by admin | Apr 17, 2013 | Weekly Articles
There have been a number of new rules and services implemented by the Social Security Administration for 2013 that affect a majority of American workers as well as retirees:
Expiration of the payroll tax cut. Workers may have already noticed the hit their paychecks took this year due to the expiration of the payroll tax cut, which went from 4.2 percent to 6.2 percent on earnings of less than $113,700 (increased from $110,100 in 2012).
Paper checks to stop. On March 1, paper Social Security checks will no longer be sent to benefits recipients. Instead, you will need to choose between two options: direct deposit to a bank or credit union account or a prepaid Direct Express Debit MasterCard.
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by admin | Apr 17, 2013 | Weekly Articles
What is the Difference Between a Will-based plan and a Trust-based plan?
In this article I will explain the difference between a Will-based plan and a Trust-based plan so you can make an educated decision for your family about what is best for you and, ultimately, for them.
A Will-based plan is an estate plan that does not include a Living Trust to hold title to your assets. If you work with us and choose our Family Plan, which is a will-based plan, your legal documents will include a Health Care Directive, Power of Attorney, a Will and, if you have minor children, a Kids Protection Plan®.
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by admin | Apr 17, 2013 | Weekly Articles
Planning for a long and prosperous retirement is no longer just about the money; because of the recession, boomers are needing to reboot their retirement plans. Here are six tips to get you on the right track again:
1. Get healthy. This should take priority even over saving more money, since significantly improving your physical health will reduce the chances you will need expensive healthcare procedures. Exercise more, eat better and take advantage of any wellness programs offered by your employer.
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by admin | Apr 17, 2013 | Weekly Articles
Last year’s uncertainty about the future of the estate and gift tax caused many people to put their estate planning on hold, even though estate and gift tax planning is only a teeny tiny piece of estate planning. Now that the clouds have lifted and Congress has given us clarity, there is simply no reason for anyone to delay in implementing these five estate planning essentials:
Will. Look around you right now. Everything you see has to be distributed in the event of your death. Your Will names the person you want to handle it all and can also indicate who you want to receive it all. If you don’t have a Will, a Judge decides who is in charge of your affairs and State law provides who receives everything you own. Take control now by getting your Will in place today.
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by admin | Apr 17, 2013 | Weekly Articles
The holidays are a traditional time for multiple generations to gather together, and are also a perfect opportunity for adult children to perform a reality check on how their aging parents are doing health-wise as well as assess financial and medical planning issues.
The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance provides these tips:
Check your elderly relatives’ home for potential fall hazards. If there is unopened mail and unpaid bills laying around, it may be a sign they are having difficulty coping with everyday living.
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by admin | Apr 17, 2013 | Weekly Articles
The holidays are traditionally the time for family gatherings, where generations come together and perform holiday rituals that have been passed down through the years. Part of those rituals includes material possessions – a well-worn set of silver at the holiday table, grandmother’s china or treasured tree ornaments from childhood.
When we sit down to that holiday meal, rarely do we contemplate Susie and Sally engaged in a bitter fight over the sterling butter knives. But it happens. A lot.
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