Archive for February 2025
Successor Trustee 101: Their Crucial Role in Managing Your Trust
When creating a revocable living trust, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing a successor trustee. This person (or institution) will step in to manage the trust’s assets if you become incapacitated or after you pass away. But what exactly does a successor trustee do? What Is a Successor Trustee? A successor…
Read MoreCan Love (or Greed) Break a Trust? How to Prevent Disputes After You’re Gone
When it comes to estate planning, most people hope their legacy will bring their loved ones together, not drive them apart. Unfortunately, money can complicate relationships, and even the strongest family bonds can fracture when an inheritance is at stake. Love, greed, and differing expectations can all play a role in trust disputes—but there are…
Read MoreHow to Avoid Social Security Scams: Protecting Yourself from Fraudsters
Social Security scams are on the rise, with fraudsters using phone calls, emails, and even text messages to trick unsuspecting individuals into revealing personal information. These scams can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and unnecessary stress. To help you stay safe, here’s what you need to know about recognizing and avoiding Social Security scams.…
Read MoreThe Joy in the Little Things (Like a Coffee Mug and a Thoughtful Friend)
Life has a way of flying by, doesn’t it? One minute, it’s Monday morning, and before I know it, I’m sitting down to dinner on Friday, wondering where the week went. In between, there’s the steady rhythm of work, family, and responsibilities—all important, all fulfilling, but sometimes a blur in the busyness of it all.…
Read MoreTurns Out, Luck Isn’t What I Thought It Was
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what it means to be “lucky.” Growing up, I often thought of luck as something that happened to certain people—almost like a random twist of fate or some kind of magic that changed their lives. You’d hear about people hitting the jackpot, or…
Read MoreDado Diaries: Striving to Be More Like My Kids
As a dad, I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to teach my kids—to show them how to navigate life, make good choices, be kind, work hard, and grow into the best versions of themselves. But the more I watch them, the more I realize something surprising: I have just as much to learn from them…
Read MoreEstate Planning Through the Ages: How Your Plan Should Evolve Over Time
Estate planning isn’t a one-time task—it’s a lifelong process that should adapt to your changing circumstances. Your needs in your 20s will look vastly different from those in your 40s, 60s, and beyond. No matter your age, having a well-thought-out estate plan ensures that your loved ones are protected, your wishes are honored, and your…
Read MoreThe Fine Line Between Caregiving and Financial Abuse: How Estate Planning Helps Protect Seniors
Aging brings new challenges, and for many seniors, relying on others for help becomes a necessity. Family members, close friends, or hired caregivers often step in to assist with daily tasks, medical needs, and financial responsibilities. While many caregivers are trustworthy and dedicated, the unfortunate reality is that elder financial abuse is on the rise.…
Read MoreYour Estate Plan, Your Story: What Will Yours Say?
Imagine your estate plan as the final chapter of your story—a legacy that speaks long after you’re gone. Every life is a collection of experiences, lessons, and values, and your estate plan is the last opportunity to ensure that your story is told the way you want it to be. It’s not just about distributing…
Read MoreEstate Planning That Expresses Who You Are: 5 Things to Talk About with Your Family
You intend to pass along your hard-earned money and property through your estate plan, but what about your wisdom? Ensuring that you successfully pass all of this along may call for a family meeting to discuss your finances, your legacy, and your core principles. Most families lead busy lives, with many relatives seeing one another…
Read MoreImportant Legacy Questions You Should Answer in Your Estate Plan
When beginning any type of planning, you usually start with some preliminary questions. Estate planning is no different. When you begin the process, your estate planning attorney will likely ask about your family members, the accounts and property you own, and whom you want to include in your estate plan. As you dive deeper into…
Read MoreDid Matthew Perry get his estate planning right? The answer might surprise you.
He was worth $120 million, yet his probate estate only had $1.6 million. How? Because most of his wealth was protected in a trust, keeping it private and out of court. But even with solid planning, a few small missteps forced some assets into probate, making them public. So, did he do the right thing?…
Read MoreFour Key Medicare 2025 Changes You Need to Know
Updates to Medicare coverage in 2025 include higher costs for Parts A and B, a new option to pay for Part D prescription drugs on a monthly basis, and a cap on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. In addition, Medicare coverage of some telehealth services will continue through March 2025. Medicare is constantly evolving to…
Read MoreNew Law Supports Home Care, Caregivers for Military Veterans
Legislation signed in January 2025 seeks to secure better access to home- and community-based care for military veterans. The bipartisan Dole Act also focuses on coordinating assistance for family caregivers of veterans. On January 2, 2025, President Biden signed into law the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. The legislation…
Read MoreThe Social Security Fairness Act: Will It Affect You?
President Biden has signed legislation that will boost monthly benefits for nearly 3 million people in 26 states who rely on Social Security. The Social Security Fairness Act abolishes two decades-old rules that have reduced or altogether axed benefits for some retirees. The Social Security Fairness Act addresses long-standing issues with some provisions of the…
Read MoreGame Plan for the Big Day: Why Estate Planning Is the Super Bowl of Financial Security
The Super Bowl is more than just a game; it’s an event that brings teams, fans, and communities together to celebrate. Just like every successful football team needs a solid game plan to win, your estate planning strategy needs a playbook to ensure your family and assets are protected, no matter what life throws your…
Read MorePresidents’ Day & Legacy Lessons
As we celebrate Presidents’ Day, it’s a time to reflect on the legacies left behind by some of our nation’s most influential leaders. Their lives remind us that thoughtful planning plays a crucial role in shaping the future, whether it’s for a country or a family. Just as these leaders made decisions to secure their…
Read MoreEstate Planning as an Act of Love: A Thoughtful Valentine’s Day Gift
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love—a time to express care, commitment, and the desire to nurture the bonds that enrich our lives. While flowers, chocolates, and romantic dinners are timeless tokens of affection, there’s another profound way to show your love: estate planning. Often overlooked, creating an estate plan is one of the most…
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