Long-Term Care Premium Deductibility Limits Increase in 2014

While the importance of healthcare is a topic that is often discussed, many people fail to take long-term care insurance into consideration.  Yet, long-term care insurance can be just as essential to your financial plan as any other preparation done for retirement.  While no one wants to consider that they or their loved ones may need long-term care, it is a reality that…

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Estate Planning Must-Haves for Parents of Children with Special Needs

A solid estate plan is vital when considering the future of your loved ones. After all, you want to ensure that they are protected and provided for even when you are no longer there to do it personally. A standard estate plan will cover the basics, including wills, trusts, power of attorney and health care…

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Fireside Reading with a Side of Estate Planning

After creating a will, circumstances may emerge that prompt a desire to change various aspects of the document. Divorces, new marriages, additional children, familial disagreements and shifting allegiances to charities can each impact a will. Adding a codicil is a way to amend the document without creating an entirely new document.  A codicil is a…

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Estate Planning Lessons from Tony Soprano

The tragic and untimely death of James Gandolfini shocked and saddened fans of the talented actor. And, since his will became public last month, there has been much commentary on the state of his affairs prior to his passing. The actor’s will exposes common estate planning problems that can easily occur with blended families. Gandolfini…

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2013 Planning for the Generations Symposium

This week I will be attending the 2013 Planning for the Generations Symposium — a 3 day conference taking place in Denver, CO for estate, elder law and financial professionals. While there, I will have the chance to collaborate with colleagues and other experts in the fields of estate planning and elder law, ultimately sharing…

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"We are Family": Estate Planning for Adult Children Living at Home

With the state of the economy, the low unemployment rate for graduates, and the general cost of living, many children are continuing to live with their parents long after they turn eighteen.  Having an adult child live with you can simultaneously be a benefit and a burden.  Children at home can assist with the tasks…

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Same-Sex Marriage Estate Tax Milestone

Recently, with a landmark decision in U.S. v. Windsor, the U.S. Supreme Court has determined that a stipulation of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. The decision in this benchmark case paves the way for gay couples to receive tax refunds on taxes paid because the federal government didn’t recognize their marriage. The…

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Estate Planning for Young Adults

Turning eighteen is a milestone for many reasons.  You are legally an adult, with the ability to vote, and you may be heading off to college or starting a career.  The future is upon you, the world is your oyster, and any other number of clichés.  Regardless of where you are headed, it is most likely…

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Celebrity Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid

In an interesting article, Fox Business delved into the “Monumental Estate Planning Blunders of 5 Celebrities.”  The piece looks at estate planning mistakes made from some well-known, now-deceased stars who’s estate ended up out of their hands. Leona Helmsley, widow of real estate tycoon Harry Helmsely, famously left a $12 million dollar trust to her dog, Trouble.  Ultimately, this only served to cause trouble…

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