Trusts offer many advantages in estate planning. Privacy, avoiding probate, more control over personal finances, the ability to more closely monitor investments and tax planning are a few of the reasons to incorporate trusts into your estate plan, according to a recent article in Wilmington Business, "Selecting the Right Trustee."…
Houston Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Blog
Dementia: Don’t Wait Too Late For Estate Planning
It’s very important for individuals who are diagnosed with dementia to appoint a trusted family member or friend to make a commitment to help them make important financial and medical decisions when they no longer can do these tasks. According to an article in Money, "5 Essential Documents for Protecting a…
Know Social Security Options to Avoid Expensive Mistakes
An interactive online tool has been released by the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that walks consumers through a series of questions to help them better understand the optimal time to file for Social Security benefits. The "Planning for Retirement" site is an attempt to address a serious problem…
Change in Lifestyle? Change Your Beneficiaries, Too!
Naming a beneficiary for your IRA, 401(k) or any other retirement plan and then making sure that the name is right as you go through the many stages of life could be one of the most important financial decisions you make, according to The (Crystal Lake, IL) Northwest Herald in…
Nevada TV Investigation Leads to Clark Co. Guardianship Reform
Much needed changes are underway at the Clark County Nevada Guardianship program, after a local television reporter uncovered major lack of oversight, including families torn apart and financial abuse by the individuals charged with protecting the elderly. According to a follow-up report by KTNV News, "More staff means more oversight…
The Countdown to 2016 is On!
New Year's resolutions are a favorite tradition. But have you taken care of your end-of-year tasks concerning your finances. There's still time to finish off your 2015 list! US News reminds us in "6 Financial Tasks You Need to Complete Before the End of the Year" that there are several…
Hawaiian Advocates Focus on Dementia Task Force
As with the rest of America, Hawaiians are coping with a growing population of citizens over age 65 diagnosed with Alzheimer's, approximately 25,000 in total. Advocates, including members of a dementia task force under the Executive Office on Aging and members of the local Alzheimer's Association, are focusing on preparing…
Estate Planning? Don’t Forget Digital Assets
Today’s millennials understand that their digital assets, which include everything from family movies hosted in the cloud, to social media accounts, digital currencies like Bitcoin and domain names, have value that can be passed to others when they die. One young man created a will that listed all of his…
Student Loans Can Burden College Grads
College graduates can run into challenges when it is time to repay student loans, according to a recent article in Forbes, "How to Tackle The Top Three Student Loan Issues." If the student has a job that isn't paying enough to allow them to pay back a loan and cover…
NFL Players Now Have Support Network to Ease into Civilian Life
The transition from pro football to civilian life is easier for NFL players who can get assistance from a comprehensive support program created by the NFL and the NFL Players Association. The program recognizes the challenges facing retired football players as they shift to life without football. Many have no…