DIY Estate Planning?? In the information age, you can pretty much learn how to do just about any household task- watch a video on YouTube to learn how to build a bookshelf, read one of the thousands of DIY blogs to learn how to install a sprinkler set, or refinish a dresser. With the…
Continue reading…Category: Food for Thought
Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Your Wallet (and is a Recession on the Horizon?)
Let’s talk tariffs. Yep—those taxes on imported goods that made headlines a few years ago during the Trump administration. While they may sound like a topic reserved for economists and politicians, tariffs have had some very real, very tangible effects on everyday Americans—and could still be contributing to broader economic uncertainty today. Wait—Remind Me What…
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The 3 Types of Lawyers to Consider for Your Estate Planning…
In today’s complex legal environment, it’s important to understand that all lawyers do not specialize (or even practice) in all of the various areas of the law! When it comes to estate planning, it’s important to understand how “specialized” your legal representation is when handling your family + legacy. This week, I break down the (3)…
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When Generosity Backfires… Are your gifts causing more harm than good?
As an estate planner, I deal with lots of generous, kind folks with very big hearts (and sometimes, big wallets to match). That’s not always the case- sometimes clients have a more modest estate that belies their generous spirits. In this series, I’m offering a weekly Q&A to outlines some mistakes I’ve seen my generous clients…
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Happiness Is…
The Atlantic’s In Pursuit of Happiness event kicks off on May 1st, 2022, to help people build more intentional and happy lives. Did you know you can register + attend virtually for free?! In Pursuit of Happiness 2022 Event – Arthur Brooks – The Atlantic: Drawing on our celebrated coverage of the practices and principles of happiness from the renowned social scientist…
Continue reading…Coronavirus Legal Advice: Get Your Business and Estate in Order Now
By H. Dennis Beaver for Kiplinger Click here to learn more and read more articles from the author. Estate planning attorneys are getting mobbed with questions. So, here is some timely advice from three attorneys on what families and business owners should be doing to prepare in case the unimaginable happens. The stock market has…
Continue reading…Why a HIPAA Release May Be the Most Important Document in Your Estate Plan
Happy New Year! As we welcome 2020, I find that as an estate planning attorney, my calendar quickly fills up with consultations for potential new clients eager to “get organized” and/or to “get their affairs in order.” Individuals & families seem eager to get a positive start in the New Year and seek expert advice…
Continue reading…Don’t fall into the trap of a “Quick” and “Simple” Estate Plan!
Beware of “Simple” Estate Plans “I just need a simple will.” It’s a phrase estate planning attorney hear practically every other day. From the client’s perspective, there’s no reason to do anything complicated, especially if it might lead to higher legal fees. Unfortunately, what may appear to be a “simple” estate is all too often…
Continue reading…Student Loan Debt: The Albatross of the Average College Student
Have you ever heard someone say that the best thing about an education is that nobody can take it away from you? As true as this statement is on its own, it is completely ignoring the fact that the very same irrevocable education can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars – plus interest. As of…
Continue reading…The Three Types of Lawyers to Consider for Your Estate Planning
Contrary to popular belief, all lawyers do not specialize in all areas of law! When it comes to estate planning, it is important to understand how “specialized” your legal representation is when handling your legacy. This week, I have broken down three types of representation common to the estate planning arena. #1 – “Jack of…
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