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“Planning for your farm’s future has never been more urgent. With one-third of United States farmers older than age 65, it’s estimated that 70% of farmland will change hands in the next 15 years.” Have you figured out who will take over the family farm? Are you or your parents prepared to transition the farm […]

Family Pulling Party Favors During Christmas Dinner

“As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s meaningful to reflect on the origin of the holiday–Native Americans and pilgrims sharing their bounty of food with each other. As you gather with your loved ones this year, perhaps you can think of ways to share not only your dinner, but also your financial bounty.” For many families, the holiday […]

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“The personal representative (formerly executor) of the deceased’s estate may be responsible for filing a number of tax returns.” When a person dies, their assets are gathered, their debts are paid, business affairs are settled and assets are distributed, as directed by their will. If there is no will, the intestate laws of their state […]

Happy old couple

“More than likely, most people may not want to envision a time spent in court, arguing with siblings and other family members, or fighting with financial institutions and health providers to uphold end-of-life wishes and the management of personal assets. The problems aren’t always evident when the first parent passes. Often, it’s when the second […]

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“Does a Power of Attorney ever lapse? What happens if I change my mind and want to take the Power of Attorney back? Can the Power of Attorney refuse to return the authority?” These are all good questions, as Powers of Attorney (POA) are some of the most commonly used estate planning documents and they […]

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“Springfield, Mass. is known as the “City of Firsts.” It is called the “Birthplace of Basketball” and is home of the first gas-powered car.” This summer, Springfield, Massachusetts became the first place to receive three marks of “age-friendliness,” as designated by a global initiative of the World Health Organization. This town in western Massachusetts, with […]

large mixed family

“When the first spouse dies, the surviving spouse may not remain as close with his or her stepchildren. Small irritations which were overlooked during the lifetime of the spouse who died, may become outright disputes.” Estate planning for blended families is like playing chess in three dimensions: even those who are very good at chess […]

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“All it takes is one accident or medical emergency while out-of-state in Arizona or Florida this winter, for powers of attorney and living wills to pay for themselves.” Before snowbirds begin their seasonal journey to warmer climates, it’s time to be sure that they have the important legal documents in place, advises LimaOhio.com in a […]

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“Congratulations! Your retirement planning paid off. You built a $1 million retirement nest egg. How long will $1 million last in retirement?” For most retirees, the goal is simple: don’t run out of money. That’s the worry that plagues most Americans—61% of them, according to a survey from Allianz Life. How do you keep that […]

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“Relocating for retirement and trimming the budget line for taxes are among the many tasks preretirees and retirees have on their to-do lists.” There are states where taxes are lower than others. However, if you plan to move to a state that has low tax rates or tax breaks designed to help older residents, make […]