Big Three from Episode #068: Be thoughtful about which type of plan you genuinely want to be a part of if you were to get sick in the future. Make sure you have a Medigap plan to help protect your retirement savings. Some decisions are irretrievable, so you must make sure you seek help, ask questions, and talk to someone…
Big Three from Episode #067: If you’re including any type of real estate in your estate plan, it’s vital to discuss with your attorney and understand how Prop 19 can impact you and your loved ones. Make sure your children are included in the discussion and planning process. Do not panic. There are workarounds and ways to protect your assets…
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 needs…
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 report…
Big Three from Episode #057: The current estate tax exemption is $11.7 million, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t file. Estate tax returns are not easy, but they are worth it. Margaret’s expert opinion: If you can take advantage, file it. An estate tax return is not an income tax return. It’s an inventory of your assets, your deductions. It’s…
Big Three from Episode #055: Prop 19 is a time-sensitive issue that may impact real estate inherited by your children after February 16th. The only way to maintain a low property tax payment under Prop 19 is if a child keeps an inherited primary residence as their own primary residence. Own a vacation home? Be prepared for higher property taxes.…
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…