A Modest Social Security Increase for 2021
The Social Security Administration has announced a 1.3 percent rise in benefits in 2021, an increase even smaller than last year’s.
Details
How to Fix a Required Minimum Distribution Mistake
The rules around required minimum distributions from retirement accounts are confusing, and it’s easy to slip up. Fortunately, if you do make a mistake, there are steps you can take to fix the error and possibly avoid a stiff penalty.
DetailsThirteen Estate Planning Terms You Need to Know
Estate planning—it is an incredibly important tool, not just for the uber wealthy or those thinking about retirement. On the contrary, estate planning is something every adult should do. Estate planning can help you accomplish any number of goals, including appointing guardians for minor children, choosing healthcare agents to make decisions for you should you…
DetailsWealth Transfer Strategies in an Election Year
With a push by the Democratic party to return federal estate taxes to their historic norms, taxpayers need to act now before Congress passes legislation that could adversely impact their estates. Currently, the federal estate and gift tax exemption is set at $11.58 million per taxpayer. Assets included in a decedent’s estate that exceed the…
Details
How to Divide Personal Possessions Without Dividing the Family
Allocating your personal possessions can be one of the most difficult tasks when creating an estate plan. To avoid family feuds after you are gone, it is important to have a plan and make your wishes clear.
Details
Single? You Still Need an Estate Plan
Many people incorrectly believe that if they are single, they don’t need a will or other estate planning documents.
Details
Nursing Home Residents Face Even Greater Barriers to Voting Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has forced nursing homes to place a number of restrictions on their residents. These constraints are having the unintended consequence of making it more difficult for nursing home residents to vote.
Details
The Ins and Outs of Guardianship and Conservatorship
Every adult is assumed to be capable of making his or her own decisions unless a court determines otherwise. If an adult becomes incapable of making responsible decisions, then the court will appoint a substitute decision maker.
Details
Four Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Digital Estate
While the internet makes our lives more convenient, it also adds new complications. For example, what happens to all our online data and assets if we become disabled or die?
Details
When Should You Update Your Estate Plan?
Once you’ve created an estate plan, it is important to keep it up to date. You will need to revisit your plan after certain key life events.
Details