What is a Checkbook IRA?
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...
Does My Will Override a Beneficiary Designation?
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...
Let’s Talk About a Self-Directed IRA
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,...
Don’t Send Your Child Off to College Without Two Essential Documents
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...
It’s A Bad Idea To Add Minor Children, Or Any Children, To The Title …
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,...
Have You Made Your Burial Wishes Clear?
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...
Aging-In-Place Home Remodeling
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.
The Assisted Living Home You Want to Live In
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...
When Do I Need a Living Trust?
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.
What is a Do-Not Resuscitate Order (DNR), and how do you get one?
Tom explains what a Do-Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) is, and how to get one.
Eight Questions to Ask Yourself Before Investing in Anything
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.
Who Should Be the Beneficiary of My Life Insurance Policy - My Trust,…
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
What is the 5 Year Medicaid Look Back Period?
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.
Do You Know What Is In Your Estate Plan Binder?
In today’s episode, Tom discusses the importance of knowing what is in that 3 ring binder containing your estate plan documents.
Do I Need a Will When I have a Trust?
Do you think that you don’t need a Will because you have a Living Trust? Tom explains why you are wrong.
Is Your Estate Plan Ready for Summer?
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.
Does your Will Control What You Think it Does?
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...
Don’t Fall for This Latest Senior Medicare Scam
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.
Why You Should Consider Transferring Your IRA Money to a Health Savin…
In today’s episode Tom discusses a little know tax strategy where rolling money from a traditional IRA into an HSA turns tax-deferred dollars into tax-free withdrawals for medical benefits
How You Can You Use Your IRA to Buy a House
In this archived episode Tom discusses how you might be able to use money that you have saved in an IRA to purchase a new home, without incurring the 10% early withdrawal penalty.
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Having Multiple Trustees
In this archived episode, Tom talks about what you should consider if you are thinking about naming multiple children as trustees, personal representatives, or agents under powers of attorney.
When Do Your Various Estate Planning Documents Take Effect?
Enjoy this archived episode when Tom talks about when various estate planning documents (i.e. Will, Trust, Power of Attorney, HealthCare Power of Attorney) become effective, and when the fiduciaries (i.e. Personal Representative, Trustee, Attorney in...
Who Should Be the Beneficiary of My Life Insurance Policy – My Trust,…
Want to know if your Trust should be the beneficiary of your life insurance policies? Listen to today's episode to find out.
How to Avoid the Six Most Common Estate Planning Mistakes - #6
Over the 6 episodes that began January 23 I have been discussing how to avoid the six most common estate planning mistakes. In Today’s episode I talk about mistake #6 - thinking that my estate planning can wait.