Ensuring Your Family's Security: Properly Establishing Your Life Insurance Policy

Life insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding your family's future, but without proper setup, it might not provide the support to your loved ones as intended. Here’s an alternative approach to consider.

Life InsuranceErica EndykeJanuary 23, 2024lifeinsurance, lifeinsurancepolicy, policy, policybenefits, insurance, insurance beneficiary, insuranceplans, planning session, trust, trustee, life insurance, probate, life insurance policy, family insurance

A Recent Modification in FAFSA Regulations Could Enhance Your Grandchildren's Eligibility for Increased Student Aid

Looking to invest in your grandchild's college education? Recent changes to FAFSA guidelines have made it easier than before. Discover more by reading on.

Financial PlanningErica EndykeJanuary 16, 2024FAFSA, federalstudentaid, college student, collegeaid, collegesavingsaccount, 529collegesavingsaccount, 529savings, education 529 plan, 529accounts, education savings

Your Essential New Year's Resolution: Establishing a Protection Plan for Your Children

As we embrace the New Year, brimming with optimism and goals for a better future, prioritizing one resolution is key – establishing a Kids Protection Plan™. Continue reading to learn more…

Kids Protection PlanErica EndykeJanuary 9, 2024kids protection plan, kidsprotection, kidsprotectionplan, kidsguardians, kids protection, kids protection planning, minorkidslegalguardians, minorchildren, minor kids, planning, plan, newyearsresolution, newyear

What Do Flat Fees, Hourly Fees, and Retainer Billing by a Lawyer Mean for You and Your Family?

This week, we delve into how hourly billing and flat fee billing by attorneys differ, and the impact these billing structures can have on the legal services you receive. Continue reading to learn more…

Attorney, Family LawErica EndykeJanuary 3, 2024lawyer, hiringlawyer, hiring a lawyer, legalservices, personal family lawyer, comprehensive estate plan, estateplanning, estateplan, legalservice

Estate Planning Essentials for Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia - Part 2

This week, we progress our conversation on estate planning for a family member with dementia, emphasizing the need for increasingly proactive and strategic planning to prevent future disputes regarding your loved one's wishes. Continue reading to learn more…

Estate PlanningErica EndykeDecember 26, 2023estateplanningforcaregivers, caregivers, caregiver, caregiverestateplanning, estateplanning, incapacityplanning, legacyplanning, dementia, dementiapatients, dementiacaregiver

Estate Planning Essentials for Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia - Part 1

In this article, we delve into the significance of estate planning for those diagnosed with dementia. It's a vital step in safeguarding the preferences and legal rights of your loved one. Continue reading to learn more.

Estate PlanningErica EndykeDecember 19, 2023estateplanning, estateplan, incapacityplanning, incapacityplan, incapacity, dementia, caregivers, durable power of attorney, revocable living trust, healthcare power of attorney, planningprocess, planning

Holding Space for Grief: Ways to Comfort and Support A Loved One in Mourning

Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience, and the journey through grief can be both complex and overwhelming. In this blog, we explore practical and heartfelt ways to hold space for your loved ones who are mourning. Read more…

Estate PlanningErica EndykeDecember 11, 2023grief, losinglovedone, grieving, comfortingloveones, incapacityplanning, legacyplanning, estateplanning

Have Unused 529 College Savings? Roll Them Into a Roth in 2024

In 2024, the SECURE 2.0 Act brings significant changes to the world of retirement savings and college savings accounts that could substantially impact your family's financial future. Read more…

Financial Planning, FinancesErica EndykeDecember 5, 2023529plan, education 529 plan, 529savings, studentsavings, savings, financial planning, planning, SECURE Act

Own a Business? Do This By December 31st to Get a Year-Long Extension To The Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Deadline

If you or your Trust own or manage a business, you’ll be required to report information about the company's ownership under the new Corporate Transparency Act. And if you, or your Trust, create a new company in 2024, that report could be due in as little as 30 days. In this blog, I’ll share how to get a year-long reporting extension for your new business, but you’ll need to act before the end of the year. Read more…

Business LawErica EndykeNovember 27, 2023corporate transparency act, corporate act, corporate, business ownership, business, business law, corporate transparency, businesses, business owner

