If you have a Will, or are thinking about having a Will as part of your Estate Plan, be sure you understand what Wills do and do not do. I discussed 4 common myths that people have about Wills.
Tom discusses a situation where we recommended that a client’s daughter contact her representatives in Washington DC to resolve a legal problem, that ended up saving her thousands of dollars in attorney fees.
Tom explains the differences between Warranty Deeds and Quit Claim Deeds, recording requirements in Michigan, different ways to own real estate, and what a Ladybird Deed is.
Tom explains what an Irrevocable Trust is, how it differs from a Revocable Trust, and how it might be used to avoid or minimize federal estate taxes, serve as an asset protection vehicle, or provide a tool for advanced Medicaid planning or Veterans...
Do you have a child that you don’t want to receive any of your estate? Or, maybe you want to be sure that your estate does not to end up going to your child’s spouse or creditors. In today’s episode, Tom discuses the best ways to disinherit a child,...
In this archived episode, Tom discusses Michigan’s Medicaid Estate Recovery law that requires the State of Michigan to recover the cost of Medicaid benefits that were paid for you from your estate after you die. Without proper planning, this can...
On August 21 Tom explained what a self-directed IRA is, and how it gives you opportunities to extend your IRA investment options. In today’s episode Tom takes that concept one step further and discusses how a Checkbook IRA might even be a better...
Enjoy this archived episode where Tom explains why if there is a conflict between a beneficiary designation on your bank account and what you say in your Will , the beneficiary designation wins. This also applies to other assets such as life...
Did you know that Your IRA does not have to be at your bank or broker? In today’s episode, Tom discusses how you can extend your IRA investment options through a self-directed IRA. Maybe you are interested in rental property, or flipping property,...
Did you know that if that child that you sent away to college is in a serious accident, you do not have any legal authority to know about, or make decisions about, their medical care just because you are their parent? Tom discusses the important legal...
If you are thinking about adding your minor child to the title of your home, or any child for that matter, listen to this episode first. I discuss a number of things that you need to consider before making your child a joint owner of your home,...
While may be difficult to consider, funeral arrangements are a critical component of your estate plan. Failure to clearly communicate your wishes regarding the disposition of your body can lead to tension, disputes and even litigation among your...
Continuing with last week's discussion about staying in your own home, Aging-in-place Home Remodeling is making changes to your existing home, so you can live in it safely, independently and comfortably as you age.
If you or a loved one is thinking about moving to an assisted living facility, explore the options available where the focus is on you and the quality of your life. Tom explores The Village Movement, a national movement to keep people in their own...
Contrary to what you might hear at a free, no obligation dinner discussing investments, not everyone needs a Living Trust. Listen while Tom discusses 6 occasions when you should consider a Living Trust as part of your estate plan.
Tom explains what a Do-Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) is, and how to get one.
While Tom is out of town, please enjoy this archived episode in which Tom asks: Are you considering making a new investment? Before you do, ask yourself these 8 questions to help you determine if the investment is right for you.
Enjoy this archived episode in which Tom discusses why your living trust, and not your spouse or children, should be the beneficiary of your life insurance policy
Thinking about giving away your assets in order to qualify for Medicaid? Tom explains the problem the 5 year Medicaid Look Back rule can create for you.
In today’s episode, Tom discusses the importance of knowing what is in that 3 ring binder containing your estate plan documents.
Do you think that you don’t need a Will because you have a Living Trust? Tom explains why you are wrong.
Tom discusses what you should do with your estate plan before summer is here so sitting on the beach or around the pool, spending time at the cottage, or playing a round of golf, will be much more relaxing.
Did you know that if your Will says to divide your estate between all 5 children, but your bank account names one child as a joint owner or beneficiary, the bank account will not be equally divided between all 5 children? Tom explains why you need to...
Millions of people 65 or older will soon get new Medicare cards to prevent identity theft…and the scammers are out to get you before your card arrives.