Unfortunately, many today see money as a solution to problems, but that is not always the case. In fact, wealth can be quite damaging to a family dynamic. Planning, in this instance, is vital. When family members have prepared and have learned how to work together, that’s when wealth and inheritance can be used as a tool to benefit a…
This seems like a simple question, right? My retirement goes to the person I listed as my beneficiary (spouse, kids, etc.). Most of the time this is true, yet we also get a fair share of people having to file a probate for an IRA or having to request the court to allow someone to set up a special…
There are many great options these days when it comes to senior living communities and long-term care, but that’s just it. There are hundreds of options. Finding the best solution for yourself or a loved one is a project and can be a daunting task for families. How do you truly know what the best choice is for elderly parents?…
You may or may not already have your estate planned for when you die, but did you know that you can also make gifting your assets while you are alive a part of your estate plan? Most people are aware that you, as an individual, can gift up to $15,000 per year to any other individual without having to…
Unfortunately, there comes the point in life when the family home becomes a burden, whether that is emotionally, physically, or financially. And, usually, downsizing might seem like the way to go, but it doesn’t come without complications. There is so much more to moving and downsizing in the aging journey. It’s not just about buying and selling a home, but…
In the past, reverse mortgages have had a negative connotation associated with them due to high fees and a lack of understanding of what they were and why they are being purchased. Nowadays, we see a rise in popularity among older adults and seniors who have equity in their homes and want to help supplement their income. In a…
When it comes to planning for a young family, whether it is financial or estate planning, it’s never too early to get started. Typically, young families share the same concerns and characteristics. It can be hard to navigate all the tools, information, and strategies that are out there. Many may put planning off or choose a route, not knowing if…
Estate planning is not just for seniors. Ideally, as soon as you turn eighteen you should have some version of an estate plan because your parents are no longer automatically able to make decisions or act on your behalf. There are several reasons to create a power of attorney for finances once you turn eighteen. For example, the military helps…
Natalie scrunched up the letter in her hand and tossed it into the trash. “Thanks for nothing, Uncle Fred.” Her husband, John, frowned. “Bad news?” Natalie shrugged. “Remember when Uncle Fred said he was going to pay the college tuition for all his nieces and nephews?” “Sure, we figured that into our financial plan. It will be a big help.”…
When it comes to life insurance, most of us think of it as a death benefit when someone dies too soon. However, when used strategically, it can do so much more. In estate and retirement planning, it can be used as a complementary financial tool to help you meet specific goals or help secure financial protection. In a new episode…