"Intestacy" is the term used when one dies without a valid last will. Some people are under the impression that the government takes your property if you die estate. The reality is that legal rules of descent determine who will inherit your property. If you are married your closest relative is your surviving spouse and he or she will inherit some or all of your property, depending on whether you have children, if you die without a will. This does not mean there's no reason for you to … [Read more...] about Estate Planning For Domestic Partners
Social Security
Are Your Assets In Harm’s Way?
When devising a comprehensive long-term financial plan, it is important to take steps to protect your assets. Individuals in certain professions are naturally vulnerable to creditors and claimants and, if you do not take action to shield your personal resources, the consequences can be devastating. … [Read more...] about Are Your Assets In Harm’s Way?
Best Places to Retire: State Taxation
February 25, 2020 by Steve Hartnett You owe federal income tax wherever you live. But your overall tax burden can vary dramatically depending on where you live. Read on to learn more. There are many factors which enter into your decision of where to live or retire. You may want to move to be closer to your grandchildren. You may want to be in the climate you prefer. One of the factors to include in your decision is taxation. As long as you live in the United … [Read more...] about Best Places to Retire: State Taxation
Alzheimer’s Alone Makes Incapacity Planning a Must
Alzheimer's disease causes dementia, and dementia can cause victims to lose their capacity to make sound decisions. People are living longer than ever, with the 10 year age group comprised of people between 85 and 94 years old growing faster than any other from the year 2000 to 2010 according to the United States Census Bureau. Once you reach the age of 85 Alzheimer's becomes a very real threat with upwards of 45% of the "oldest old" suffering from the disease according to the Alzheimer's … [Read more...] about Alzheimer’s Alone Makes Incapacity Planning a Must
Have You Reviewed Your Living Trust Lately?
Once you have an estate plan in place, you may breathe a sigh of relief feeling as though you have put a significant responsibility behind you. Considering that so many people never take this step, you really have accomplished something significant when you take action for the well-being of your loved ones. Having said this, it is important to recognize that estate planning is not a "one and done" endeavor. If you created a revocable living trust while a relatively young adult, … [Read more...] about Have You Reviewed Your Living Trust Lately?
Have You Reviewed Your Living Trust Lately?
Once you have an estate plan in place, you may breathe a sigh of relief feeling as though you have put a significant responsibility behind you. Considering that so many people never take this step, you really have accomplished something significant when you take action for the well-being of your loved ones. Having said this, it is important to recognize that estate planning is not a "one and done" endeavor. If you created a revocable living trust while a relatively young adult, … [Read more...] about Have You Reviewed Your Living Trust Lately?
The Reason Seniors Need to Know Oklahoma Medicaid Guidelines
It is important for everyone to know Oklahoma Medicaid guidelines because Medicaid is an insurer that provides for care you might otherwise be unable to afford. Medicaid is an insurance program operated as part of a federal / state partnership. It is for people who qualify based on limited incomes. The Medicaid program cannot turn down anyone due to their medical status if they are otherwise eligible for benefits. It provides coverage for care that Medicare and private … [Read more...] about The Reason Seniors Need to Know Oklahoma Medicaid Guidelines
Have You Reviewed Your Living Trust Lately?
Once you have an estate plan in place you may breathe a sigh of relief feeling as though you have put a significant responsibility behind you. Considering the fact that so many people do not take this step you have accomplished something significant when you take action for the well-being of your loved ones. Having said that, it is important for you to recognize that estate planning is not a "one and done" endeavor. If you create your revocable living trust as a relatively young … [Read more...] about Have You Reviewed Your Living Trust Lately?
Upcoming Client Education Event: Issues That May Impact Your Estate Plan
Reinforce Peace of Mind by Guarding Against Issues That May Impact Your Family's Estate Plan This is a FREE event! Topics we'll cover include: Why It’s Critical to Take Advantage of Our Complimentary Annual Reviews of Your Medicaid Planning The Threats Lurking When IRAs Are Left to Non-Spousal Beneficiaries The Importance of Generational Planning to Preserve Inherited Wealth The #1 Most Common Health Care Mistake For Adults or Disabled Children What REALLY Happens to Spousal Income … [Read more...] about Upcoming Client Education Event: Issues That May Impact Your Estate Plan
4 Key Estate Planning Actions for New Parents
New parents are often overwhelmed due to sleepless nights and unexpected financial burdens to focus on the steps necessary to safeguard their children’s future in the event one or both parents pass away. We recommend new parents consider the following actions as an essential part of starting a new family. … [Read more...] about 4 Key Estate Planning Actions for New Parents