Blog Author: Tereina Stidd, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Associate Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Full disclosure – Elvis Presley died the year that I was born yet I feel like I grew up with his music. He was dubbed the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll because of his undeniable musical talent and by all accounts he was a humble, kind, and generous man who died far too young. It’s ironic that as Elvis’s life and career returned to the spotlight, his only daughter, Lisa … [Read more...] about The Lessons from Lisa Marie
Living Trust Bank Accounts and FDIC Insurance (VIDEO)
In this vlog, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses how FDIC Insurance works for Living Trusts. … [Read more...] about Living Trust Bank Accounts and FDIC Insurance (VIDEO)
Show Your Love by Creating an Estate Plan
Blog Author: Tereina Stidd, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Associate Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Estate Planning offers a practical and easy way to show your loved ones that you care. Simply put, an Estate Plan serves as a set of instructions regarding how you want your assets to pass, to whom you want them to pass, and when you want them to pass. The plan sends a message to your loved ones that you care enough to leave your affairs in order and protect … [Read more...] about Show Your Love by Creating an Estate Plan
The Importance of Having an Estate Plan
Blog Author: Tereina Stidd, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Associate Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. The headline read “Battle Over Anne Heche’s Estate Settled” when it should have read “Yet Another Celebrity Dies Without an Estate Plan.” Anne Heche was a well-known actress who died unexpectedly following a fiery car crash in August 2022. Anne left behind two sons, one of whom is 20, the other of whom is 13, and no estate plan. Her case was tragic and the … [Read more...] about The Importance of Having an Estate Plan
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
An Overview of 2023 Medicare Premiums, Co-Insurance, and Deductibles
We are going to look at some out-of-pocket Medicare costs for 2023 in this post, but we will start with a brief explanation of the eligibility requirements. That’s right, every senior citizen does not automatically qualify for Medicare coverage. When you pay payroll or self-employment taxes, you earn retirement credits that lead to eligibility for Medicare and Social Security. The maximum annual accrual is four credits, and you need 40 credits to qualify for these benefits. In 2023, you earn … [Read more...] about An Overview of 2023 Medicare Premiums, Co-Insurance, and Deductibles
Four Fitness Articles from our Move-It Monday Series
Blog Author: Wendy L Harshbarger Director of Marketing and Client Relations Staying active is essential for our physical and mental well-being. It is also proven to help reduce the risk of dementia, diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Check out these four articles we have shared in our "Move-It Monday" social media series to help you incorporate physical activity into your routine. The Joy Workout The New York Times published an article and video by Kelly McGonigal, PhD, a health … [Read more...] about Four Fitness Articles from our Move-It Monday Series
Tax Planning for 2023
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. As we start off the New Year, we need to think of…tax planning! Some years Congress tweaks the laws more than in other years. While 2022 held plenty of events: the war in Ukraine, an improved “bivalent” coronavirus vaccine addressing new coronavirus variants, the U.S. midterms elections, etc., it was a relatively quiet year for legislative changes impacting planning. … [Read more...] about Tax Planning for 2023
Don’t Be a Turkey – Take Advantage of Your Annual Per Donee Exclusion Amount
Blog Author: Tereina Stidd, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Associate Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. As we gather with our family, friends, and loved ones to celebrate the Holidays, while year-end obligations may tempt us to rush through the holiday meal and return to “normal,” we should not. Instead, we should stop, savor the moments together, and remember why we choose to spend our time with these individuals. This time of the year offers a special opportunity … [Read more...] about Don’t Be a Turkey – Take Advantage of Your Annual Per Donee Exclusion Amount
Common Mistakes in Estate Planning – Part V
Blog Author: Tereina Stidd, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Associate Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Creating an Estate Plan that includes a Revocable Trust, pour-over Will, Property Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will, and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Authorization provides numerous benefits during life and at death. During life, the plan provides directions to your family regarding your medical care and finances … [Read more...] about Common Mistakes in Estate Planning – Part V
