The passage of the U.S. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 (ABLE) enabled millions of disabled Americans to save money without losing means-based benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medi-Cal. Currently, anyone with more than $2,000 in countable assets is ineligible for most means-based programs. Prior to ABLE, it was impossible to save funds for…
Disabled California residents may now open savings accounts without jeopardizing means-based benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a federal income supplement program that is funded by general tax revenues. Under that program, the aged, blind, and disabled with little or no income qualify for cash benefits to pay for housing, food, and clothing. However, to qualify…
Rusty stared at the estate planning attorney, perplexed. “Why do you need a list of every song I’ve ever written, even if they haven’t been published? That sounds like a waste of time. Those are just my pickin’s, they aren’t worth anything.” The attorney peered at him through her reading glasses. “And what happens if a relative discovers a song…
Now that we’ve settled into somewhat of a new normal for the time being, people are thinking about getting things in order. There is still a sense of urgency, but many are taking the time to review their estate plans to make sure everything is in place, or are taking steps to put a new plan in place. In California,…
Are you a health care worker, or do you have a loved one who is? Then this episode is for you. Health care workers are very special, and we all owe them our gratitude for the work they do, but it’s important, especially now, that they do not allow their instinct to help others get in the way of…
No one knows what will happen as they age. It’s almost impossible to predict the events that may have an impact, such as illness, disability, neurological impairments, or the need for long-term care. Impossible to predict, but not impossible to plan for. That’s why it’s important to hold age-related discussions with spouses, adult family members, trusted friends, and legal and…
Our clients understand the importance of estate planning. In this time of COVID-19, many people are also feeling a sense of urgency. It is important to remember, though, that the plan is only the beginning. A surprising number of our clients discover, after the death of a family member, that an asset that should have been transferred to the trust…
If you are a health care worker or have a loved one who is, this episode is meant for you. Health care workers are very special and we all owe them our gratitude for the work they do. But it’s important that they not allow their instinct to help others to get in the way of helping themselves. Statistics are…