Author Archives: Linda Fisher
How Can a Trust Keep My Family From An Undesirable Lifestyle?
Some people are hesitant to use trusts in their estate planning. Some have the notion that if you leave money in trust, it will make “trust fund babies” of your children or grandchildren. You may be afraid that they’ll become spoiled brats, who do nothing but spend money they haven’t earned or invest foolishly…. Read More »
Still Wondering Why You Need to Review an Estate Plan?
One of the most common mistakes in estate planning is thinking of the estate plan, as being completed and never needing to be reviewed. That is similar to taking your car for an oil change and then simply never returning for another oil change. The years go by, your life changes and you need… Read More »
What Does a Fiduciary Do?
It sounds a little like something financial, like maybe something you do at a bank. But a fiduciary relationship is a legal relationship that includes responsibilities that can be enforced, reports the Denton Record-Chronicle in a detailed article with the edgy headline “What is the “F” word?” The article addresses this serious topic that… Read More »
Why Can’t My Husband Go to the Doctor to Help Me?
Health care privacy laws have created situations for many well-meaning people that become really annoying. If one spouse is ill and the other spouse is more than willing to take a ride to the doctor’s office to get a needed document, in many instances they cannot—even if the doctor or physician assistant knows them… Read More »
What Do I Do with An Inherited IRA?
Investopedia’s article, “What to Do With Your Inherited IRA, ” looks at the differences between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, what it means when you inherit them and how to navigate both. IRAs come in two flavors: pre-tax and post-tax. A pre-tax retirement account means the money that goes into the IRA… Read More »
What Do I Need to Know About Estate Planning After a Divorce?
The recent changes in the tax laws created increased year-end activity for those trying to finalize their divorces by December 31—prior to the effective date of the new rules. The new tax laws stipulate that alimony is no longer deductible by the payor, and it’s no longer taxable by the receiver—this creates a negative… Read More »
Who Will Pay for Your Nursing Home Care?
It’s hard for everyone in the family, when a beloved parent or grandparent must enter a nursing home, because they can no longer live on their own. Often the result of a physical or mental decline, the difficultly is compounded by worries about how to pay for the care, reports The Ledger in the… Read More »
Seniors – Take Control of Your Finances in 2019
Whether you are content with your overall financial picture right now or not, nearly everyone has some room for improvement. When you live on a fixed income with very little wiggle room in your budget, you might feel as if there is not much you can do to improve your financial security, but you… Read More »
How Do I Find the Right Estate Planning Attorney?
When looking for an estate planning attorney, many people feel more comfortable with getting a personal referral, than by trying to find an attorney on their own. While a referral from friends can be a good start to finding an experienced attorney, it may not be enough to cultivate a successful working relationship, says… Read More »
Am I Too Young to Start Thinking About Estate Planning?
Many people believe they’re too young to begin thinking about estate planning. Others say they don’t have significant enough assets to make the process of planning worthwhile. However, the truth is that everyone needs estate planning. If you have any assets, and you intend to give those assets to a loved one, you need… Read More »