Here in Silicon Valley, we all recognize that the cost of living is high. During our working years, employment income helps offset those expenses. But retirement changes the equation. When earned income stops, most people rely on Social Security, a pension if they are fortunate, distributions from retirement accounts, or income from rental property. For many families, the real financial pressure begins when health needs change and additional care becomes necessary. That may be sufficient for a … [Read more...] about The Cost of Care: Understanding Senior Living Options
UNLOCK YOUR WEALTH POTENTIAL – Learning the Vital Elements of Financial Literacy
Americans have long insisted that all citizens learn basic literacy skills — reading, writing, and arithmetic. But only half of the states require students to learn financial literacy skills, which can be almost as important for a secure, productive life. As we observe Financial Literacy Month in April, it is worth noting that more than 1 in 3 Americans are still not financially literate — that is, they are unable to understand and apply basic financial concepts. These include calculating how … [Read more...] about UNLOCK YOUR WEALTH POTENTIAL – Learning the Vital Elements of Financial Literacy
What You Need to Know About SECURE Act 2.0
Blog Author: Tereina Stidd, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Associate Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. It might be appropriate to say that Christmas came early for retirement advisors and consumers in 2022 when Congress passed, and President Biden signed into law, the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill that included Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (“SECURE”) Act 2.0 (the “Act”). President Trump enacted the original SECURE Act in December … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know About SECURE Act 2.0
Application of the Updated Life Expectancy Tables
Blog Author: Tereina Stidd, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Associate Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Although Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”) have become ubiquitous in the Estate Planning world, they are relatively young having been created in 1974 with the passage of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Recently, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (“SECURE Act”) made significant changes to the rules regarding … [Read more...] about Application of the Updated Life Expectancy Tables
Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act: Prior Designations
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Clients spend lots of time, money, and energy planning their estates. Estate Planning attorneys help them by counseling these clients and preparing various documents to meet the goals of the client, such as a Will or Trust. An increasing part of American wealth is governed by beneficiary designations. According to Statista, Americans had over $32 trillion in … [Read more...] about Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act: Prior Designations
Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act: Eligible Designated Beneficiaries
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Clients spend lots of time, money, and energy planning their estates. Estate Planning attorneys help them by counseling these clients and preparing various documents to meet the goals of the client, such as a Will or Trust. An increasing part of American wealth is governed by beneficiary designations. According to Statista, Americans had over $32 trillion in … [Read more...] about Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act: Eligible Designated Beneficiaries
The SECURE Act: What You Need to Know (Video)
On December 20, 2019, the President signed into law the SECURE Act, this stands for “Setting Every Community Up For Retirement Enhancement" Act. The SECURE Act greatly changes many aspects of IRA planning. Our Attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses what our prospects and clients need to know about the new law. Watch our video on the new act so that you are aware of the changes that can be expected with regard to IRA planning. We want you to be prepared as much possible so that your estate is … [Read more...] about The SECURE Act: What You Need to Know (Video)
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 5: Retirement Assets
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is part of a series of 6 blogs on important estate planning considerations. I’ll intersperse these blogs with other timely blogs. The first article in the series showed how an estate plan prepares one for incapacity during life and not just for the distribution of assets at death. The second article in the series focused on how an estate plan should take into … [Read more...] about 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 5: Retirement Assets
Retirement is Complicated
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Many factors go into retirement decisions. When should you retire? Where should you retire? Etc. Family and personal factors are perhaps the most important of these considerations. Where do your children, grandchildren, and friends live? Where do you have roots? What location has the weather and scenery you enjoy? How are you feeling? Financial issues are only one … [Read more...] about Retirement is Complicated
Go and See the World! Travel Tips for Seniors
by Dedra Jize, OT, CSA Geriatric Care Manager, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law “Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take you.” These lyrics to a popular song by the Beach Boys in the late 1980’s made us want to go and bask in the sun. Or maybe you’re a little bit country and Willie Nelson’s song, “On the Road Again” strikes a chord with you. Or perhaps “Route 66” by Chuck Berry made you want to jump in your car for a road trip across the country. However, work, family and … [Read more...] about Go and See the World! Travel Tips for Seniors
