estate planning

When most people think of estate planning, usually writing out their will comes to mind. While a will can help you accomplish a number of important planning goals, it’s certainly not a complete plan to protect your future. Many people know that a will allows you to control how your assets are distributed after you […]

special needs trustee

Choosing the right trustee for any trust is a difficult and extremely important decision. In the case of choosing the right trustee for the trust you have created to protect your loved one with special needs, the decision is even more important—particularly if your loved one is a young child. Let’s take a look at some of […]

married, marrying

Here are some factors to consider when marrying, or remarrying, later in life. Should You Have a Prenuptial Agreement? In most situations, the answer is yes, particularly if you and your betrothed have children from previous marriages, a disparity in financial resources, or substantial assets. When couples marry, assets and income typically become community property. […]

family in the beach

Who should raise your children if for some reason you or your spouse is unable to do so? It’s not an easy question to answer, but if you have young children, it is a topic you most certainly should address in your estate plan. Otherwise, a court will decide, and their decision will probably not […]

Living trust concept: a young family preparing breakfast in the kitchen

You’ve taken the time to plan for the financial well-being of your loved ones and yourself. You’ve created a customized estate plan to address your goals and concerns. Your plan includes one of the most powerful estate planning tools out there, the Revocable Living Trust, which allows your heirs to avoid probate upon your death […]

long term insurance

When clients ask us whether it is right for them, we consider their overall plan and unique situation. Sometimes we recommend long-term care insurance, sometimes we don’t, depending on the client’s needs and goals. But what if you’ve already purchased long-term care insurance, and you’ve seen your premiums rise dramatically in recent years? First of […]

Beneficiary designation documents on a desk.

Maybe it’s an insurance policy you took out years ago. Or the retirement plan you set up with your employer the day you started working for the company. Or the IRA you have been scrupulously contributing to for two decades. You created them all to protect your financial future and that of the people you care about […]

prenuptial agreement

Okay, so you popped the big question, and he or she said yes! Whew, what a relief! Now there’s so much to do, so many plans to make: the guest list, the invitations, the reception, the band, the cake, the honeymoon… the prenup? While it is hardly the most glamorous aspect of planning a wedding and […]

Elderly couple thinking about retirement planning

Numerous studies have shown that Americans’ greatest fear regarding retirement is running out of money. Even so, myths abound about planning for retirement, Social Security, the cost of medical care, and more. Let’s explore the reality behind some of the most common retirement planning myths. Social Security is going broke. Approximately 50 percent of elderly […]

family

When we hear the word legacy, many of us think of money left to people and institutions that have come to mean the most to us over the course of our lives. But your legacy is much more than that. It includes your memories, values, wisdom, family history, and more that do not necessarily have […]