How to Protect Your Deceased Loved Ones From Identity Theft
We’ve all been warned about protecting ourselves from identity theft, but one group of victims can’t take action to protect themselves—the dead. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to discourage identity thieves from targeting a deceased loved one.
Whitney Houston’s Estate Plan Illustrates Use of Testamentary Trust
Whitney Houston’s tragic death provides an example of how a trust that takes effect upon death can work . . .
5 Estate Planning Tips for the Non-Traditional Family (Which Probably Means Yours)
Is your family of the “Leave It to Beaver” variety — opposite-gender parents, the first marriage for each, one or more kids, all healthy and thriving? If so, your estate plan will probably be pretty straightforward. But if not, it’s not as simple and you have a lot of company.
Why You Need to Plan for Long-Term Care
Thinking about a time when you will need help taking care of yourself is not fun. That is why most people put off discussing long-term care until it can’t be ignored.
How to Protect an IRA From Heirs’ Creditors
When a person declares bankruptcy, an individual retirement account (IRA) is one of the assets that is beyond the reach of creditors, but what about an IRA that has been inherited?
9 (Potential) Problems with Your Trust
All trusts should be reviewed every few years to make sure that they are up-to-date with the law and meet your goals today. Here is a checklist of trust features you can review yourself.
The Five Phases of Retirement Planning
Retirement has changed radically over the last several decades in America. Years ago, you expected to work most of your life for a single, large employer and you then count on a pension.
Checklist: Hiring a Home Care Provider
Most people prefer to be cared for in their home rather than a nursing home, but finding a home care provider for you or a loved one can be daunting.
Capacity Requirements for Executing Estate Planning Documents
Proper execution of a legal instrument requires that the person signing have sufficient mental “capacity” to understand the implications of the document.
Spending Down Assets to Qualify for Medicaid
Medicaid has strict asset rules that compel many applicants to “spend down” their assets before they can qualify for coverage. It is important to know what you can spend your money on without endangering Medicaid eligibility.
