Medicare Part A and B Costs to Rise Again in 2025
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued the 2025 figures for Medicare. As in 2024, these health care costs are going up across the board.
How Life Insurance Is Involved in Estate Planning
Life insurance can be an integral and important part of a well-drafted estate plan. There are numerous benefits to owning a life insurance policy aside from providing a large sum of money to beneficiaries.
Why Trusts Are Important Estate Planning Tools
Trusts can offer many benefits, including allowing assets to pass directly to beneficiaries and charitable organizations without going through probate, minimizing taxes, and protecting your legacy from creditors.
The Costs of the Rising Cost of Long-Term Care
As the U.S. population ages and life expectancies increase, the need for long-term care is becoming an important consideration for many individuals and families.
Gift of Home Equity: What It Is and How it Works
More and more elders are choosing to pass on their wealth to heirs while they're still alive. The growing popularity of "giving while living" comes as good fortune for the many young people who are currently unable to afford a home.
Blended Families and Wills in Estate Planning
Estate planning for blended families is key to a smooth inheritance process, especially since probate rules and intestate succession law do not treat step and biological children the same when it comes to inheriting.
Understanding Medicaid: What Does Medicaid Cover?
Though Medicaid exists to help those who need it, navigating the specifics of what it covers and does not cover can be daunting. Here are highlights on the basics of Medicaid coverage.
Does Divorce Affect Social Security Spousal Benefits?
As a spouse, you have the option of claiming a Social Security retirement benefit based on your own earnings record or collecting a spousal benefit equal to half of your spouse's Social Security benefit.
Senators Propose Boosting Seniors’ Social Security Benefits
In late March 2024, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act. The Act centers on changing the formula that the SSA uses to calculate Social Security benefits for older adults.
How to Get a Death Certificate After a Loved One Dies
When a loved one passes away, it's important to get a death certificate. This document is necessary to handle the financial and legal affairs of the deceased person.