To one extent or another, most elders are going to be relying on Social Security and Medicare. We all pay into the programs, so we certainly have a right to benefit from them during our senior years. But at the same time, you have to understand what to expect from these programs, and not assume that your future is solidified because of the fact that you will be eligible. With regard to Social Security, statements are sent out periodically that should give you an idea of how much your benefit … [Read more...] about Elders Must Coordinate Benefits
Advance Planning Is Essential For Unmarried Domestic Partners
Estate planning is one of the basic fundamental responsibilities that you have to take care of once you become a responsible, self-supporting adult. If you go through life without asserting your wishes, you are shirking one of your responsibilities. This is true even if you are a relatively young adult. The above being stated, perhaps estate planning is a bit more important for some people than it is for others. For example, if you are legally married and you happen to pass away unexpectedly … [Read more...] about Advance Planning Is Essential For Unmarried Domestic Partners
Medical Matters: Make Your Preferences Known
Estate planning is largely thought of as the process of leaving instructions regarding what will be taking place after you pass away. Without question, this is a large part of the endeavor, but it is useful to consider the period of time that may precede your passing as well. With the above in mind, the execution of advance health care directives is highly recommended. One of these directives is called a living Will. This type of will has nothing to do with arranging for the transfer of … [Read more...] about Medical Matters: Make Your Preferences Known
Shedding Light On Some Social Security Details
Social Security is going to be important for most people who are planning for retirement. With this in mind, understanding the details is key, and we would like to take a look at a couple of things you should know. If you are not yet receiving Social Security, your full retirement age will be between 66 and 67 years of age depending on the year during which you were born. However, you have options. You don't have to wait until you reach full retirement age to apply for Social Security. Once … [Read more...] about Shedding Light On Some Social Security Details
Developing A Streamlined Estate Plan
In a sense, an inheritance can be viewed as a gift that is given posthumously. When you give a gift of any kind that is not postdated, you give the gift in real-time. However, if you do not plan your estate optimally, your loved ones could wind up waiting quite a while to receive their inheritances. And, there can be considerable expenses involved that reduce the amount that they actually do inherit. If you use a last will to direct the transfer of your assets, your estate is going to fall … [Read more...] about Developing A Streamlined Estate Plan
Job Loss and Your 401(k) Plan
A lot of people contribute into the 401(k) plan that is offered at work, and this is one of their fundamental retirement planning tools. It should be emphasized that it is definitely a good idea to participate, and if your employer is offering to match your contributions, the wise course of action is to take advantage of this opportunity and contribute the maximum amount of the match. Though economic indicators appear to be improving at the present time, over recent years a lot of people have … [Read more...] about Job Loss and Your 401(k) Plan
British Diva Winehouse Actually Died Intestate
If you die without executing a last Will, you are said to have died intestate. In cases such as these, intestacy laws of succession come into play. The probate court will examine all relevant information and ultimately allow for your assets to be transferred to your legal next of kin. A recent article that is appearing on the Forbes website states that the late British pop singer Amy Winehouse died without having executed a last Will. This new revelation flies in the face of earlier reports … [Read more...] about British Diva Winehouse Actually Died Intestate
Keep An Eye On Tax Debate
Time passes quickly, and most people are firmly embedded in the routine of their day-to-day lives. So, you may not be aware of things that are taking place in Washington that could render your existing estate plan inadequate. With this in mind, we would like to raise awareness about the significance of this calendar year. Whether or not your family is going to be exposed to the estate tax, and how much they will potentially have to pay, varies depending on the parameters that are in place at … [Read more...] about Keep An Eye On Tax Debate
Some Celebs Go The Extra Mile For Pets
When you have extraordinary means, you can do extraordinary things, and sometimes you hear about the lifestyles of the rich and famous and find some of their actions to be a bit excessive. There are a couple of high-profile female celebrities here in the United States who are certainly going the extra mile to provide for their pets in their estate plans. Betty White is an actress who is somewhat of an enigma. She is 90 years old, but advancing age seems to have done nothing to slow down her … [Read more...] about Some Celebs Go The Extra Mile For Pets
Founders Of Facebook Utilized Tax Efficiency Strategy
Observers have long awaited an initial public offering for the wildly popular social networking website Facebook. The founders, Mark Zuckerberg and Dustin Moskovitz, have been in possession of the proverbial gold mine for quite some time, and they have already taken steps to take advantage of the tax efficiency strategy known as the zeroed out grantor retained annuity trust. Zeroing out a GRAT for tax efficiency purposes involves funding the trust with volatile securities, and naming a … [Read more...] about Founders Of Facebook Utilized Tax Efficiency Strategy
