It is estimated that over 120,000,000 Americans do not have an up-to-date estate plan to protect themselves, and their families, making estate planning one of the most overlooked areas of personal financial management? Financial and estate planning is not just for the wealthy and is an important process for everyone. With advance planning, issues such as guardianship of children, managing bill paying and assets in the event of sickness or disability, care of a special needs child or parent, long-term care needs, and distribution of retirement assets can all be handled with sensitivity, care, and at a reasonable cost.

Parents who are growing older often need help from their adult children. Even when you live close to your parents, it can be a challenge to provide them with care while balancing work and other family responsibilities. For expatriates, the task may seem monumental. How can you be a caregiver from another country? Plan Ahead…

Being appointed the executor of a deceased person’s estate involves significant responsibilities. It’s crucial for executors to understand what they are required to do, because failing to fulfill their duties can result in liability to the estate, the beneficiaries, or even to the government for taxes. In some cases, liability may be imposed even for…

A family vacation home can contain a lot of important memories, and the generation who grew up spending quality time there may look forward to bringing their own children and grandchildren to the home for family reunions far into the future. However, there are certain considerations involved with passing a vacation home on to one’s…

The legal dispute over the mental competency of media magnate Sumner Redstone has put the issue of financial elder abuse in the spotlight. The Redstone controversy, newsworthy because the control of corporations worth billions of dollars is at stake, is also an important reminder that seniors — even those who are not billionaires — are…

Now that the Stark children are back in Winterfell, they will need to address issues abut the inheritance of their family home. The family home is one of the most valuable assets that people own and plan to pass down to their children. Inheriting your parents’ home brings up emotional and financial issues. Selling the…

Tyka Nelson, Prince’s sister, filed documents in Minnesota probate court stating that Prince, born Prince Rogers Nelson, died without children, spouse or surviving parents, and with no known will. The petition filed by Ms. Nelson lists five half-siblings as heirs. Half-siblings are treated the same as full siblings under Minnesota law. Each state has its…

When an aging parent needs help with activities of daily living, because of dementia or another condition, making the decision about a transition to assisted living or a skilled nursing facility can be very difficult. Both physical limitations and mental deterioration can come on slowly, and it can be hard for a close family member…

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to raise public consciousness about autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Join the global autism community and Light it Up Blue on April 2, 2016.  Senators Chuck Schumer of New York and Chuck Grassley of Iowa have introduced legislation to help the families of loved ones with autism,…

There are several tax credits and deductions that senior retirees should be aware of, as they can help you save money on taxes. Higher Standard Deduction First of all, you should know that if you are claiming the standard deduction rather than itemizing, you are entitled to a higher standard deduction if you were 65…