In the design work we perform for our clients, we often use various types of trusts. There are many things a trust can do including helping to address issues related to incapacity, protecting your assets from creditors, and avoiding or minimizing hassles related to the probate process after you die. But one aspect of trusts […]
When we ask our clients if they would ever want to be artificially kept alive on a machine or the like, they almost invariably answer NO. We have all seen too many horror stories of individuals who end up living a sad existence in a vegetative state for a prolonged period of time. Almost all […]
Long term care planning is complicated. When we help guide our clients through that process we must consider many factors, including things like amounts of current and future assets and income, likely expenses, health conditions of various family members, and other family dynamics. So when a client has a long term care insurance policy it […]
Country performer Glen Campbell was a longtime celebrity, known in the public eye for his hit songs. In 2011, Campbell decided to make his journey as a man living with Alzheimer’s disease another major part of his legacy. Like legendary basketball coach Pat Summit, who passed away in 2016, Campbell and his family spoke out […]
Thanks to Seattle-based documentary filmmaker Evan Briggs, a national lens has been placed on a program local to her that works to enhance the lives of those young and old. The Intergenerational Learning Center is for children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old and it is housed within the retirement community of Providence […]
Health care reform legislation has been a major topic of debate at the federal level for a number of years now. Current Republican efforts are focused on trying to change the Affordable Care Act that was passed during the administration of President Obama. Several months ago the Republican controlled House of Representatives unveiled their latest […]
Sometimes seniors find themselves owing past-due federal taxes they cannot afford to pay. Although notices from the IRS can be especially frightening, there are solutions.If the sum owed is less than $50,000, the IRS will accept monthly payments over five years. For example, if $6,000 is owed to the IRS, monthly payments of around $100 […]
Supreme Court Says Retirement Plans From Church Affiliated Organizations Not Covered by Employee Retirement Security ActThe United States Supreme Court recently considered the issue of whether or not federal ERISA law applies to retirement plans sponsored by church-affiliated non-profit organizations that run hospitals and health care facilities. In a June 2017 ruling it held that […]
With Republicans in control of Congress and the presidency, there is talk of eliminating the federal estate tax. In 2017 the tax affects only estates over $5.49 million, meaning that for more than 99 percent of Americans, it’s already been repealed. With no estate tax, do you still need a trust? While trusts can be used […]
How Medicare and Employer Coverage CoordinateMedicare benefits start at age 65, but many people continue working past that age, either by choice or need. It is important to understand how Medicare and employer coverage work together.Depending on your circumstances, Medicare is either the primary or secondary insurer. The primary insurer pays any medical bills first […]