Special Needs Planning for Blended Families
For blended families that include a child with special needs, financial and legal planning extends well beyond the usual parental concerns. But as with all family matters, proactive planning can help.
Why the Social Security Retirement Age Is Now 67, Not 65
In 2025, Americans born in 1960 are reaching age 65, a milestone that for decades has been associated with retirement. Many people still think of 65 as the age to claim full Social Security retirement benefits. But for those born...
Can You Give Away Real Property and Avoid Probate Court?
If you plan to pass your home on to a family member through your will, keep in mind that your loved one will likely need to go through the court process known as probate to properly transfer the home into...
The Benefits of Establishing a Special Needs Trust Early
For families of children with disabilities, planning for a lifetime of support is both a practical necessity and a compassionate act. One of the most powerful tools available to help secure a stable financial future for a child with special...
Before You Move Your Parents to an Assisted Living Facility
Assisted living communities can provide essential care and peace of mind for you and your aging parents. Identifying the most suitable facility for your loved one is a journey requiring matching your parents’ needs, budget, and lifestyle with desirable locations.
Beyond Medical Care: Personal Benefits of Advance Directives
Establishing an advance directive can serve as a powerful expression of your personal values and autonomy.
When to Consider Discretionary Trusts for Your Estate Plan
Leaving your hard-earned assets outright to your children, grandchildren, or other loved ones after you die may seem like the simplest way to pass on your legacy. But what appears straightforward can often expose those assets to unnecessary risk, from creditors...
2024 Survey Shows Long-Term Care Costs Continue to Rise
As most of us go through our daily routines, it is hard to imagine needing help with essential daily tasks. However, research shows that most Americans over age 65 will need daily help, in the form of long-term care, at...
What Is a Last Will and Testament, and Do I Need One?
What first comes to mind when you hear the term estate planning? Like most people, you probably think of a will, also known as a last will and testament. Though many important documents constitute an estate plan, the will is...
10 Tips to Consider for Special Needs Planning
Careful planning for the future of a loved one with special needs is one of the most critical life-protecting tasks you will ever provide for them. To approach the planning process in a meaningful and comprehensive way, consider the following...