I read a lot. I much prefer non-fiction over fiction though the other day, the (very) fictitious article entitled, “Whole Life Insurance vs. 529 College Savings Plans…Who Wins?”, got my interest as no other piece of fiction that I can recall. The author’s position (which I deduced from the title alone), is that whole life […]
Spoiler Alert: This post contains spoilers from the second episode. Given how Episode 1 ended, I presumed the show would have to address the issue of health care agents and access to one’s medical records. Episode 2 begins with the Roy family gathered at the hospital dealing with the recent collapse of Logan. Early in […]
Spoiler Alert: This post contains spoilers from the first episode. HBO has begun airing a show called Succession, which, through some dark humor, provides examples of the importance of a proper estate plan. The first episode introduces us to the Roy family – led by patriarch Logan Roy, who is a media tycoon and about […]
Top 5 tips for helping our aging parents (and clients) declutter A House Full of “Stuff” If you’re an adult with aging parents, chances are you’re probably going to be dealing with a house full of “stuff” in the near future. My dad still lives in the same house that he and my mom bought […]
A commonly overlooked piece of a person’s financial affairs is their digital footprint. In today’s digital world, online accounts to manage investments, savings, expenses, etc. are becoming more and more conventional. If tragedy strikes and you become incapacitated or if there is a death, would your family know how to access your online accounts? Where […]
As most know, on December 22, 2017, President Trump signed significant tax changes into law. Known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”, these changes have a significant reach in virtually every facet of the financial world. Here are a few things to keep a watch on with respect to estate planning. Tax Exemptions: A […]
Definition of Terms “Alkaline hydrolysis” (coined “wet cremation”) means the reduction of a dead human body to essential elements through a water-based dissolution process using alkaline chemicals, heat, agitation, and pressure to accelerate natural decomposition; the processing of the hydrolyzed remains after removal from the alkaline hydrolysis vessel; placement of the processed remains in a […]
Ownership of a Cemetery Lot Purchasing a cemetery lot is not an absolute title to the land, but it is sometimes designated as an easement, privilege, right (of burial), or license. Despite this, an owner is able to sue cemetery owners or strangers for disturbing the lot without consent while the lot is used as […]
Cremation, Burial, Whole Body Donation: Who Can Decide? The right to control the remains of a dead human body, including the location and conditions of final disposition, vests in the people listed below, in order of priority, unless other directions have been given pursuant to the decedent’s valid Will or Advanced Directive: The agent(s) listed […]
Funeral Service Types With the advent of cremation, green burials, and alkaline hydrolysis (oddly referred to as “wet cremation”), funerals can be as unique as an individual. When a person pre-plans their funeral, they can plan as much or as little as they would like, but, at minimum, they choose a type of service (traditional […]
Minnesota enacted a new law in 2017 which allows individuals who contribute money to 529 College Savings Accounts either a subtraction or a credit against their Minnesota income tax liability. Contributions to the plan must be made on or before December 31, 2017 to qualify. The new law allows individuals a subtraction of up to […]