Can You Draw a Spousal Social Benefit if You are Divorced?
And what does “dually entitled” mean?
Common Questions About Social Security
Last month I started a series on planning for retirement. See the other posts in the series here: Has Planning for Retirement Ever Been More Difficult? Three More Questions Retirees Ask More Common Retirement Questions…
Estate Planning Options for Parents of Minor Children
Parents of minor children face the question of what to do with their assets through their will. Assets can be left outright in a trust until the child reaches the age…
Teach Your Children Well – Or They Are Likely to Waste Their Inheritance
Studies estimate the baby boom generation is set to inherit $11.6 trillion over the next 20 years from their parents. The baby boomers are expected to pass on as much…
Looking to Squeeze More Than 2% From Your Fixed Investment
Does your will provide a bequest to a charitable organization?
Five Strategies for High Income Earners to Deal with the New Tax Rules
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA12) prevented higher taxes for many taxpayers but those in the top two tax brackets will experience an increase in taxes in 2013…
Social Security Basics
In 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act, which provided a nationwide retirement and social welfare program for the first time. Since then, Social Security has grown to become…
Rules for Filing a Gift Tax Return
Some basics.
The Death of Equities — 33 Years Later
Does this sound familiar?
The ABC’s of Deducting Losses in Variable Annuities
The mechanics of doing so are tricky.
Keep Up-to-Date with Social Security
Annual Social Security benefit statements no longer come in the mail.
Be Careful if You Serve as Trustee for Friends and Family!
Doing so could be a serious liability if not done properly.
Estate Planning Considerations — Spendthrift and IRA Trusts — Part 3 of 3
Previous posts in this series: Part 1, Part 2 I want to wrap up my series on leaving wealth to your heirs by looking at two more types of trusts. Leaving…
Should Your Child Have a Roth IRA?
It’s an opportunity to start saving for children while they are young.
Do You Hold Title Correctly for Your Real Estate?
Property title questions during financial planning interviews often draw blank stares. Yet, understanding the differences among tenants-in-common, joint tenancy and community property is important for creditor protection issues, estate planning,…
Helping or Spoiling?
That’s the question a parent must ponder when an adult child asks for financial assistance. One of the greatest parts of being a parent occurs when you become a grandparent. So, it is…
Hold on to Your Last Social Security Statement
The Social Security Administration will no longer mail you an annual Social Security statement. Here’s what you need to do.