One aspect of managing a loved one’s final affairs that most people aren’t familiar with is how to handle their last Social Security retirement benefits check. Surviving family members often incorrectly assume that the estate is entitled to keep the beneficiary’s final payment or that it can be spent on things like...
MarketWatch Article: How to talk about estate planning with your family this holiday season without starting a fight
By: Nora Garvey
Taking the emotions out of death and financesAs families gather for the holidays, talking about long-term financial security and trusts may not be top of mind. Death and finances are often two of the most uncomfortable topics for families to talk...
NY Times Article: With Adult Children Home, Now’s the Time: Talk About Your Money
By John F. Wasik
Riding out the pandemic with family presents the perfect chance to lay it all out: priorities, account balances, end-of-life directives.
For far too many families, financial planning is akin to scheduling dental surgery. The prospect of pain and discomfort prompts many to...
Kiplinger Article: Estate Planning Is More Important Than You Think
Estate planning ensures financial security for your loved ones if something should happen to you by protecting your hard-earned assets – such as your home, investments, retirement accounts and life insurance.
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by: Carlos Dias Jr., Wealth Adviser
An estate plan is a necessary tool that allows...
ElderLawAnswers Article: The Coronavirus Pandemic Presents Ample Reasons to Reevaluate Your Estate Plan
The coronavirus health emergency is a reminder that life is unpredictable, and it makes sense to be prepared. It may sound self-serving, but the threats to life and finances posed by the pandemic offer ample reason to reevaluate your estate plan -- or create one if you haven't already.
Kiplinger Article: A Guide to the Softer Side of Estate Planning
Once you've written your will, pat yourself on the back. Then get back to work to spell out your wishes on what could be far more important than how your assets are divided. Your family's harmony could be a stake.
Written by: Casey Robinson, CFP
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NerdWallet Article: Estate Planning: A 7-Step Checklist of the Basics
Here's what estate planning is and 7 things you can do to get started.
Written By: Kay Bell
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You don’t have to be rich to need estate planning. Your estate includes everything you own, and it can be any size, which is why...
10 Estate Planning Mistakes That Could Cost You a Fortune
Estate planning encompasses more than just drafting a will. Without a thoughtful plan, your family could face long delays, unnecessary costs, and avoidable stress. At Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, we’ve seen the impact of common estate planning mistakes. The good news is that with the right strategies, most can be avoided.
The Right Time to Talk to an Estate Lawyer is Now
Article as it appeared in CapeCod.com
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“Life happens.” It’s such a common saying because it’s true – life does happen. Children are born, people marry, many go off to college, some couples divorce, some come into money or property, others have a health issue occur and so on....
Forbes Article: The Problems With Do-It-Yourself Online Wills
Written By Marguerite C. Lorenz
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As a professional trustee and executor, I have seen hundreds of estate-planning documents, including some from do-it-yourself online services. I appreciate that using a DIY site to draft a will can save money and time. But I’m also concerned that sometimes doing it this way...