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What You Don’t Know About Your 401(k) Can Hurt You!

You have a 401(k), right? Sure you do. And you have one (or more) because everyone tells you it’s a heck of a deal. But has anyone ever told you that your IRS qualified fund strategy could end up being a horrible weight on your retirement?

Every January, you opt in to contribute to your 401(k) the maximum allowed that year. You’ve been told over and over that this type of retirement fund will become a nice big nest egg for your retirement on dollars you never paid tax on! Isn’t that something?! What could possibly be wrong with stiffing Uncle Sam every year for the taxes you owe on that maximum contribution?

Well, a lot, actually.

Photo by Nicki Varkevisser on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/clickflashphotos/)

Picture this…

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Gifting to Nieces and Nephews – What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You (and Them)

Picture this scenario…

You’ve worked hard, saved and managed to accumulate some wealth.

You’re not a robber baron by any means but you’re comfortable. Your siblings haven’t fared as well and you want to make sure that their children have the benefit of a solid higher education. With no children of your own, it seems the right thing to do.

What does this have to do with estate planning?
Nothing. I just like it.
So you set up 529 college education savings plans for your nieces and nephews, make them the beneficiaries, and mention everything in your will.

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Questions to Ask About Nursing Home Care

Last week, I promised to give you some thoughts on nursing home care. And here it is!

Now that we’re living longer than ever, we need to ask some tough questions about how to care for our elders (and ourselves) when the time comes. Making the decision to place a loved one in a nursing home can be one of the most heart-wrenching decisions you’ll ever make.

Mom, long before her last illness.
Can you believe this woman had 10 kids?

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An Eye On The Horizon–Planning for a Golden Future

My mom, shortly before she passed away.
She’s why I want to help people have a good, secure, content old age.
Ain’t she something?
We all know that Americans are living far longer today than we were even a short time ago. But we’re living sicker lives. Currently, elder Americans spend 65 cents of every dollar spent on health care and that amount is expected to take a sharp upward turn in dollars and as a percentage of expenditures in the near future.

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How Do I Name Guardians for My Kids?

Making a decision about who would raise your children if something happened to you can be puzzling and even dramatic—especially for a married couple trying to agree on potential guardians. Rest assured, you know your children better than anyone and you’re uniquely qualified to make the decision in a way no one else is—not even a judge. So before you throw your arms up with an “I have no idea who to pick!” here’s a method to come to a decision that you can live with. REMEMBER: guardian nominations can be changed and should be changed over time as your children grow and their needs change. Don’t be afraid to make a decision and then change it later. That’s the natural progression of childhood in operation.

Does this kid looks like he needs a special kind of guardian? Oh yeah.

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What Our Clients Say

Our experience with Martha far exceeded our expectations. We really appreciated the visuals Martha used to help us understand our options."

Martha exceeded all our expectations. She was warm, caring, and knowledgeable."

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News / Blog

September 1, 2023

Should I Have a Will or a Trust in My Estate Plan?

May 12, 2023

Should I add my kids to my deed?

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7-Must-Do's When Naming Guardians For Your Kids

Hartney Law

If you do not have legal guardians named for your children and something happens to you, a Judge will decide who raises your kids. Take matters into your own hands today.

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