The federal budget agreement that President Obama signed into law November 2, 2015, contains changes to how spouses can claim Social Security benefits, ending two strategies previously used to maximize benefits.
Posts Categorized: Estate Planning
Trick or Treat Estate Planning
Here is a scary story that I have heard over and over again. Tom has been stricken by a sudden illness and has become incapacitated. Tom is in the hospital. It appears that he may never regain his mental faculties. He has a son with his own disabilities. Tom’s health and assets need to be… Read More »
New Rules Will Make It Harder to Qualify for Long-Term Care Help From the VA
The Veteran’s Administration will soon begin enforcing new regulations that make it harder to qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits.
What Is Cost Basis and How Do You Prove It?
Knowing the “cost basis” of your property is important for tax purposes, but proving cost basis can be difficult.
What Will My Survivors Need To Know
Here is a list of information that your family needs to know after you pass away in order to make it easier for them to handle the estate and inheritance issues that may arise. It can be very costly for your family not to know these things. A lack on knowledge could cause delay in… Read More »
Medicare Open Enrollment Means It's Time to Shop Around
Are you happy with your Medicare coverage? It is time to review whether your plan or plans are working for you.
Do Frequent Flier Miles Expire When You Do?
Accumulated frequent flier miles can be valuable assets, but what happens to those miles after somene dies? Can a spouse or other heirs inherit them, or do the miles simply evaporate like a contrail?
Legal Steps When Diagnosed With Alzheimer’s Disease
Many of us have a family member who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or with another form of dementia. With the diagnosis comes the instruction to work closely with doctors to try various medications and therapies to delay or stall the progression of the disease. This blog will not comment of the medical aspects… Read More »
Court Approves Use of Short-Term Annuities for Medicaid Planning
A federal appeals court has ruled that Medicaid officials must accept applicants’ short-term annuities, providing more certainty for Medicaid applicants’ use of this important planning tool.
Incentives to Keep Working While You Collect Social Security
If you are able to continue working while receiving Social Security benefits, you can increase your overall benefit. In addition, although your benefits may be reduced due to your work, you can recoup those lost benefits.