The first private pension plan in the United States was established in the late 1800s. Through 1980, nearly 40 percent of Americans were covered by a traditional employer-funded pension. But employer-provided retirement plans have now largely shifted to retirement savings vehicles like 401(k) plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) that place most of the savings […]
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What Real Estate Owners Don’t Know Can Hurt Them
The old saying, “what you don’t know won’t hurt you,” does not apply to real estate law. Ignorance of the law is never an excuse. In the U.S., everyone is expected to know and follow the law, whether they are aware of it or not. For real estate owners, the legal landscape is full of […]
How to Avoid Scams During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when scammers and fraudsters are more active than ever, preying on the generosity and goodwill of individuals and families. As you engage in estate planning to protect your assets and legacy, it’s essential to include safeguarding against scams as […]
Revocable Trust: How to Get More FDIC Coverage
When I first started practicing law, one would be hard pressed to believe that a bank would fail. It’s been a long time since the failures of the Great Depression that led to the creation of the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) and with each passing generation the memory and fear of banks going belly […]
Apple Legacy Contact: Digital Estate Planning
In this increasingly digital age, our lives have become intertwined with technology. We use smartphones, tablets, and computers to manage our finances, communicate with loved ones, and store precious memories. However, what happens to our digital assets and online presence after we pass away? Recognizing the need for digital estate planning, Apple has introduced a […]
California Proposition 19 Passes, Now What?
On November 3, 2020, California voters narrowly approved Proposition 19 (“Prop. 13”). The bad news for those that own real estate in California is that it came with significant property tax changes that go into effect on February 16, 2021. The good news is that you are reading this before that date and you still […]
The 2020 Ballot Impact on California Property Taxes
This year, the 2020 election holds many important decisions for voters, especially for California residents. On November 3rd, California residents will do more than elect new government leaders. They will also vote on two separate amendments to the California constitution seeking to change its long-standing real estate tax law – known as Proposition 13. The […]
What to Know About Health Insurance When Traveling Abroad
If you plan to travel abroad, it is important to plan for the unexpected. This means taking the time to verify what your current health insurance policy will and will not cover outside the county. The key to a successful vacation is being able to relax, and having the knowledge that you are covered under any […]