Probate Avoidance Is Not the Whole Story Revocable living trusts are widely known for helping families avoid probate after death. That benefit is real, but it is often not the most urgent reason a trust matters. For comprehensive estate planning,…
Dividing personal belongings after a loved one passes away can be one of the most difficult parts of estate planning. Even small items can carry deep emotional meaning, which can sometimes lead to family disagreements if there isn’t a clear…
Financial scams targeting older adults are more common than ever. Older adults lose billions of dollars each year to financial abuse and exploitation. In 2025, adults aged 60 and older in the United States reported $2.4 billion in losses to…
Though many Americans have adequate retirement savings, many others plan to work longer – or feel they cannot stop working – simply to afford retirement. However, about 40 percent of workers will have to quit their jobs earlier than expected…
As of the 2025 tax year, many older Americans may realize a new tax benefit thanks to a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The law, signed in July 2025, created a new annual tax deduction of up…
What Is a Durable Power of Attorney? A durable power of attorney is an extremely important estate planning tool, even more important than a will in many cases. This crucial document allows a person you appoint – your “attorney-in-fact” or…
Grandparents often are particularly generous to grandchildren as they see their family’s legacy continuing to the next generation. In many cases, grandparents feel they have ample resources while their children or grandchildren may be struggling financially. Assistance with summer camp…
Starting in 2026, older high-earning employees will lose a tax-savings perk that has helped them save extra money for retirement. In September 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Treasury issued final rules on a 2022 law which…
In recent years, private equity (PE) firms have been buying more nursing homes and companies that own nursing homes. What seems at first like a simple shift in ownership can have significant consequences for residents, staff, and families trying to…
Social Security is best known as a retirement program, but it does far more than provide monthly income for retired workers. It also protects families by extending benefits to spouses, widows, widowers, and children when a worker retires, becomes disabled,…