In today’s evolving landscape of estate planning, experts advise careful deliberation when establishing a living trust. A well-crafted trust can ensure your assets are managed efficiently and distributed according to your wishes. However, not all assets are suitable for inclusion. Here’s what industry professionals are saying about the dos and […]
Tag: living will
Protecting Your Legacy for Your Spouse and Children
Handling inheritance and estate planning can be complex, particularly when aiming to balance support for a spouse and ensuring assets benefit only specific heirs, such as biological children. Here are steps to help: 1. Create a Detailed Will Specify exact amounts or assets for each heir, including your spouse, children, […]
Social Security Benefits in 2025 and the Savings Needed for a Comfortable Retirement
Planning for a comfortable retirement involves understanding typical expenses, expected income from Social Security, and the necessary savings to bridge any gaps. Here’s an overview based on recent data: Average Monthly Expenses for Retirees in the U.S. As of 2023, retired households in the United States spend approximately $5,000 per […]
Reasons to Claim Early or Wait Until 70
When determining the optimal time to claim Social Security, most individuals strive to maximize their retirement income. However, despite the potential for higher benefits, the majority of individuals claim their benefits before turning 70. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), less than 10% of the roughly 3.4 million people […]
Estate Tax vs. Inheritance Tax
Estate Tax and Inheritance Tax are often confused, but they have distinct differences. The Estate Tax is a tax on the total value of a deceased person’s estate before it is distributed to the heirs. This tax is paid by the estate itself. The Inheritance Tax, on the other hand, […]
Saving Tips to Secure Your Financial Future
Here are some everyday saving tips to help you save money and secure your finances: Reducing Bank Charges Choose the Right Bank Account: Look for accounts with low or no monthly fees. Avoid Overdraft Fees: Keep track of your balance to avoid overdraft fees. Set up alerts if possible. Use […]
Social Security Claiming Options for Couples
When it comes to Social Security claiming options for couples, there are several strategies to consider that can help maximize your benefits. The best strategy depends on your individual circumstances, including your ages, health, life expectancy, income needs, and other retirement resources. Here are some key options and strategies: Key […]
Navigating the Challenges and Benefits of Caring for Elderly Parents: At Home vs. Nursing Homes
A friend of mine once said that he hoped to spend the last years of his life in a nursing home or a senior care center. He shared with me stories from other friends who told him that living in a nursing home was comfortable—there were no worries about meals […]
Minimum Wage by State in 2025
Alabama No state minimum wage law. Employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act must pay the current Federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Alaska Basic Minimum Rate (per hour): $11.91 Premium Pay After Designated Hours 1 : Daily – 8, Weekly – 40 Under a voluntary flexible work hour plan approved […]
IRS Key Updates for 2025
The IRS has announced several key updates for 2025 affecting various retirement accounts, health savings plans, Social Security, and tax provisions. Here’s a summary of the changes: Retirement Account Contribution Limits: 401(k), 403(b), and Governmental 457 Plans: The contribution limit increases to $23,500, up from $23,000 in 2024. Catch-Up Contributions […]