Caution is urged when considering a reverse mortgage as a solution to financial problems during retirement years. Television commercials targeting seniors leave out most of the unpleasant parts of a reverse mortgage. Rates and fees are extremely high and the homeowner is still responsible to pay property taxes, insurance and…
The National Council on Aging has identified the Grandparent Scam as one of the top 10 cons targeting the seniors. The scam involves asking grandparents to send money to help out a grandchild in a legal bind. This happens quite often, and many grandparents might be too embarrassed or scared…
Most people do it to save money, but they may overlook or forget to take care of some important details – details that may eventually cost them much more than the amount they could save. Wills, trusts and estate plans should be crafted with the help of an estate planning…
Many people set up trusts to help provide for loved ones and favorite causes after they pass away. A trust can help manage the wealth you wish to transfer and ensures the efficient distribution of assets—such as property or a sum of money—over a set period of time. Yet a…
Thinking about pulling up stakes when you retire? Review this checklist of financial concerns first. Moving during retirement is not just about the scenery. You need to understand the full financial impact that can come from relocation to or from Houston. Morningstar’s recentarticle, titled “6 Questions to Ask Before Relocating…
Let's take a closer look at what a life estate is and how using one could help you save your family home. Home is where the heart is. The thought of losing your home can be devastating. What options do you have to prevent this from happening? Motley Fool’s recent…
Some high-net worth families still face the challenge of reducing their estate to minimize or eliminate estate taxes, although the federal estate tax exclusion is currently larger than it has ever been. The portability of unused exclusion amounts are at $5.43 million for individuals and $10.86 million for couples. But…
What can you do to push past the emotional aspects of estate planning to make sure your surviving family members can successfully deal with issues that may arise after you pass away? Start early. Patrick Severo is the senior vice president and financial advisor at RBC Wealth Management. He also…
For the last several decades, you’ve always made these kinds of decisions together. What can already be an emotional task of drafting a will is even more so after the loss of a lifelong partner. Even in the event of a terminal illness diagnosis with time to prepare in advance,…
In some parts of the U.S., like West Virginia, without a will, your estate is first distributed according to your marital status and children, including those of previous marriages. However, if you have no spouse or children, you may want to pull out your family tree to see who could…