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Honoring Your Sacrifice: Estate Planning Essentials for Military Families

Each year on November 11, the nation pauses to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who’ve served in ...

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Latest Articles

There is no shortage of advice flying around about estate planning, much of it from people who aren't even lawyers. Get insight on the popular pitfalls and how emerging economic shifts like cryptocurrency can affect your plan.

The Surprising Connection Between Men’s Health and Estate Planning

June marks Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about health issues predominantly af...

They’re Not Kids Anymore! Navigating Your Child’s Transition Into Adulthood

When your child turns 18, they’re legally considered an adult even though they have a lot more growing to...

Legal and Practical Travel Strategies for Parents of Children With Special Needs

Traveling during the summer can be an exciting adventure for the whole family, especially when you’re pre...

Father Knows Best: Avoiding Common Estate Planning Pitfalls

If you’re a father, you've always strived to provide the best for your family, ensuring their well-being ...

Protecting Your LGBTQIA+ Family: A Pride Month Guide to Estate Planning for Non-Biological Parents

As an LGBTQIA+ non-biological parent, June's arrival sparks a flurry of Pride celebrations reminding you ...

Memorial Day Reflections: Crafting Your Lasting Legacy With Estate Planning

Memorial Day brings with it an opportunity to reflect on the concepts of mortality, remembrance, and lega...

10 Steps to Take Now to Secure a Comfortable Retirement: Part 2

Welcome back to our discussion on securing a comfortable retirement! In the first part of this series, we...

Advocate and Achieve: Securing Your Child’s Educational Rights - Part 2

Continuing from Part 1's exploration of key educational laws and practical applications (if you missed it...

10 Steps to Take Now to Secure a Comfortable Retirement: Part 1

Retirement is more than just an end to the working years; it's an exciting new phase of life that require...

Estate Planning: A Gift of Peace and Power for Every Mother

Moms spend their days and nights thinking about how to make sure their children are happy, healthy, and s...

Advocate and Achieve: Securing Your Child’s Educational Rights - Part 1

As the parent of a child with special needs, you are more than just a caregiver; you are a vital advocate...

The Dark Side of the Internet: Protect Yourself From Online Scams and Digital Attacks

In the digital age, online scams and cyber attacks are becoming more frequent, posing risks to not only e...

What Happens To Your Social Media Account When You Die?

When you die, what happens to your online life? Each social media platform has its own rules for dealing ...

Why Estate Planning Is the Best Use of Your Tax Refund

When that extra bit of money from your tax refund lands in your bank account, (kinda feels like Christmas...

Navigating the World of Cryptocurrency: A Guide for Parents and Teens

In an era where digital innovation shapes every aspect of our lives, it's no surprise that our teenagers ...

April Fools! How DIY Wills and Trusts Offer a False Sense of Security … and May Leave Your Family With an Expensive Mess

If you’ve been traveling around the sun for a while, you’ve no doubt heard of a Will, a document that say...

Parents, Step-Parents and Children, Oh My! Blended Families + Death = A Potential Nightmare

Anyone who’s seen an episode of “Modern Family” knows that families these days come in many different sha...

Till Death or Divorce: Why You Need to Plan Now for Your Relationship’s End

After the excitement of Valentine's Day fades away and the last indulgence of chocolate is savored, it's ...

3 Estate Planning Documents Your Parents Need Right Now

Today, we're diving into a topic that is absolutely crucial: estate planning for your parents. As they gr...

14 Ways to Show Your Finances Some Love This Year - Part 2

Last week we explored 7 ways to show your finances and your family some love with smart, tax-advantaged f...

14 Ways to Show Your Finances Some Love This Year - Part 1

Ah, February – the month of love, where hearts flutter and chocolates abound (single people, stay with me...

Think Your Kids Will Automatically Be Cared For In the Way You Want? They Might Not Be Unless You Do This

As parents, we're hardwired to prioritize our children's well-being above all else. We work tirelessly to...

This New Law Makes It Easier to Save for Retirement and Pay Off School Loans At The Same Time

Navigating your financial journey with the heavy burden of student loan debt on your back can feel overwh...

