by Jackie Cara | Jan 20, 2026 | Uncategorized
Takeaways A health care proxy makes medical decisions, and a durable power of attorney (DPOA) agent handles financial and legal matters if you become unable to manage your affairs. Disputes can arise when different people fill these roles, often because of overlapping...
by Jackie Cara | Jan 5, 2026 | Uncategorized
Takeaways Balancing debt repayment and estate planning is key — both influence your financial stability and your family’s protection. Debts don’t vanish after death. Creditors can file claims against your estate, potentially reducing what your heirs...
by Jackie Cara | Dec 30, 2025 | Uncategorized
Takeaways Social Security benefits will increase by 2.8 percent in 2026 due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This increase applies to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, with payments starting in January 2026 for Social...
by Jackie Cara | Dec 30, 2025 | Uncategorized
Takeaways A revocable living trust is a valuable estate planning tool that helps manage finances during life and incapacity and provides financial security for loved ones after death – primarily by avoiding the legal process known as probate....
by Jackie Cara | Dec 30, 2025 | Uncategorized
Takeaways Social Security provides spousal benefits to eligible spouses of retired or disabled workers, potentially up to half of the worker’s full retirement benefit. Survivor benefits are available to family members, including spouses, children, and dependent...
by Jackie Cara | Dec 30, 2025 | Uncategorized
Takeaways Federal estate taxes are not a universal burden. They are only applicable if your combined assets, which include both gifts made during your lifetime and assets transferred at the time of your death, exceed a high threshold ($13.99 million, as of 2025). This...
