Archive for March 2025
What My Younger Self Would Think of Me Today
If my younger self could step into my life now, I wonder what they’d see first. Would they recognize me right away, or would it take a moment to reconcile the person I imagined becoming with the person I actually am? Would they focus on the ways life turned out differently than expected, or would…
Read MoreApril Showers Bring May Flowers: Planning for Life’s Unexpected Storms
Springtime is a season of renewal, growth, and fresh starts. The saying “April showers bring May flowers” reminds us that life’s storms, while sometimes challenging, can lead to beautiful outcomes. This is especially true when it comes to estate planning—preparing for the unexpected can ensure that your family and legacy thrive, no matter what comes…
Read MorePreparing for High School Graduation: Estate Planning for Young Adults
High school graduation is an exciting milestone—a time of celebration, transition, and new beginnings. As families prepare their graduates for college, travel, or entering the workforce, one critical topic is often overlooked: estate planning. While young adults may not have substantial assets, they do have legal and medical rights that need protection. Why Estate Planning…
Read MoreThe Role of a Caregiver in Estate Planning for Someone with Parkinson’s
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease is a profound responsibility, requiring not only emotional and physical support but also careful financial and legal planning. Estate planning plays a crucial role in ensuring that both the person with Parkinson’s and their caregivers are prepared for the future. As a caregiver, your involvement in the…
Read MoreTake the Shot
Last weekend, I did something I don’t do nearly enough—I hit pause. I stepped away from work, from responsibilities, from the ever-growing list of things that “need” to get done, and I flew to Wisconsin for the first round of March Madness. On paper, it might not have seemed like the most practical decision. There…
Read MoreThe Link Between Estate Planning and Elder Care Planning – How Aging Life Care Professionals Can Assist
As individuals age, their needs become more complex—financially, legally, and in terms of daily care. Estate planning and elder care planning are two essential components of preparing for the future, ensuring that an individual’s wishes are honored while also safeguarding their well-being. While estate planning focuses on legal and financial matters, elder care planning ensures…
Read More5 Signs You Need an Estate Plan Now (Even If You Think You Don’t)
Many people assume estate planning is only for the wealthy or those approaching retirement. However, life has a way of throwing unexpected situations our way. Without a plan in place, your loved ones could face unnecessary stress, delays, and legal complications. If any of the following scenarios sound familiar, it’s time to take action—before it’s…
Read MoreWhat to Do If a Family Member Disagrees with Your Estate Plan – Managing Potential Disputes
Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for after you’re gone. However, even the most well-thought-out plans can sometimes lead to disagreements among family members. If you’re concerned about potential disputes over your estate plan, there are steps…
Read MoreNew California Laws in 2025: What You Need to Know for Your Estate, Business, and Family
A new year always brings change, and 2025 is no exception. This year, California has enacted more laws affecting estate planning, taxes, business owners, and families than ever before. With so many updates, it can be overwhelming to keep up. But don’t worry—we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Below are some key legal changes…
Read MoreThe Key to Having Better Birthdays
The key to a full life and having more enjoyable birthdays is love, actually. I am “shy” about my birthday. I usually don’t like being the center of attention unless it helps someone else or provides value to the general public. That’s why I don’t mind doing videos for Snyder Law, performing for a webinar…
Read MoreHow an Advanced Healthcare Directive Honors Your Voice and Your Wishes
How an Advanced Healthcare Directive Honors Your Voice and Your Wishes Life is unpredictable, and while we can’t foresee every challenge or emergency, we can make sure our voices are heard when it matters most. One of the best ways to ensure your wishes are honored is through an Advanced Healthcare Directive. This important document…
Read MoreHow to Utilize Your Healthcare Directive in an Emergency: What Your Agents Should Know
When an emergency strikes, having a healthcare directive in place is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your medical wishes are honored. A healthcare directive, also known as an advance healthcare directive, is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment if you’re unable to communicate or make…
Read MoreProtecting Your Young Adult: Estate Planning Essentials for Parents
As a parent, one of the most important things you can do for your young adult is to ensure their future is protected. While we often think of estate planning as something only for older adults, it’s crucial for parents of young adults to consider as well. Whether they’re heading off to college, starting their…
Read MoreHow to Choose a Caregiver and Plan for Long-Term Care in Advance
As we age, planning for long-term care becomes an essential part of ensuring comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Whether planning for yourself or a loved one, selecting the right caregiver and putting a long-term care plan in place can alleviate stress and provide peace of mind. Here’s a guide to help you make informed…
Read MoreThe Luckiest Gift: A Young Adult Emergency Plan for Your College-Aged Child
As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children—whether they’re young and at home or grown and navigating life on their own. While we may feel like our kids are ready to face the world as they head off to college or begin their careers, there’s an often-overlooked aspect of their future that…
Read MoreThe Estate Tax Sunset in 2026: Why Proactive Planning Matters
Major changes are on the horizon for estate planning. On January 1, 2026, the federal estate tax exemption is set to drop significantly, which means more families could face a substantial tax burden on their estates. If you haven’t reviewed your estate plan recently, now is the time to take action. Proactive planning is essential…
Read MoreYou Get to Do This Life
How many times have you caught yourself thinking or saying, “ugh, I have to ______ (insert a task or event from your busy life)”? It’s easy to do. Carolyn and I know as we’ve said it (or grumbled it) many times. However, some influential people in our lives encouraged us to stop the grumbling…
Read MorePlanning for the Unthinkable: Essential Tools for Parents of Minor Children
Approximately three-fourths of Americans do not have a basic will. Many of the same people also have children under the age of 18, which underscores a major misunderstanding about estate plans: They can accomplish much more than just handling financial assets (money, accounts, and property). One of the most important estate plan functions for parents…
Read MoreAB Trusts—Do You Need to Get Rid of Yours?
If the last time you and your spouse updated your estate plan was more than a decade ago, your estate plan may contain what is sometimes referred to as AB trust planning, which, until 2011, was the only way married couples could take advantage of both spouses’ federal estate tax exemptions. An AB trust structure…
Read More3 Asset Protection Tips You Can Use Now
A common misconception is that only wealthy individuals and people in high-risk professions, such as doctors or lawyers, need an asset protection plan. However, anyone can be sued. A car accident, foreclosure, unpaid medical bills, or an injured tenant can result in a monetary judgment that could crush your finances. What Is Asset Protection Planning?…
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