Want to Show Your Partner How Much You Love Them? Put Them In Your Will

Love is undoubtedly the most profound and cherished thread that weaves us all together, and there are man...

2 Conversations About Money and Death You Need to Have With Your Parents Right Now

If you’ve given any thought about estate planning, you probably associate it with preparing for death. Bu...

Protecting Your Family's Safety Net: How to Set Up Your Life Insurance Policy The Right Way

A comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan is about creating a strategy that lets you enjoy your life to the ...

This Change to The FAFSA Rules Could Help Your Grandkids Qualify for More Student Aid

Want to contribute to your grandchild’s future college education? The FAFSA Simplification Act, which wen...

Your Most Important New Year's Resolution: Creating a Kids Protection Plan

As we welcome the New Year, filled with hope and resolutions for a brighter future, one commitment should...

Hiring a Lawyer: What Flat Fees and Hourly Fees Mean For Your Family

Trying to find the right lawyer to help with your estate planning can often feel like navigating uncharte...

What Caregivers Need to Know About Estate Planning for a Loved One With Dementia - Part 2

Last week, we started our discussion on estate planning for a loved one with a dementia diagnosis and wha...

What Caregivers Need to Know About Estate Planning for a Loved One With Dementia - Part 1

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenge that millions of families undertake each year. As a c...

Holding Space for Grief: Ways to Comfort and Support A Loved One in Mourning

Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience, and the journey through grief can be both com...

Have Unused 529 College Savings? Roll Them Into a Roth in 2024

In December 2022, Congress passed the SECURE 2.0 Act, bringing significant changes to the world of retire...

Q&A I want to keep things simple. Can I leave my 401K to my kids and our house to my wife?

QUESTION Q: I want to keep things simple. Can I leave my 401K to my kids and our house to my wife? — Clea...

Own a Business? Do This By December 31st to Get a Year-Long Extension To The Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Deadline

Business ownership is a fulfilling and exciting endeavor, but it also comes with rules, responsibilities,...

What You Must Know About Your Right to Your Spouse’s Retirement Benefits

If you’re part of a blended family (meaning you are married with children from a prior marriage in the mi...

How to Talk Money With Your Family Over The Holiday

The holidays are right around the corner, which means more time to gather with family and relatives than ...

Transition to Adulthood: What Happens When My Child Turns 18

Soon after the challenges of puberty and the excitement of high school, an even larger milestone looms: t...

Q&A: My mother has a hard time hearing her doctor on the phone. How can I help?

QUESTION Q: My mother has a hard time hearing her doctor on the phone. How can I help? – Caring Daughter ...

The Scary Truth: Naming Godparents Does Not Create Legal Guardians

As a parent, your top priority is the well-being and future of your children. You plan for their educatio...

Year-End Tax Planning Starts Now: 8 Things To Do Now to Lower Your 2023 Taxes - Part 2

Last week we looked at four different ways to lower your tax liability for 2023, from adjusting your tax ...

Year-End Tax Planning Starts Now: 8 Things To Do Now to Lower Your 2023 Taxes - Part 1

It might seem a bit early to think about your 2023 taxes, but as the year draws to a close, it's the perf...

Q&A: Do my child’s regular caregivers, like his grandparents or babysitter, automatically have the authority to care for him in an emergency?

QUESTION Q: Do my child’s regular caregivers, like his grandparents or babysitter, automatically have the...

From 'I Do' to 'What If': Estate Planning Must-Do's for Newlyweds - Part 2

Getting married and starting a new chapter in your life is an exciting time. It’s also a time that requir...

From 'I Do' to 'What If': Estate Planning Must-Do's for Newlyweds - Part 1

Wedding season is winding down, and if you are a newlywed or are planning to tie the knot soon, it’s time...

AARP and The Red Cross Celebrate Make-A-Will Month, But Here’s What They Didn’t Tell You

August is National Make-A-Will Month and you may have received an advertisement in your inbox or mailbox ...

Help Your Parents Avoid These New Financial Scams - Part 1

Fraudsters and scam artists are nothing new, but changing tools and technology are making it easier than ...

