One attorney calls it the "Get out of Dodge plan"—the best way to keep your assets intact before applying for Medicaid to cover nursing home costs. New Jersey is one of the most restrictive states when it comes to permitting residents to preserve assets for their benefit while Medicaid pays…
Articles Posted in Asset Protection
Health Care Costs: Integral Part of Retirement Planning
Consulting financial and tax advisers as part of planning the retirement process is essential to get the health-care piece covered. Enjoying truly golden retirement years means a lot of different things to different people, but it should include planning for long-term health care now so we obtain the end-of-life care…
Houston Families Have Tax Advantaged College Savings Options
There are three basic tax advantaged vehicles to help save for college: 529 plans, Coverdall Education Savings Accounts and Roth IRAs. Saving for college? Consider three tax advantaged tools to help fund your child’s or grandchild’s education: 529 plans, Coverdall Education Savings Accounts and Roth IRAs. A recent Forbes article,…
Is It Possible to Take the IRS to Tax Court?
Actually, the answer is yes. The Tax Court is an actual federal court and not, as some people think, affiliated with the IRS. At Tax Court, the IRS is a party to the matter just like the taxpayer. If you’ve got beef with the IRS, maybe you should head to…
Houston Families Should Monitor New Tax Proposals
What should you have expected to hear during the State of the Union address in January? Key proposals from the President include the following. President Obama addressed the country in his January State of the Union speech about key proposals he has for our government. Forbes recently detailed some of…
Florida Puts Focus on Elder Rights and Guardianship
This year, two legislators who pressed for reform in 2014 are back with new bills they believe have stronger chances of success, as the excesses possible within Florida's guardianship system become more widely known. A recent article in The Herald Tribune, titled “Legislation aims to curb abuses in guardianship system,”…
Houston Planners Should Note New Estate Tax Exemption
In 2015, only estates worth more than $5.43 million per individual would owe federal estate taxes if the estate owner dies this year. That's up from last year's $5.34 million estate tax exemption. (In addition, the federal lifetime gift tax exemption also rises to $5.43 million in 2015.) 2015 brings…
529 Plans and Tax Incentives for Houston Families
“We see that as a big driver for everyone – the opportunity to put your money into the market and get that appreciation and have all those earnings tax-free when you use them for qualified expenses at a university or trade school, or wherever your child or grandchild, or whoever it is you're…
Staying in Control of Your Houston Business
Many business owners fear losing control. Before they’re willing to address exit or estate planning options, they must first be assured of complete dominion over their business. So let’s look at how to lock in ownership. Are you worried about losing control of your business? A recent Forbes article, “Control…
New Year…New Financial Goals for Houston Families
The New Year is a great time to regroup on your financial plans, reevaluate and/or create new financial goals. By sticking to your financial resolutions throughout the year, you can keep on track towards achieving your financial objectives in 2015 and beyond. Make the New Year a happy one by…