Retirees often apply simplified rules of thumb to see how much to withdraw from their savings each year. What happens is that their assets continue to increase in retirement, and this increased wealth is passed along to beneficiaries. There’s nothing wrong with passing along more. However, what if there was a way to enjoy more of what you’ve saved?...
Continue ReadingKiplinger’s recent article, “The Biggest Social Security Mistake You Can Make,” explains that the biggest Social Security mistake isn’t taking it too early. Individuals can claim their Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62 (and get a reduced benefit) or wait and receive a larger benefit. At 70, the maximum benefit is reached, which is about 75% greater than the...
Continue ReadingA recent Wealth Advisor article asks a very practical question you may face someday: “Your Parent Didn’t Have A Will: What Should You Do Now?” For starters, the article advises you to make a diligent search for a will, when a parent passes away. That includes a look through your parent’s paper records and file cabinets. You should also speak with their good...
Continue ReadingWorking with an elder law or estate planning attorney may be one of the best investments a person can make, reports nj.com in its article, “Why an estate planning attorney is worth the money.” You need to make sure that all of your documents are in order. This is not an easy thing to do on your own. With properly prepared estate planning...
Continue ReadingMany retirement savers changing jobs, simply transfer funds directly from their previous employer’s 401(k) into their new employer’s retirement plan. They do this with a quick phone call to the new plan administrator. However, in some cases, that’s not always the best move. CNBC’s recent article, “New job? How to become a retirement-plan rollover champ,” explains that there’s no blanket answer for...
Continue ReadingAn executor is the person designated to distribute a deceased person’s property that passes under his or her will and takes care of paying debts and expenses, explains WMUR in its recent article, “Settling an estate.” When an executor isn’t willing or able to perform his or her duties, there’s usually an alternative. If no alternative has been named, the courts will...
Continue ReadingKerri Kasem, the daughter of late Top 40 DJ Casey Kasem, recently visited the Waynesboro, VA area to speak on elder abuse. She spoke at the Seventh Annual Training of the Greater Augusta Coalition Against Adult Abuse. The News Virginian reported in its story, “Kasem speaks against elder abuse,” that Kasem presented: “Isolated: How Casey Kasem’s Family fought, changed the law, and...
Continue ReadingParents who have an adult child with special needs must provide him or her with nutrition, clothing, and personal hygiene, transportation to work and appointments, reading notices and attending reviews, managing insurance forms, paying taxes, spending money and recreational and social interaction. Kiplinger’s article, “How to Plan Ahead for a Disabled Child’s Inheritance,” notes that, without a controlled environment and attentive support...
Continue ReadingFinancial Advisor’s recent article, “Annuities Can Help or Harm Medicaid Eligibility,” explains that Medicaid rules include both asset limitations and income limitations. Annuities can be exceptionally beneficial for a retirement income plan, such as for an older individual facing long-term care costs. However, the annuity will be viewed as a resource available for payment, which will make the applicant ineligible for Medicaid....
Continue ReadingSome baby boomers are thinking about starting a business in their retirement. However, retirement planning isn’t a priority for many entrepreneurs. Saving for retirement as a small business owner also isn’t as easy, as being automatically enrolled in a company 401(k) plan. US News & World Report’s recent article, “7 Reasons Entrepreneurs Don’t Save for Retirement,” examines some of the biggest mistakes...
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