Veteran Affairs (VA) will match the Social Security Administration’s cost of living adjustment (COLA), which is 8.7 percent in 2023. The VA disability monthly tax-free benefit is available to qualifying former military service members who sustained injury or illness during…
Frequently called a living will, an advance health care directive specifies what action you want medical professionals to take in the event that you are incapacitated. A living will is crucial for all adults because accidents or a sudden onset…
Americans over the age of 65 establish wills and estate plans at a faster rate than their younger counterparts. Still, a significant number — 19 percent of those over age 72 and 42 percent of those between 53 and 71,…
In the Vietnam War (1962-1975), the United States and the Republic of Vietnam used defoliants as a form of tactical warfare to reduce cover for enemy forces, improve perimeter visibility of military installations, and even kill enemy crops. Agent Orange…
It is obvious that dividing your property into equal shares is the best way to leave property to your children. That is the straightforward choice when all your children are doing equally well. But if not – if, for example,…
In any comprehensive estate plan, a letter of instruction (LOI) is an important component, whether you’re starting from scratch or have an existing one. A letter of instruction can help your loved ones manage important information about you. A LOI…
Without an estate plan, your loved ones’ financial future and legacy will be left to the courts to administer under your state’s intestacy laws. Dying without an estate plan or a basic will creates confusion, work, and heartache for your…
Trusts set up for loved ones with disabilities are typically supervised by the grantor (the individual who creates and funds the trust). However, it is crucial to choose a successor trustee who will continue properly managing the SNT to benefit…
There is no one who wants to think they may be incapacitated by illness or trauma. It happens to people every day, unfortunately. With this knowledge, many people like to prepare in advance for the kind of treatment they want…
Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 5 million Americans, and there is no cure. Projections by the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) are that by 2050 more than 14 million Americans will suffer from this disease. What can you do if you are…