Posted by Chris Peterson | May 21, 2020 |
There are a number of dangers associated with failing to put a well-thought-out estate plan in place that could make your family members feel as though they are drowning if you were to pass away. A carefully designed estate plan is like a life vest for your family in a rough sea. Losing a family member is never easy, but we can help you put plans in place that will provide you with the peace of mind of knowing that your grieving family will not be overwhelmed if you die.
Posted by Chris Peterson | May 18, 2020 |
If you are administering the estate of someone who was a hoarder or even had an extensive collection of particular items or memorabilia, the process can be even more burdensome. Here are 8 things to thinking about before taking the job.
Posted by Chris Peterson | May 16, 2020 |
Even if you are not among those who currently need to plan to avoid federal estate tax liability, some states have their own estate tax and a few have an inheritance tax.
Posted by Chris Peterson | May 13, 2020 |
What have you done to prepare for your own care? Working together, we can craft the best possible estate planning prescription that will protect you today, tomorrow, and well into the future using the best legal tools available.
Posted by Chris Peterson | May 12, 2020 |
You can increase not only your own wellbeing but also that of your children or other beneficiaries by creating an estate plan designed to promote their happiness, which in turn, will enable them to live healthier and more successful lives.
Posted by Chris Peterson | May 04, 2020 |
The United States has experienced a surge in immigration since 1970, and there are now approximately 45 million foreign-born people living in the United States. Some of them have become U.S. citizens, but many non-citizens live in the United States as well. In 2019 alone, approximately 1,031,00...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Apr 30, 2020 |
For most of us, every penny counts, so it is almost inconceivable that we could have lost track of any money or property. Regardless of how careful we are with our finances, it is possible for utility deposits, credit balances, unused gift certificates, banks accounts, and many more types of pr...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Apr 28, 2020 |
A Financial Power of Attorney (FPA) allows you to select a trusted family member or friend who will be responsible for managing your money and other property if you become mentally incapacitated (unable to make your own decisions) due to illness or injury. Without this document, bills won’t get paid, tax returns won’t be filed, bank and investment accounts held in your name will become inaccessible, retirement distributions can’t be requested, and property can’t be bought, sold, or managed.
Posted by Chris Peterson | Apr 27, 2020 |
If you are considering making a donation to a public charity, you are not limited to donating cash. Depending upon your financial situation, giving objectives, and the needs of the charitable organization, certain accounts or pieces of property may be better suited for donation to the charity.
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Posted by Chris Peterson | Apr 20, 2020 |
There are many reasons why you may want to give to a charity: You may give because you believe strongly in a cause or organization, but it can also reduce your yearly income tax bill and remove value from your overall estate. If you are considering making a donation, but are unsure of how to pr...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Apr 13, 2020 |
If you are a restaurant owner, like most other small business owners, you have many demands on your time. Your schedule may be even more demanding than most, and your working hours may extend far beyond the typical working day. Nevertheless, it is very important for you to set aside some time t...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Apr 08, 2020 |
Coronavirus has been all over the news—and with good reason. For some people, it can turn into a serious illness if contracted. Thankfully, for the great majority of people who have contracted the disease, the symptoms appear to be relatively mild. Nevertheless, it is crucial for everyone, partic...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Feb 29, 2020 |
Estate planning can be a very difficult process. While it's not brain surgery, making the decision to move forward with the planning requires us to face the fact that we will not live forever. This thought can stop many people right in their tracks. Others talk themselves out of seeing a qualif...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Feb 27, 2020 |
Estate Planning Awareness Week: The Importance to You and Your Family of Having an Estate Plan
In 2008, Congress recognized the need for the public to understand the importance and benefits of estate planning by passing House Resolution 1499, which designated the third week of ...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Feb 25, 2020 |
529 Plans -What You Need to Know
According to U.S. News and World Report, for the 2019-2020 school year, the average cost of tuition and fees is $10,116 at an in-state public university and $36,801 at a private university. This does not even include housing, books, and meal pla...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Feb 23, 2020 |
Ethical Wills -Passing on Your Wisdom and Experience to the Next Generation
Each person accumulates a wealth of knowledge, experiences, and values throughout the course of their life. Regardless of whether you are financially wealthy, you have a great deal to share with your lo...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Feb 21, 2020 |
National Adoption Month: Taking Care of Your New Family Member
November is National Adoption Month, which is aimed at raising awareness about adoption and the children who need permanent, loving homes. Thousands of children are adopted each year, bringing much joy to their adop...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Feb 19, 2020 |
Planning for Stepchildren and Step-Grandchildren
The structure of families has changed in the United States: According to statistics cited by the Pew Research Center, six out of ten women who remarry are in blended families, and in about half of those remarriages, stepchildren ...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Feb 17, 2020 |
Who's On Your Team?
Estate planning is not just about what happens to your stuff when you die. It is about coordinating all aspects of your life so (i) you can be taken care of during times when you are unable to care for yourself, and (ii) your money and property are distribut...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Feb 16, 2020 |
Is a Handwritten Will Effective?
After the 2018 passing of the legendary singer Aretha Franklin, her family and lawyer initially thought she had died without a will. But earlier this year, three handwritten wills—two from 2010 that were locked in a cabinet and one from 2014 tha...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Feb 15, 2020 |
What Impact Does the Citizenship of My Spouse Have On My Estate?
According to the Pew Research Center, in 2017, there were 44.4 million foreign-born people living in the United States, 55% of whom were non-citizens. As a result, there are many occasions when a non-ci...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Feb 13, 2020 |
Effect of Bankruptcy on Estate Planning
Bankruptcy may be one of the last things on your mind when you are creating an estate plan. Fortunately, the number of bankruptcy filings have declined as the economy has improved, but there were still a whopping 969,397 bankruptcy filing...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Feb 10, 2020 |
Productivity Tips for the New Year
Are you feeling bogged down in a swamp of clutter, deadlines, and incomplete tasks? As we draw closer to the end of the year, make it your goal to do a few simple things over the course of a day or two that will result in increased productivit...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Feb 07, 2020 |
Important Things Your Agent Under a Medical Power of Attorney Needs to Know
Even if you are currently the picture of good health, you may suddenly become too ill to make healthcare decisions for yourself or become unconscious after an accident, needing someone to stand in your ...
Posted by Chris Peterson | Feb 04, 2020 |
Important Estate Planning Considerations for LGBTQ Couples
Everyone needs estate planning. Regardless of your age, race, gender, or sexual orientation, properly protecting your future and your loved ones requires a plan. For LGBTQ couples, there are a few things you should cons...
