Author Archives: Site Administrator
Understanding Your Last Will and Testament
Although recent news surrounding the estate tax—both its repeal and its reinstatement—has died down, many people are still talking about their estate plans. Most people recognize that now is the time to create their estate plan, or to review and update their existing plan if they have one. This means that many people are… Read More »
Backyard Granny Pods
As America’s senior citizen population rises, middle-aged children of the elderly are trying to find ways to avoid sending their parents to an assisted living facility or nursing home. Reverend Kenneth Dupin of Salem, Virginia has created MEDcottage, a portable dwelling (approximately the size of a large shed or RV) that could be placed… Read More »
The Benefits (And Risks) of a Multi-Generational Household
Throughout history, the multi-generational household has always had its place in our society. At times the multi-generational family has been common and plentiful, at other times rare and seen only on the fringes of society. In the past few years, for reasons of both economy and practicality, the percentage of Americans living in multi-generational… Read More »
Royal Couple Has Many Asking “How Effective Are Prenuptial Agreements?”
It’s all over the news lately that Prince William and his fiancé Kate Middleton will likely not sign a prenuptial agreement before the royal wedding on April 29th. Although many reasons have been given as to why the couple will forgo signing a prenup, one of the reasons is that “while prenuptial agreements are… Read More »
My Dad Was a Veteran. Can the VA Help Me Pay For His Burial?
Dealing with the death of a parent is difficult, and worrying about how to pay for their funeral expenses only contributes to the stress of the event. Many children of veterans are unaware of the fact that they can receive burial benefits to help pay for expenses associated with their parent’s death. If your… Read More »
Icon, Businesswoman, Philanthropist—What Happens Now to Elizabeth Taylor’s Fortune?
The recent passing of Elizabeth Taylor has many wondering what will now happen with Ms. Taylor’s sizeable fortune? According to this article in Forbes Ms. Taylor’s fortune includes not only the millions she made in the Hollywood movie industry, but the even greater amount made she made with her fragrance line. “In her most… Read More »
Prenuptial Agreements Help Protect Your Assets AND Your Marriage
Marriage is not just a mingling of hearts and households; it’s also a mingling of assets and property. This may not seem like a big deal if both partners are young and have little to their names yet, but if either partner (or both partners) is well established, with a career or business of… Read More »
New POLST Program Raises Awareness About End-Of-Life Decisions
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal shines the light on a new program being instituted by a growing number of states called “Physician-Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment,” or POLST. “A POLST, which is signed by both the patient and the doctor, spells out such choices as whether a patient wants to be… Read More »
The Top 10 Medicaid Myths
10. MYTH: “Due to the five-year lookback rule, I will not be able to protect my assets with Medicaid.” TRUTH: It’s true that the asset transfers you have made in the last five years will be examined and some of those transfers could delay your eligibility for Medicaid. However, some transfers won’t cause you… Read More »
Tragedy in Japan Inspires Reflection: Are You Prepared for Disaster?
Only a few days ago the world was shocked by the terrible earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Our hearts and prayers go out the people affected by the tragedy, and many people are asking what they can do to help. The sudden violence of nature has many of us looking at our own situations… Read More »