What You Must Know About Your Right to Your Spouse’s Retirement Benefits

This week, I explain how the law affects retirement distributions for married couples, and why you need to be extra careful with your retirement planning if you’re part of a blended family. Read more…

Erica EndykeNovember 20, 2023

How to Talk Money With Your Family Over The Holidays

The holidays are a perfect time to bring up conversations around inheritance, end of life, and stepping into another level of connection and intimacy, if you do it right. Otherwise, it could end in a big unresolved mess. Asking your relatives how they want their money and belongings handled when they die or if they become incapacitated might not go over well while opening presents or carving a turkey. To keep your family from feeling blindsided and to make the most of your conversation, consider these tips. Read more…

Finances, Financial PlanningErica EndykeNovember 13, 2023finances, financial planning, holidays, planning, familygathering, family gathering, family holidays, family, plans

Transition to Adulthood: What Happens Legally When My Child Turns 18?

This week we explore what happens legally when your child turns 18, what it means for your ability to make legal, financial and healthcare decisions on their behalf, and what tools you’ll need for a smooth transition to adulthood. Read more…

Estate PlanningErica EndykeNovember 7, 2023adulthoodplanning, adulthood, estateplanningdocuments, estateplanning, estateplan, estate, powersofattorney, HIPAAwaiver, planningsession, planning, plans, adultplanningdocuments

The Scary Truth: Naming Godparents Does Not Create Legal Guardians

Many parents name godparents to mentor and guide their children throughout life. But the scary truth is that your children could still end up in protective services even if they have a godparent. Read more…

Kids Protection PlanErica EndykeNovember 1, 2023legalguardians, naminggodparents, naming guardian, guardian, guardianship, legalguardian, minorkidslegalguardians

Year-End Tax Planning Starts Now: 8 Things To Do Now to Lower Your 2023 Taxes - Part 2

Last week we looked at four different ways to lower your tax liability for 2023. In this week’s blog, we discuss four more tax-saving methods you can use right now to owe fewer taxes come April 2024. Read more…

TaxesErica EndykeOctober 23, 2023taxplanning, taxplan, taxes, taxes2023, taxreturn, charitablegifts, charity, taxlossharvesting, taxloss, mortage, taxsavings, lowertaxes, IRA, financial planning, finances

Year-End Tax Planning Starts Now: 8 Things To Do Now to Lower Your 2023 Taxes - Part 1

It might seem early to think about your 2023 taxes, but it's the perfect time to take a closer look at your financial situation and make some strategic moves that can help you minimize your tax liability come April. Read more…

TaxesErica EndykeOctober 16, 2023taxplanning, tax, taxes, financial planning, IRS, 529plan, taxdeductions, taxwithholdings, 2023taxes, yearendtax, healthsavingsaccount, education 529 plan

Flu Season Fundamentals: How to Keep Seniors Safe This Fall

The fall season marks the beginning of flu season, which can pose a serious threat to your elderly loved ones. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ensure their well-being during the colder days ahead. Read more…

Estate Planning, Financial PlanningErica EndykeOctober 11, 2023estateplanning, estateplan, fluseason, seniorssafety, seniors, healthcare power of attorney, poa, HIPAAwaiver, HIPAA, durable power of attorney, estate, willsandtrusts

Massachusetts Estate Tax Update

Massachusetts embraces a significant tax overhaul, led by Governor Maura Healey, increasing the estate tax threshold from $1M to $2M starting in 2023. This shift not only offers relief for many but aligns the state with evolving federal tax standards. Read more…

Estate PlanningErica EndykeOctober 4, 2023estateplanning, estatetaxes, estatetax, massachusettslaw, estateplan, taxincrease2023, massachusettstaxincrease, governormaurahealey, federaltaxsystem, taxlaw, taxlaw2023

Got Minor Kids? 3 Instances When Your Estate Plan Must Include A Kids Protection Plan®

To make sure your child is always cared for by the people you love and never taken into the care of strangers, even for a minute, it’s crucial to have a full Kids Protection Plan®. Read more…

Kids Protection PlanErica EndykeOctober 2, 2023estateplan, estateplanning, kidsprotectionplan, kidsprotection, minorkidslegalguardians, caregiver, kidsprotectionplanning, comprehensive estate plan