Planning Ahead: How to Make the Transition Easier for Your Family Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. In the midst of grief, your family will be faced with the immense task of settling your final affairs. One of the greatest gifts you can leave them is a clear, organized plan […]
A New Year’s Check-Up for Your Health, Finances, and Future The start of a new year is the perfect time to take stock and set goals. To make resolutions less overwhelming, it can be helpful to focus on one key goal for each important area of your life: your health, your finances, and your legal […]
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 […]
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 […]
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: […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
How the Threat of Age Discrimination Impacts Your Retirement Plan For many older workers, the fear of age discrimination is a significant concern. While laws exist to protect against unfair treatment, the reality is that experienced employees can face unexpected job loss, which can have a devastating impact on their retirement goals. Understanding this risk […]
Essential Planning for a Loved One with Special Needs For parents of a child with special needs, planning for the future carries a unique weight. The primary goal is to ensure your child will always be cared for and financially secure, even after you are gone. This requires a specialized plan designed to provide for […]
If you own a corporation or LLC, Google “Corporate Transparency Act” and file your report before the end of the year. Don’t be fined $500.00 per day for failing to file.