A woman in her 40s and a senior woman smiling after designating a power of attorney

Who should you trust to manage your financial well being when you are no longer able to do so? A power of attorney (POA), otherwise known as an agent to your principal, has the legal authority to represent and make decisions on your behalf. What characteristics should you look for when designating a power of…

Read More
Image of coming soon

Most parents choose to treat their children equally when it comes to inheriting property or money. But sometimes, parents intentionally choose to not leave anything to a child, and the reasons for doing so may vary. One reason could be that a child who is more financially successful than the others and the parent doesn’t…

Read More
A senior woman understanding the differences between Wills and Trusts

Wills and trusts have specific and quite different benefits for estate planning purposes. Each state has specific laws and regulations governing these legal documents. You can have both a will and a trust; however, the information in each should compliment the other. As a standalone, it is not accurate to say one is better than…

Read More
Image of coming soon

Probate is the legal process for authenticating a deceased person’s will, reviewing their assets, paying their outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to their inheritors. After an asset-holder dies, the court will appoint a valid will’s executor to administer the probate process. In the absence of a will, the court will appoint a…

Read More
A picture showing the important things to understand about estate planning

Estate planning may sound like something that is just for the very wealthy, however, in the eyes of the law, an estate is simply the aggregate of property an individual owns, and most everyone owns something. Property ownership includes individual as well as jointly owned bank accounts, stocks and bonds, retirement accounts, real estate, jewelry,…

Read More
a picture of an elderly woman who is struggling to keep home health care while utilizing Medicare

Around the United States, there is a new refrain spoken by Medicare home health providers, including occupational, speech, and physical therapists, social services, as well as intermittent skilled nurses: “Your husband (or whomever) is not going to get better, so we will have to discontinue our services as Medicare will not pay for it.” Termination…

Read More
a young girl who just turned 18 whose parents have to think of the power of attorney

In most states, when your child turns 18, it might be hard to imagine that little child who once needed you for everything has now become – overnight – an adult. Now your child is free to vote, marry, apply for a credit card, make medical and financial decisions, sign contracts, and live independently. No…

Read More
Image of coming soon

The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes upcoming changes to its social security program every October that take effect on January 1 of the next year. These changes can make a difference in how you plan for or live during your retirement years. It is good practice to create what is known as a “my Social Security”…

Read More
A picture of two elderly couples preparing their will in Southampton, New York

If you have people who you love and care for, then creating a will for your peace of mind and their protection is the right thing to do. Your last will and testament is a set of legal instructions that communicates your wishes regarding your dependents and how to dispose of your property when you…

Read More
Common myths about the risks of Alzheimer's disease

Polling shows that the number one worry for Americans as they age is memory loss, outpacing fears of insufficient monies, and loneliness. The most prevalent among all dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures Report, Alzheimer’s accounts for an estimated 60 to 80 percent of diagnosed dementia cases. Projections for increasing…

Read More