You shouldn’t wait until your golden years to start planning for your retirement. But life has a way of interfering with the best of our plans sometimes. So it could be that you find yourself in your 50s or 60s and only having a single – but sizeable – IRA as your...
Estate Planning
3 benefits of using a revocable living trust
A revocable living trust is one that has provisions that can be changed or amended upon the grantor’s request. You create it during your lifetime and add or remove assets so long as you have the capacity to make decisions for yourself. In the event you’re...
Approaching your parents about their estate planning needs
Many people idolize their parents. They have worked hard their entire life, raised a family and managed to keep it all together. However, age is inevitable and it catches up with us all at some point. It can be difficult to watch your parents become more dependent and...
Did you address your personal debts in your estate plan?
Many people think of estate planning as an unpleasant process. They may not like thinking about what happens if they become sick or suddenly die. They may also have to think about painful truths about their loved ones, like how addiction has affected one of their...
Delays in Medicaid changes make now a good time to plan
Many older adults in New York count on Medicaid, not just Medicare, to cover their expenses as they grow older. After all, Medicare does not cover nursing home support, in-home skilled nursing services or extended rehabilitative care. Adults who have planned carefully...
Key changes you need to make to your estate plan after divorce
Divorce holds significant implications not only for your future but also for your assets and loved ones, as well. You may be ready to turn on a new page and move on with your post-divorce life, but there is one more thing you need to remember: You absolutely need to...
The benefits of a QDOT if you’re married to a non-citizen
One of the reasons that people spend time and money on a well-crafted estate plan is to prevent their heirs from having to pay taxes on the assets they inherit. This can help preserve as much of the family wealth as possible. If you’re a U.S. citizen and your spouse...
3 myths about estate planning
Estate planning is an important part of setting your family up for future success and comfort. It can be a very complicated process, but it's one of the best things you can do for those that you love. However, many people make mistakes in their estate planning because...
What is a financial power of attorney?
There are multiple kinds of power of attorney, but one that you should consider adding to your estate plan is a financial power of attorney. This POA is a legal document included in your estate plan that gives someone you trust the power to act on your behalf in...
A look at common misconceptions about estate planning
No matter where you are in life, it is important to have a grasp of the basics of estate planning and administration. Common misunderstandings on how things work can hold you back and put your legacy in danger. Missteps could also cost you money or deny your heirs the...