What It Means To Be a “Fiduciary”
At some point in your life, you may be asked to be a power of attorney for a family member or friend. Your person may be planning for when they might become unable to take care of their affairs. For…
Having a Conversation about Finances and Estate Planning with Your Aging Parents
As your parents' age, it is essential that you have conversations with them about their finances. To broach the topic, you might bring up current events like the coronavirus pandemic, its effect on economic conditions, and how it relates to…
Understanding the Probate Process
Probate is the legal process for authenticating a deceased person's will, reviewing their assets, paying their outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to their inheritors. After an asset-holder dies, the court will appoint a valid will's executor to…
The Differences Between Wills and Trusts
Wills and trusts have specific and quite different benefits for estate planning purposes. Each state has specific laws and regulations governing these legal documents. You can have both a will and a trust; however, the information in each should compliment…
Who Should Make Financial Decisions for You?
Who should you trust to manage your financial well being when you are no longer able to do so? A power of attorney (POA), otherwise known as an agent to your principal, has the legal authority to represent and make…
Health Care Power of Attorney: Specific or General
You have the right to decide what kind of medical treatment you want to receive from doctors and health-care providers. If you can speak up at the time, you can express your wishes yourself. But if you become incapable because…
The Secure Act In 2020
Congress has passed a bipartisan appropriations bill. In the contents of this spending bill is a piece of legislation known as the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE), the first significant change in retirement legislation since the…
What to Know About the Various Retirement Challenges Facing Women
For women, securing enough retirement income can be a daunting proposition. Generally speaking, women face two significant hurdles to overcome to achieve a comfortable flow of retirement income. One hurdle involves longevity, and the second deals with earning power. Women…
Why a Living Will Is Essential to Your Estate Plan
Living Wills are essential in creating a solid estate plan. A living will presents your preferences for life-sustaining medical treatment. It is often accompanied by a health-care proxy or power of attorney, which allows someone to make treatment decisions for…
Estate Planning Guide: Planning for Blended Families
Couples often bring children into a marriage from a prior marriage or union and then have children together. This is often referred to as a blended family. Blended families highlight the need for careful estate planning to make sure the…