiary from receiving his or her inheritance all at once. There are several reasons why a grantor (the person who creates the trust) might want to...
If Your Children Have Turned 18, They Need Their Own Legal Documents
When your children turn 18 they are legal adults. They might not act like adults all of the time, and you may still be supporting them financially, but in the eyes of the law they are indeed adults. This...
What's Not to Like About an I Love You Will? Plenty.
An "I Love You Will" is a last will and testament in which the testator—the person who makes the will—leaves everything to his or her spouse. If you have thought about making a will in the past, you...