It’s the holiday season! While the holidays can get rushed, sometimes we forget to take a step back and appreciate what is right in front of us. It is important to reflect during this time of year, to say ‘Thank You’ to those we are grateful for, to recognize the accomplishments we have achieved, and review what helped get us here. Many people keep track of what they are grateful for in various and creative ways. Here are some ideas to...
Read PostAn estate plan often focuses on property such as financial accounts, jewelry, real estate, and vehicles. However, in this age of technology, it is important to remember to include your digital assets. Planning for your digital assets can help ensure they pass to your loved ones, instead of getting lost in the cloud simply because no one knew about them. Also, by including them in your plan, you can better secure your information and prevent identity thefts. Your digital legacy...
Read PostLife is busy and always changing, which is why it is so important to review your estate plan every few years. Maintenance keeps your plan up to date as you continue to go through life and significant changes occur. Already having a plan in place does not mean everything is complete and done forever. If you have children or grandchildren after your plan was made, and you want them protected, your plan needs to be updated to accommodate for them....
Read PostIn order for an Estate Plan to work, you have to review what is in your estate. What assets do you have? This would include your bank accounts, investments, retirement plans, pensions, home, vehicles, and any other physical or financial properties that you own and would like protected in your plan. About 33% of Americans claim they do not have enough assets to leave to loved ones[1], so they do have a plan in place for the assets they do...
Read PostEstate Planning requires you to make decisions about your life and your future wishes. But through those choices you are able to design a plan that will work for your unique circumstances. You are able to choose people you trust to make your financial and legal decisions if you were unable to make them yourself. You are also able to select someone to be in charge of carrying out your health care wishes and final arrangements. Additionally, you can make...
Read PostOctober 17th through October 21st is Estate Planning Awareness Week. We dedicate this week to educating you on the importance of estate planning and why it is so beneficial for you and your loved ones. According to a 2022 study conducted by Caring.com[1], 50% of Americans agree that estate planning is important, and since the pandemic, the amount of 18- to 34-year-old people with estate plans has increased by 50%. Even though more people have started estate planning, 33% of...
Read PostIn honor of World Alzheimer’s Day, we would like to share some history and spread awareness on this important topic. Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects many people, including those who have the disease and their loved ones. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia which negatively affects memory and the ability to function daily. The disease itself was named after the German psychiatrist, Alois Alzheimer, who first identified it while treating a patient in 1901. Later in 1984, Alzheimer Disease International...
Read PostLegacy planning involves passing down values, wisdom, or experiences throughout your life. This is similar to estate planning, where it focuses on your assets, such as who inherit, when they inherit and how to best protect yourself and your family. Legacy planning, on the other hand, focuses on the intangible assets of your life. Both involve passing down the most important aspects of your life to the next generation. One way to begin your legacy planning is writing a message or...
Read PostA blended family could impact your life in a lot of ways, in particular it can affect how you approach your estate plan. There can be many people to take into consideration when planning, and it is important to acknowledge each person, so all your wishes are met. When planning, you have to decide how the families are going to split inheritances. Will both families share equally? Will your assets stay in your family and your spouse’s stay with theirs? Are...
Read PostRainy days are nice to catch up on things you put off or to enjoy doing absolutely nothing. They can be great days to relax and refresh, and gather all the miscellaneous tasks you never seem to get to. There are some tasks that should not be held off for those rainy days, tasks that are too important to put on hold. Planning for you and your family’s future is not something that can wait to be done. By planning now,...
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