Q&A: My Parents Shut Down When I Try to Talk About Estate Planning. How Can I Help Them Open Up?

QUESTION Q: My parents shut down when I try to talk about estate planning. How can I help them open up? –...

Can You Rely on Legal Insurance for Your Estate Plan? | PFL®

As the need for affordable legal services becomes even more important in today’s world, it's common to op...

Don’t Send Your Kids Back to School Without These Documents

As summer comes to a close, and back-to-school excitement fills the air, there is one crucial task that i...

10 Life Events That Signal It's Time to Review Your Estate Plan - Part 2

You might think that estate planning is something you can complete one time and then check off your to-do...

10 Life Events That Signal It’s Time to Review Your Estate Plan - Part 1

Maybe you thought that creating a Will or Trust is something you can do once and then your family and ass...

What the National Debt Ceiling Extension Means for Your Family

You’ve probably heard about the national debt ceiling and its recent extension, but you might wonder what...

Awakened Planning: How to Talk About Estate Planning at Your Family Reunion

July is National Family Reunion Month and the perfect time to reconnect with family from near and far, sh...

Vacation Ready: Essential Legal Preparations for a Worry-Free Getaway

Vacations are a time to relax, unwind, and create beautiful memories with your loved ones. But before you...

Have a Trust? How the Corporate Transparency Act Affects You

Get ready for an interesting twist in the world of legal and business news. You may already be familiar w...

The Importance of Customized Estate Planning for LGBTQ+ Relationships - Part 2

Last week we started the discussion of why it’s so important for LGBTQ+ families to invest in custom esta...

The Importance of Customized Estate Planning for LGBTQ+ Relationships - Part 1

June is a time of celebration and reflection for the LGBTQ+ community as Pride Month shines a spotlight o...

Capturing the Stories of Aging Loved Ones: The Power of Family Wealth Legacy Interviews

May is Senior Citizen’s Month, a time to reflect and appreciate all the things the seniors in our lives h...

Want to Grow Wealth? Warren Buffet's Unexpected Investment Advice

If you are going to take investment and estate planning advice from anyone, Warren Buffett is likely one ...

Why "Just a Will" Is Never Enough

When you think of estate planning, a Will is usually the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, most pe...

Create a Stronger Blended Family Through Estate Planning

Blended families were once considered “non-traditional” families, but today, blended families are becomin...

4 Ways to Use AI to Make Life Easier for You and Your Family

Whether you’re turning on the news or scrolling through Instagram, it’s hard not to hear about AI technol...

Leaving Your Pet in Your Will Won’t Protect Them - Do This Instead | PFL®

If you’re a pet owner, you know the special bond that exists between you and your pets, and to many pet o...

Stephen “tWitch” Boss Dies Without a Will

Stephen Laurel Boss, also known as “tWitch,” was an American DJ, hip-hop dancer, choreographer, televisio...

3 Simple Mistakes That Can Derail Your Estate Plan

If you’re tempted to use a DIY estate planning service or have already created a plan you aren’t 100% con...

Estate Planning Before You Travel: Why It's Critically Important

Vacations can be the perfect opportunity to relax, disconnect from work and responsibilities, and enjoy y...

Q&A: Can you explain how the administration of a will works?

QUESTION Q: Can you explain how the administration of a will works? –Taking Care of Mom ANSWER A: Dear Ta...

Why Everyone Needs to Keep Their Estate Plan Updated

As the world and its laws continue to evolve, everyone needs to keep their estate plans up to date. An es...

Obtaining A Power Of Attorney For Elderly Parents

Making important decisions for aging parents can be a challenging task, but power of attorney (POA) can p...

What Parents of Young Adults Need to Know During a Medical Crisis | PFL®

As a parent, you are quite accustomed to managing your children's legal and medical affairs, as circumsta...

Q&A Can I leave my 401(k) to my minor children when I die?

QUESTION Q: Can I leave my 401(k) to my minor children when I die? –Pondering Parent ANSWER A: Dear Ponde...

Keep the Government and Lawsuit Happy Opportunists Away From Your Children’s Inheritance

If you have a current estate plan, I'll bet you plan to leave your assets to your children outright and u...

