Some people claim that Colorado is “probate friendly” state and therefore, families don’t need to avoid probate. I’m here to say, as clearly and boldly as I can, that’s a bunch of who-ha. Who’s the head of my household when I die? One of my seven sisters will have that enviable job! I’ve heard lawyers […]
Category Archives: Probate
How Can I Talk to My Parents About their Estate Plan?
A Letter to An Ex-Spouse About Estate Planning
Below is a fictional letter I drafted to anyone’s former partner because I know only too well what can happen when estate planning is not done properly. I hope you enjoy this outreach to an ex-spouse or partner and consider taking steps to do everything this letter suggests for yourself. You can even send the […]
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…
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?
