Who’s a Good Boy?: Estate Planning for Your Pets
February 20th is officially “National Love Your Pet Day.” This is a day for toys, treats, and back scratches for your furry babies. No question about it, the love people have for their pets is undeniable. So much so, it is even showing up in many people’s estate plans. There is a growing trend for […]
Senior Scams: How to Safeguard our Loved Ones
In April 2018, U.S. Senator Susan Collins wrote a column on senior scams, stating that financial fraud against the elderly has become a “growing epidemic.” Sadly, she is right. Every year, millions of older Americans are victims to fraud. Fraud exists in many forms, such as: identity theft, financial theft, or medical identity theft. It […]
From Empire State to Sunshine State: Why your Domicile Matters
There are many reasons why a New Yorker who spends time in Florida may want to change their domicile from New York to Florida. Aside from the beautiful beaches and sunny weather – some reasons include health problems, a new job, family and taxes. Yes, taxes can be an important factor when deciding to change […]
Just a Spoonful of Estate Planning Helps Grandparents and Grandchildren
According to the 2010 U.S. Census data, there are about 2.7 million grandparents taking care of their grandchildren. This is largely due to several factors, such as the current opioid crisis (affecting mainly adults ages 25 to 44), military deployment, unemployment, incarceration, divorce, mental illness, and neglect. Whatever the case may be, millions of grandparents […]
Dimming the Lights: Last Year’s Lost Stars and their Estate Planning
The celebrity deaths of 2018 were both tragic and shocking. What was also shocking from all of this was their estate planning. Some celebrities passed without leaving a Last Will and Testament (“Will”) or a Trust. There are lessons to be learned (and avoided) with these famous figures. It is important to note, that regardless […]
The Trendsetters: Protecting our Elders in 2019
Odds are, this current generation did not start the annual Times Square Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve in New York City. This exciting and illuminating celebration began in 1907; around the time our elders became the new and upcoming generation. Many of our elders can recall this experience. They heard it through the radio, […]
New Year, Prepared You: Creating an Estate Plan in 2019
As 2018 wraps to a close, we begin to reflect on the things we should and shouldn’t have done. Our resolutions arise from this reflection, and we begin to make decisions that will help us start the New Year right. Maybe we’ll start sleeping more. Maybe we’ll finally get that gym membership we keep talking […]
Alleviate Holiday Planning and Estate Planning Stress
Whether it’s Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, a lot of people feel pressure to continue family holiday traditions. This can include going to grandma’s house for dinner, digging out antique ornaments, or dusting off old recipes. Holidays are fraught with expectations and these expectations may be part of what causes excessive stress during the season. The same […]
Estate Planning: The Gift of a Family Legacy
Holiday traditions don’t usually involve estate planning, but year-end is a great time to discuss your family’s future plans. This conversation should include speaking of parents’ or grandparents’ health, their assets, and a general overview of estate planning, such as who is in charge and who gets what. Giving your family a customized estate plan […]
Cyber Monday is Super, but Not for Estate Planning
Cyber Monday is a marketing brainchild that always falls on the Monday after Thanksgiving. Started in 2005 by online retailer shop.org., it allows consumers to take advantage of the Black Friday sales without leaving the comfort of their post-Thanksgiving cocoon. Lounging at home while completing your holiday shopping is enticing. Yet don’t get fooled that […]
