Portland Oregon Estate Planning News
With today's technology, access to information is literally in the palm of our hands. From your cell phone, you can download manuals to repair a washing machine that's thirty years old or watch step-by-step video tutorials that will teach you how to do anything from knitting a sweater to playing an instrument without taking a single professional lesson.
Read MoreWhen a loved one enters hospice care, it can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. One of the most important things to consider is estate planning—which can help ensure that your loved one’s wishes are honored and surviving family members are financially cared for. The following steps can help caregivers more smoothly navigate legal issues that arise during the end-of-life process.
Read MoreSpring is a time for renewal, and it's also a great time to take a fresh look at your estate plan. Whether you already have a will, trust, power of attorney, and healthcare directive in place or you're just starting to think about these important documents, there are a few key tips to keep in mind as you "tidy up" your estate plan this spring.
Read MoreYou worked hard to provide for your spouse throughout your marriage, and you want to continue to do so well into your retirement years. When the need for nursing home care or assisted living is on the horizon, the cost of such care can weigh heavily. The good news is that asset protection planning can help alleviate this anxiety before it fully sets in.
Read MoreServing in the US Armed Forces is a source of honor and pride for our service members. Unfortunately, serving in the armed forces increases health risks to those who serve. Combat situations are obviously risky, but many harmful situations don't involve direct combat, including exposure to hazardous chemicals, accidents, and mental stress.
Read MoreA recent survey counted over 18.2 million American Veterans over age 65. Many of these Veterans include those who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. Suppose you are caring for an elderly Veteran. In that case, you should know about the benefits and services available for the various health and financial challenges Veterans may face.
Read MoreA Series I bond is a non-marketable interest-bearing U.S. government savings bond. It's a low-risk investment that earns a variable inflation rate adjusted every May and November and an interest rate fixed for the bond's life. The non-marketable feature means you can't sell or buy it in a secondary market.
Read MoreAfter you’ve rung in the New Year, it’s time to start getting down to business and thinking about tax season. While it’s not the merriest time of the year, tax season is a great time to review your finances and the changes that may impact how you file. Every year, the Internal Revenue Service provides its updated tax inflation adjustments. These yearly amendments lay out the amounts exempt from federal estate and gift taxes. Due to inflation, the IRS has increased estate tax exclusions for 2023. What does that mean for you?
Read MoreEstablishing an estate plan is a critical part of safeguarding your assets and making sure they are passed on to the rightful heirs. However, when you have a complicated relationship or family dynamic, this process can be difficult to navigate. Fortunately, there are still ways to ensure that your wishes are respected and that your loved ones receive the assets you meant for them to have. Here’s what you need to know about estate planning when love and relationships within the family are complicated.
Read MoreAn essential part of estate planning is designating beneficiaries for your life insurance policy, 401(k), and other financial accounts. A beneficiary is a person who receives someone's assets upon their death. There is no "correct choice" when choosing the beneficiaries who will inherit from you. It’s a personal decision. What must be handled “properly” however is the process of naming beneficiaries so that your loved ones can inherit what you desire for them. Let’s look at beneficiary designations in a bit more detail.
Read MoreCreating an estate plan feels like something you check off a to-do list. Once the task is complete, you can move on and forget about it. However, that is not the mentality you should take when drafting your final wishes. An estate plan should reflect your current circumstances and should be periodically reviewed and amended as your life changes.
Read MoreWhen faced with a terminal illness or condition, more people than ever are choosing hospice care over starting or continuing expensive medical treatments. Hospice care is for patients who choose not to undergo specific treatments or when they are no longer effective. Instead, the focus is on the patient’s comfort and quality of life. Care is received at home or in a facility, such as a hospital or a nursing home.
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