The Sacrifice of Caregiving

The Unspoken Sacrifice: Planning for the Caregiver The journey of caregiving is one of profound love and sacrifice. Whether it’s a spouse or an adult child stepping into the role, their focus shifts entirely to the well-being of their loved one. In this process, however, the caregiver’s own health, finances, and future are often pushed […]

Asset Protection Today: Real Estate March 24, 2018

Asset Protection Today: Real Estate March 24, 2018 Real estate can be an excellent investment under the right circumstances. This includes both your primary residence as well as investment property. There are several factors to be considered when thinking about purchasing real estate. Everyone knows the adage “Buy low, sell high.” That is excellent advice […]

Asset Protection Today: Back to Basics March 31, 2018

Basic asset protection planning consists of four main components to make sure you are well protected. The first and most important component is a good liability insurance policy—and that normally means an umbrella policy to give you adequate coverage. You need to take care of this component first, which makes the other components work. Secure […]

May Day for War Period Veterans: What We Don’t Know

Denied VA Benefits? You Might Not Have the Whole Story. For wartime veterans and their families, navigating the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to secure long-term care benefits can be a frustrating journey. Many families who apply for the VA Pension program are initially denied and are often given incomplete information, leaving them to […]

Are My Out-of-State Estate Planning Documents Valid?

You’ve Moved to North Carolina. Are Your Out-of-State Estate Planning Documents Still Valid? If you’ve recently moved to North Carolina, you may be wondering if the will, trust, and powers of attorney you created in your previous state are still effective. The legal answer is, “it depends.” While the U.S. Constitution requires states to give […]

A Pension that Isn’t Really a Pension

Understanding the VA Pension: A Benefit That Isn’t Really a Pension For wartime veterans and their families, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a valuable financial benefit to help with the costs of long-term care. However, it is one of the most misunderstood programs available. It’s called the “Veterans Pension,” but it’s not […]

How Remarriage Effects Your Social Security Benefit

How Remarriage Can Affect Your Social Security Options The rules for claiming Social Security benefits can be complex, especially when remarriage is involved. The age at which you remarry is a critical factor that can significantly alter the benefits available to you, particularly if you are a widow, widower, or divorced spouse. The Magic Number: […]

Educational Funding in Your Retirement Plan

How Educational Funding Fits Into Your Retirement Plan For many families, helping a child or grandchild with their education is just as important as saving for their own retirement. The key to success is starting early and choosing the right savings vehicle. A consistent monthly contribution, even a modest one, can grow into a substantial […]

PODs and TODs: To Sign or Not to Sign?

Are “Pay on Death” Designations a Good Idea for Your Estate Plan? When you open a bank or investment account, you may be encouraged to sign a form that adds a “Pay on Death” (POD) or “Transfer on Death” (TOD) designation. These are simple beneficiary designations that allow the funds in the account to pass […]

The Cost of Not Preparing for Long-Term Care

The Staggering Cost of Not Preparing for Long-Term Care Families often come to our office in the middle of a long-term care crisis. A sudden illness or injury has led to a loss of independence, and they are facing the rapid depletion of their life savings to pay for care. The most common and costly […]