Balancing the responsibilities of caring for aging parents while raising children can bring unexpected challenges. Many in this position find themselves pulled in multiple directions, often struggling to manage competing demands on their time, energy, and finances. Amid the challenges, it’s easy to overlook the importance of planning for the future. Taking...

An update on the Social Security Fairness Act from Attorney Wendy W. Weston
Are you or a loved one a retired public servant such as teachers, firefighters, police officers and others who have paid into Social Security for years?
For over 40 years legislation has been in place that capped or excluded their claiming of the benefits they paid into for so...

Overwhelmed by Estate Planning? Start Here!
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...

New Year, New You: Updating Your Estate Plan for Recent Life Changes
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...

Planning Ahead for 2025 Medicaid and Long-Term Care Costs
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
The Pros and Cons of Joint Ownership in Estate Planning
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...

End-of-Year Financial Review: Aligning Your Investments with Your Estate Plan
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...

Durable Powers of Attorney for Finances
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”...

Starting Your Estate Plan? These Are the Documents You Need
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...

The Importance of Regular Estate Plan Reviews: When and Why to Update
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,...