Many factors go into retirement decisions. This article examines some of those factors. Being financially prepared is one aspect. Having your estate planning in order is another. But, being socially and psychologically ready for retirement are yet other aspects which people often don’t consider. Be ready for your next phase of life, this article will help you get there. Retirement: It’s not Just About the Money … [Read more...] about Retirement: It’s not Just About the Money
Legal Education
How Are You Planning for Long-Term Care (LTC) Expenses?
What’s the right direction for you in planning for future medical expenses? The odds are even that you’ll need long-term care (LTC) after age 65, at least for a while. Here are possible paths for covering those potential costs. How Are You Planning for Long-Term Care (LTC) Expenses? … [Read more...] about How Are You Planning for Long-Term Care (LTC) Expenses?
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 2: Long-Term Care
Many considerations must be addressed in an estate plan, not just who gets whatever’s left after your death. Long-Term Care expenses are an ever-increasing concern. Your estate plan should consider how those expenses would get paid. This article looks at several ways to plan for those expenses. 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 2: Long-Term Care … [Read more...] about 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 2: Long-Term Care
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 1: Incapacity
One of the most important considerations in an estate plan is incapacity planning. This article describes how an estate plan provides incapacity planning and the documents which may be used to accomplish that planning. It also looks at how having a plan in place may relieve stress during an emergency. 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 1: Incapacity … [Read more...] about 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 1: Incapacity
Law in the U.S. can be Participatory
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education,American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. In some countries, like a dictatorship or a true monarchy (not a constitutional monarchy such as the United Kingdom), people do not really participate in making the law. The law is handed down by fiat. In the United States, our laws are enacted by our elected representatives. Sometimes, those laws may be viewed as violating the fundamental rights guaranteed to all of … [Read more...] about Law in the U.S. can be Participatory
Basics of Estate Planning: Getting the Most out of Charitable Gifts
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is another in a series of blogs on the basics of estate planning. Often, an individual wants to make a gift to charity. They don’t want something complicated, but they want to get the most bang for their buck. Estate planning attorneys and other financial professionals know the client could just contribute cash to the charity. Certainly, that would be fine … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Getting the Most out of Charitable Gifts
Basics of Estate Planning: Two Common Mistakes with Trusts
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is another in a series of blogs on the basics of estate planning. Trusts are incredibly useful tools. But, like other useful tools, they do not fit every circumstance. They must be used appropriately. For example, a hammer is an exceptional tool to use when looking to drive a nail into a wall. But, if you hit the nail with a glancing blow, the nail will bend … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Two Common Mistakes with Trusts
Basics of Estate Planning: Estate Planning for Major Life Events
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education,American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is another in a series of blogs on the basics of estate planning. Estate planning attorneys do many things. We help people structure their affairs for the various stages of their lives. When the client is starting out, we may help them establish a basic plan. This might include: A Financial General Durable Power of Attorney. This would allow someone to … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Estate Planning for Major Life Events
Basics of Estate Planning: Choosing a Roth or Traditional IRA (or 401k)
Roth and Traditional accounts each have their merits. This blog examines the differences between the two. Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education,American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is another in a series of blogs on the basics of estate planning. In this blog, we’ll look at the differences between a Roth and a traditional IRA (or 401k). We’ll also look at considerations in choosing between them. With a traditional IRA (or 401k), … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Choosing a Roth or Traditional IRA (or 401k)
Basics of Estate Planning: Advising Clients on Selecting Fiduciaries
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education,American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is another in a series of blogs on the basics of estate planning. Often, one of the most difficult choices for a client to make is the selection of people to make decisions for them. These fiduciaries may have great control over the client’s affairs, typically at times when the client would be most vulnerable or already gone. Let’s take a look at the … [Read more...] about Basics of Estate Planning: Advising Clients on Selecting Fiduciaries
