One of the most common reasons people delay estate planning is the sheer volume of decisions it seems to require. The good news? You don't need to have all the answers upfront.
Instead of feeling paralyzed by the...
The New Year is the perfect time to take stock of your life and make meaningful updates. While many focus on health goals or career aspirations, it’s equally important to ensure your estate plan reflects your current circumstances. Life is full of changes—marriage, children, new homes, or shifts in health—and your estate...
Great news for Massachusetts residents! Pooled trusts are once again available as an asset protection tool for those planning for long-term care. Thanks to the recent passage of the Long-Term Care Bill, individuals seeking MassHealth benefits can now establish a pooled...
The new year is a great time to look toward the future and plan ahead regarding Medicaid and long-term care costs. Here’s what you need to know, and how a bit of foresight now can pay big dividends for your future.
The Importance of Planning for Long-Term Care
For some families, joint ownership offers a sense of security and simplicity. Sharing ownership of assets like property or bank accounts can mean that if one person passes away, the other has immediate access without needing court approval. It’s a practical way to handle certain assets and often appeals to those looking...
The end of the year offers a natural opportunity to review your financial and estate planning goals. Many people assess their finances at this time to prepare for tax season, set future goals, or take advantage of deadlines for contributions or deductions. Including estate planning in this review allows you to ensure...
Medicaid is a government program that provides health care coverage to people with limited income and resources. To qualify, you must meet strict eligibility criteria, which include limits on your income and assets. For many applicants, this means reducing their countable assets below specific thresholds. Without planning, this could require spending down...
A power of attorney is a legal document that lets you give another person authority to manage your affairs. More specifically, a power of attorney for finances or financial power of attorney grants someone else, your “agent” or “attorney-in-fact,” the power to act on your behalf in financial matters. The term “durable”...
Estate planning empowers you to protect what matters most—your loved ones, your assets, and your personal wishes. By creating a plan, you’re making thoughtful choices about your future and reducing the burden on family members during challenging times. This process allows you to address important questions about how your affairs will be...
Estate planning isn’t a one-time task. Life changes, often in unexpected ways, and so do our needs and priorities. Just as you might regularly check in on your financial health, reviewing your estate plan helps ensure it’s always in sync with your current goals. Whether it’s a new addition to your family,...
