It is incredibly difficult to raise the topic of end of life considerations. At some point, someone will have to broach the subject, even if Mom or Dad have already made all of the necessary arrangements. It’s far different than retirement topics; these conversations have to do with funeral and burial arrangements, do not resuscitate orders, powers of attorney for medical decisions – the really tough topics. If you think about it and the mindset we’re in when we plan for retirement, it’s one … [Read more...]
Giving Tax-Free Gifts
It can seem like a platitude to talk about the "joy of giving," and words can never adequately express feelings. But you do experience a palpable sense of complete satisfaction when you give someone that you love just the right gift at just the right time. Passing along your assets to your heirs after you die is an act of giving, but for the recipients, the occasion is not a happy one. Estate planning attorneys will espouse the tax advantages that go along with gift giving while you are still … [Read more...]
Include Your Autobiography As Part Of Your Estate
Your estate is defined as the things that you own, all of your assets and liabilities. These are tangible things, but when your family holds some of the possessions that you leave behind in their hands memories will surface. It is not a stretch to suggest that to your loved ones, these types of memories may be far more valuable than the objects themselves. As you go through life you raise your children and subsequently pass along some of the wisdom that you have acquired to your grandchildren. … [Read more...]
Rising Nursing Home Costs Garner Attention
When you have your finger on the pulse of the elder law issues of the day, the thing that really gets your attention in a broad sense is the fact that the country is getting older. The "Baby Boomers" are now becoming seniors, birth rates are on the decline, and of course medical technology is capable of more amazing things every day. Many people are stunned when they hear that the most rapidly growing segment of American society is the senior population, and the portion that is 85 years old and … [Read more...]
Three Wills To Consider
When looked at from a comprehensive perspective estate planning involves financial and medical matters, but there is also a philosophical component to consider. Through the execution of these three different types of wills you can efficiently cover the gamut and let the full spectrum of your wishes be known to your loved ones. Standard Will When you think about estate planning the first thing that comes to mind is the will, or what was traditionally known as the "last will and testament." This … [Read more...]
Should 2010 Estate Tax Repeal Become Permanent?
The fact that the estate tax was repealed for 2010 as a result of a provision contained in the Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2001 has been a hot topic, but of course it is returning in 2011. Far from considering an expanded or permanent repeal, there are actually whispers circulating that Congress may try to impose the estate tax retroactively on those who avoided it in 2010. However, if you want to look at the facts objectively, one can make a very strong case for the permanent repeal of … [Read more...]
Estate Planning & Procrastination
When you look at the subject of procrastination you immediately recognize the fact that people put off the things that they don't want to do, not the things that they find to be enjoyable. Folks don't usually procrastinate when it comes to going to see their favorite musical artist, scheduling a tee time, or making reservations at that excellent new five star restaurant. With that in mind, what could be more subject to "procrastination" than death? That is something that we most definitely want … [Read more...]
