A Closer Look at Durable Power of Attorney

As the COVID-19 pandemic taught many Americans, serious illness may strike at any time and any age. Of course, in ordinary times, older Americans are at risk of becoming physically or mentally incapacitated. So if you haven’t thought about who’ll handle your personal and financial affairs in the event you can’t, given it serious consideration […]

Estate Management Checklist

Effective Estate Planning requires attention to a number of important details. The following checklist will get you started developing an estate management plan. Consult with your professional adviser after reviewing the following questions. Do you have a will? A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will […]

When Should You Take Social Security Benefits?

If you’re nearing retirement, you’ve likely paid into the Social Security system your entire career. It’s only fitting that you finally cash in on the Social Security benefits that are rightfully yours. But when should you start receiving benefits — at the first available date, at the latest date or somewhere between those dates? The […]

Creating a Budget

Creating a budget may seem like a complicated and unnecessary burden for most people, but a budget can be a valuable tool for managing your money. Instead of thinking about it as just another thing to do, think about how a carefully constructed budget can help you reduce expenses and optimize the way you spend. […]

Is Your Estate Plan Aging as Gracefully as You Are?

A lot can change over a lifetime — including with your wealth, family composition and priorities. That’s why you need to revise your estate plan as you progress through life. Milestones such as becoming a parent and retiring can require everything from estate plan edits to estate plan overhauls. Here are some of the issues […]

Dispelling Myths About 529 Plans

Myth 1: You have to contribute to a 529 in your home state. That statement is false with regard to 529 college-savings plans, in which money is invested in a portfolio of securities on behalf of a beneficiary. Any U.S. resident can contribute to a 529 college-savings plan in any state. Contributing to a plan offered […]