It’s fall and the time of year to review your Medicare coverages. The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period will soon be upon us. The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period has remained the same this year as the last several years, …
Articles
Is Your Estate Plan Like the Rich & Famous?
Aretha Franklin died last month with an estate estimated at some $80 million, and did not leave a will or trust. Although Aretha’s four sons are her heirs-at-law entitled to her assets under state law, a niece who handled finances …
You May Not Have to Pay Property Taxes on Your Home
Are you a disabled veteran, the unremarried surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran, or part of a household with income and assets below certain poverty guidelines? If so, you might be eligible for financial relief. You may not have …
Do Your Homework Before Buying a Home
The real estate market is really hot right now. I know a number of people who have sold their home the day it was listed. In certain price ranges, it is not uncommon for sellers to get multiple offers above …
The Title of Assets Matter with Trusts
You finally have signed your trust. But hopefully, your estate plan includes more documents and instructions than your trust. In addition to your trust, you should have, at a minimum, your financial and health care powers of attorney and your …
Estate Tax Exemption Increase Not So Permanent
As we have discussed in prior columns, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, signed by President Trump on December 22, 2017, made numerous changes to the taxation of trusts and estates. The 2012 “permanent” inflation adjusted $5 million …
How to Leave an Inheritance to a Child or Other Beneficiary
You have worked hard your entire life and have accumulated some savings. There will be some left after you are gone. You want to leave what’s left to your children or other loved ones. If you are like many others …
Where is Your Title Insurance Policy?
Last week we discussed the documents that you should make sure you keep after buying your home, or any real estate. One of those documents is your title insurance policy. This document is probably the one real estate document that …
Do Your Have All Your Real Estate Documents?
When you bought your home, there was a cascade of paper that you thought would never end. It seemed like you were signing for hours. When you were done, you were given a legal size envelope filled with a stack …
Ten Years of Change
August 10, 2008. Do you remember: Michael Phelps won his record 8th gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, Pádraig Harrington won the rain delayed PGA Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club, soul singer and actor Isaac Hayes died, AND my …