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Enjoy the Benefits of Giving with a Charitable Trust

Supporting charity organizations is its own reward, knowing that you are using your wealth to help causes close to your heart. However, there is no reason why you cannot help others while still enjoying some benefits for yourself. One effective way to support charities and receive tax benefits is by creating a charitable trust. What  … Read more

Estate Planning Tips for Your Digital Assets

You may have already distributed your physical possessions and financial accounts to loved ones when planning your estate, but have you thought about your digital assets? These assets include your email accounts, reward points, saved photos on your phone and any other digital information you may own. Your designated executor may have some limited rights  … Read more

Coercive Caregiver Tactics for Financial Gain

In a perfect world, everyone involved in an elderly relative or friend’s life would respect their wishes and understand that their estate planning documents are how they want their assets distributed. Unfortunately, this is not always the reality. It is not unheard of for someone in the elder’s life to attempt to take advantage of  … Read more

Could You Be Eligible for Veteran’s Benefits?

Serving in our country’s military forces often requires sacrifices. For those who served during a period of wartime, some of the sacrifices and struggles are enormous. These Veterans deserve the support of a grateful nation, and that includes Veteran’s Benefits. Sadly, many Veterans do not believe they qualify for some benefits, or become confused when  … Read more

Probate 101: Understanding How Probate Works

Unless you have first-hand experience dealing with the situation, the idea of dealing with probate likely seems faraway and unlikely. For many people, the word “probate” is something akin to the phrase “root canal;” something they aren’t quite clear on the details about but are sure they do not want. The truth is, probate can  … Read more

Conservatorship vs. Guardianship: What You Should Know

When a person can no longer care for themselves, physically or financially, a conservator or guardian could be necessary to ensure they get the care they need. These arrangements are very different, although they are often confused. What is a Limited Conservatorship? A conservatorship is often mandated by the court when a person can no  … Read more

Update Your Estate Plan to Address Probate Concerns

If you pass away with an outdated will, or no will at all, your estate is subject to a process called probate. When this happens, the state takes over distribution of your assets and ensures your debts are paid. It can be very expensive for your loved ones, and it will take up a great  … Read more

Who Should Have a Living Will?

Do you know what will happen to you if you are suddenly in a severe auto accident or medical emergency and unable to communicate your medical wishes? Most people have strong feelings about the care they expect if they are in a coma or other critical medical condition. While some individuals want every effort made  … Read more

Warning Signs of Elder Financial Exploitation

Unfortunately, the most vulnerable in our society are often the ones targeted for abuse, especially the elderly. There are many different types of elder abuse that occur, from physical and emotional to financial coercion and exploitation. One of the areas in which elders require assistance when they become disabled physically or cognitively is with their  … Read more

Benefits of Supporting Disabled Relatives with a Special Needs Trust

Are you looking to leave assets to a disabled relative? The wisest way to do this is through a special needs trust, which preserves the individual’s eligibility for government assistance programs like Medicaid and Supplementary Security Income (SSI). However, the benefits of a special needs trust reach beyond securing government payments. A Special Needs Trust  … Read more