by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Sep 11, 2012 | Uncategorized
While challenges to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) wind their way through the legal system, same-sex couples and domestic partners still need to take measures to protect themselves in case of death or disability with some basic estate planning strategies.This is...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Sep 11, 2012 | Uncategorized
Right now, nothing much seems certain when it comes to taxes we can plan for in 2013 and we likely won’t know more until after the Nov. 6 election. However, there is one new tax many of us will see in 2012: the 3.8 percent Medicare surtax that will be used to...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Sep 11, 2012 | Uncategorized
For most Californians, Social Security makes up an important chunk of their retirement income, so avoiding costly errors now can make a huge difference in how you will live once you retire. A recent CBS MoneyWatch report lists four costly mistakes you should avoid in...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Aug 28, 2012 | Uncategorized
As uncertainty continues its grip on the estate planning landscape, here is some practical advice on what you can do before the end of the year to lessen the sting of anticipated tax increases in 2013:Take income now. Deferring income used to be a given, but since tax...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Aug 28, 2012 | Uncategorized
Tip #1: Update your will immediately.This may not be top-of-mind, but updating your will is extremely important if you are going through a divorce. Having your assets go to your ex can be like adding insult to injury…and can tie up your estate for years to...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Aug 28, 2012 | Uncategorized
When someone dies, does their credit card debt die with them? The answer is, it depends.If sufficient assets are available in the estate after a debtor’s death, credit card debt will be paid off by the estate executor along with the decedent’s other debts....
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Aug 28, 2012 | Uncategorized
A dog called Lucky is aptly named; the three-year-old pit bull mix was first rescued by wealthy Texas businessman Kenneth Bortz and then inherited his entire estate after Bortz died two years ago.Bortz never married, instead preferring the company of dogs and a...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Aug 28, 2012 | Uncategorized
Do you have a favorite organization that you would like to leave money to and still enjoy some tax advantages for you and your heirs? Then you should consider setting up a charitable trust.The benefits of a charitable trust:· You can take an income tax deduction for...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Aug 14, 2012 | Uncategorized
One of the best reasons for developing a California estate plan is because none of us knows what the future holds; here are 10 more good reasons for creating an estate plan:1. To make your own decisions about who will handle your financial and health care needs when...
by Kathryn A. Flanigan | Aug 14, 2012 | Uncategorized
A California Power of Attorney for Health Care allows you to assign someone to make medical decisions according to your wishes in the event that you are no longer able to speak for yourself. Most people name a spouse, close friend, or relative who knows them well.Here...
