Apple Legacy Contact: Digital Estate Planning

digital estate planning to protect digital assets

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…

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Ensuring the Care of Your Furry Friends

pet golden retriever and pet grey cat snuggling and caring for eachother

Pets bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love into our lives. For many of us, our furry friends are considered beloved family members. However, have you ever considered what would happen to your pets if something were to happen to you? By incorporating pet guardianship into your estate planning, you can ensure that your cherished companions…

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Understanding HIPAA: A Parent’s Guide

teenage girl at the doctors office with female doctor

As parents, we always want the best for our children, even as they transition into adulthood. However, when it comes to their healthcare, things can become more complex. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that safeguards the privacy and security of individuals’ medical information. Understanding HIPAA becomes particularly important…

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Navigating Affairs After a Loved One’s Passing

grave stone with flowers on top of it

The loss of a loved one is a challenging and emotional time. Amidst the grieving process, there are practical matters that need attention, especially in relation to your loved one’s estate. Estate planning plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth transition and proper distribution of assets. Here are 10 important steps to take when…

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Maximize Your Trust: A Guide To Funding

married couple shaking hands with professional

Funding your trust properly is important to ensure that your assets are managed according to your wishes and that your beneficiaries receive the maximum benefit from the trust. Here are 5 tips to help you fund your trust: 1. Identify which assets you need to transfer to your trust It’s important that you identify which…

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Safeguarding Seniors from Identity Theft

someone stealing a person's identity through the computer

Identity theft is a growing problem in the digital age, and seniors are particularly vulnerable to this crime. As more seniors use online services to manage their finances, communicate with loved ones, and access healthcare, they become targets for identity thieves. Here are 7 tips and strategies to help seniors protect themselves against identity theft:…

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How to Plan for Your Child to Turn 18

young adults smiling

Planning for your child’s transition into adulthood is an important step in ensuring their success and independence. Here are some tips for planning for your young adult to turn 18: 1. Talk About Finances As your child turns 18, they will become legally responsible for their own finances. This means it’s important to talk to…

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The Importance of Appointing Guardians

multigenerational family hugging

Having guardians set for your children in case something happens to you is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your children are taken care of in the event of an emergency.  Here are some reasons why it’s so important: 1. Ensure Your Children’s Care By appointing guardians for your…

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How to Plan For A Child With Special Needs

little girl in wheel chair playing with blocks with her caregiver

Estate planning is an important consideration for all parents, but it is especially important for parents of special needs children. It is important for parents of special needs children to have a solid estate plan in place to ensure that their child’s needs are met and their assets are managed appropriately. Here are 4 considerations…

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Estate Planning For Blended Families

picture of a blended family all smiling

Blended families are becoming more and more common. These families often include stepchildren, ex-spouses, and other complicated relationships that can make estate planning a challenge. However, with careful consideration and planning, it is possible to create an estate plan that addresses the unique needs of blended families. Here are 5 tips for blended families: 1.…

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Should You Leave a Life Insurance Policy Outright to a Spouse?

leave a life insurance policy to a spouse

Wondering if you should leave a life insurance policy outright to a spouse? Naming a legal beneficiary is necessary for life insurance, annuities, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, and some bank accounts. Ideally, these assets will be paid directly to whoever you have selected as your beneficiary in the event you passed away. The…

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New Baby? Time to Create Your Estate Plan

young couple kiss their smiling baby

Estate planning is often one item that gets pushed back on nearly everyone’s to-do list. That’s especially the case when you are so focused on loving and caring for your new bundle of joy. The other reasons you might be delaying vary: lack of time, not thinking you have enough assets, not knowing how to…

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Why You Should Sweat the Small Stuff in Your Estate Plan

Elder Exploitation Scams and How to Avoid

When planning their estates, most people focus on major assets, such as business interests, real estate, investments and retirement plans. But it’s also important to “sweat the small stuff” — tangible personal property. Examples include automobiles, jewelry, clothing, antiques, furniture, artwork, photographs, music collections, personal papers, collectibles (such as stamps, coins or baseball cards) and…

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Three Legal Things to Do After a Scary Health Diagnosis

Doctor points to laptop for elder person

A scary health diagnosis can be emotionally and logistically challenging for many reasons. For instance, how can you take care of your family if you’re physically incapacitated? In addition to working closely with your medical providers, consider these three legal tips: Check your estate plan with your attorney to make sure it is up to…

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Planning on Giving Money this Holiday Season? 5 Things to Consider

Planning on Giving Money this Holiday

The holiday season is a time to enjoy friends, family, and loved ones. Often we consider our life circumstances and may get in the spirit of giving. This is particularly true if you are at a point in your life were you have enough from a financial standpoint. If you are planning on giving money…

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It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

adults with children on a picnic

When it comes to caring for your child, we know ensuring your child’s needs are met is your highest priority. Sometimes, however, unexpected circumstances may arise that make this care an uphill battle. We know as parents ourselves that often these challenges come when we least expect them. As parents, we need to be as…

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Checking Your Estate Plan: Is It a Trick or a Treat?

silhouette of jackolanterns with Trick or Treat

When was the last time you reviewed your estate plan? Do you know if it will work when you need it to and be a treat for your loved ones to manage? Or is there a nasty trick lying in wait?  Get our Estate Plan Checklist to give your plan a quick audit. It’s no…

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