by Christine | Nov 21, 2013 | Charitable Giving |
A tax deduction for charitable giving isn’t guaranteed just because you’re feeling generous. As with everything in tax law, it’s important to follow the rules. As the holiday giving season begins with the tax year ending shortly thereafter, now is a good time to plan...
by Christine | Nov 20, 2013 | Asset Protection, Estate Planning |
Here are some potential pitfalls to keep in mind for couples who are thinking of keeping some or all of their assets separate. When two people have lived together outside of marriage for some time, the question of who owns what can get downright confusing. Obviously,...
by Christine | Nov 19, 2013 | Estate Planning, Family, Family Meeting |
A productive family meeting can have a profound impact not only on the individual family members who attend, but also on all those they interact with afterwards. Communication is key when it comes to estate planning. In fact, the entirety of an estate plan –...
by Christine | Nov 18, 2013 | Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning |
If you’re handling the finances for an older family member or are about to do so, some sticky challenges can pop up quicker than you think. Managing your personal finances can be a challenge. But what if you had to manage money for someone else? Managing the finances...
by Christine | Nov 15, 2013 | Estate Law, Estate Tax, Inheritance Tax, Interstate Estate, State Law |
There are steps that residents of states with steep estate taxes can take–short of moving–to help minimize such bills or avoid them altogether. Although the Federal government may cast a big shadow in terms of estate taxes, don't forget those state laws lurking in...
by Christine | Nov 14, 2013 | 2013, 2014, Estate Law, Estate Tax, Gift Tax |
Starting in 2014 … the basic exclusion will go up to $5.34 million per person, from $5.25 million this year.[However,] there will be no change in the annual exclusion, which allows you to give $14,000 in cash or other assets each year to each of as many...
by Christine | Nov 13, 2013 | Elder Law, Estate Law |
Millions of Americans are managing money or property for a loved one who is unable to pay bills or make financial decisions. This can be very overwhelming. But, it’s also a great opportunity to help someone you care about, and protect them from scams and fraud....
by Christine | Nov 12, 2013 | Estate Law, Estate Planning |
Give a copy of your wills, trusts and powers of attorney (financial and health care) to anyone named or authorized to act on your behalf, and store the originals at home; otherwise, your children could have trouble getting them at the critical time. The best laid...
by Christine | Nov 11, 2013 | 2014, Elder Law, Medicare, Social Security |
The nation's elderly and disabled Social Security recipients will receive a 1.5 percent increase in payments in 2014. The same COLA will apply to pensions for federal government retirees and most veterans. According to recent news from the Social Security...
by Christine | Nov 8, 2013 | Elder Law, Medicare |
Open enrollment for the Medicare Part D Drug plans started on October 15th. You have until December 7thto determine which is the best plan for you in 2014 and make the needed change. It could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. It is Medicare Open Enrollment...