5 Reasons Why Shopping For The Cheapest Estate Plan Could Leave Your Family With An Unintended Mess

In most cases, from the most sophisticated business people with the highest net worth to those just start...

Will Your Estate Plan Work When Your Family Needs It?

Like most people, you likely think estate planning is just one more task to check off your life’s endless...

Before You Agree to Be a Trustee, Read This!

Being asked by a loved one to serve as Trustee for their Trust upon their death can be quite an honor, bu...

Q&A Do I need to create a new will if I move to another state?

QUESTION Q: Do I need to create a new will if I move to another state? –Curious Mover ANSWER A: Dear Curi...

4 Common Mistakes Made On Life Insurance Beneficiary Designations

Investing in life insurance is a foundational part of estate planning, and when done right it’s a primary...

Revocable Living Trust or Irrevocable Trust: Which One Is Right For You?

You’ve probably heard you need a trust to keep your family out of court and maybe out of conflict in the ...

Why Every Adult Needs A Living Will

When it comes to estate planning and wills, you have a variety of options for legal documents. The most c...

Creditors And Your Estate Plan

What Happens To Your Debt When You Die? Maybe you’ve wondered about your own debt or perhaps your parent’...

3 Crucial Questions To Ask Before Creating An Online Will | PFL®

If you are looking to create your last will and testament, or will, online, you’ll find dozens of website...

Q&A: How do I include cryptocurrency in my estate plan?

QUESTION Q: How do I include cryptocurrency in my estate plan? — Crypto Owner ANSWER A: Dear Crypto, If y...

Checklist: 5 Financial Decisions to Consider Before December 31 | PFL®

This week, before the year ends, consider these 5 financial, retirement and tax actions you may need to t...

Green Funerals: 6 Eco-Friendly Options For Your Remains | PFL®

The environmental costs of death are significant and constantly rising. With 8 billion people on the plan...

Will The Coming Wealth Transfer Be A Blessing Or A Curse For Your Family?

Whether it’s called “The Great Wealth Transfer,” “The Silver Tsunami,” or some other catchy sounding name...

4 Year-End Tax-Saving Strategies For 2022

Although the end of the year can be a hectic time, it’s also the deadline for your family to implement a ...

Q&A: What is the federal estate tax? | PFL®

QUESTION Q: What is the federal estate tax? — Tax Planner ANSWER A: Dear Planner, The federal estate tax ...

How Will A Recession Affect Your Family?

As you’ve surely heard by now, we’re in the midst of great economic shifts. The collapse of the crypto ma...

7 Issues To Consider When Purchasing Disability Insurance

If you earn a good living now, but you worry about not having enough money for a future time when you can...

How To Manage Your Digital Accounts After Your Death Part—3

If you have preferences about what happens to your digital footprint after your death, you need to take a...

How To Manage Your Digital Accounts After Your Death Part—2

If you have preferences about what happens to your digital footprint after your death, you need to take a...

Q&A: What estate planning should my child have in place once they reach adulthood?

QUESTION Q: What estate planning should my child have in place once they reach adulthood? — Proactive Par...

Managing Your Digital Accounts After Death: Facebook & Google | PFL®

If you have preferences about what happens to your digital footprint after your death, you need to take a...

Trusts & Taxes: What You Need To Know

People often come to us curious—or confused—about the role trusts play in saving on taxes. Given how freq...

2022 Estate Planning Checkup: Is Your Estate Plan Up-To-Date? | PFL®

This year, Estate Planning Awareness Week runs from October 17th to 23rd, and one of our primary goals is...

Smart Ways to Fund Your Funeral Without Burdening Your Family | PFL®

With the cost of a funeral averaging between $7,000 and $12,000 and steadily increasing each year, at the...

Q&A: What is a pour-over will?

QUESTION Q: What is a pour-over will? — Prudent Planner ANSWER A: Dear Prudent, For a living trust to fun...

Anne Heche's Estate: Lessons in Trusts and Incapacity Planning | PFL®

Actress Anne Heche died this August following a tragic car accident, leaving behind two young sons: Homer...

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