Blog

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed the world. The first case was confirmed on January 20,—a thirty-five year old man who had returned home from Wuhan, China. On January 31st, President Trump declared a public health emergency. By March 12th, there were over 1000 cases in the United States. On March 19th, that number had grown to 10,000 cases in the United States. The United States has...

The Medi-Cal program in California is a health care assistance program that provides payment for a variety of medical services to those with limited income. Patients who receive Medi-Cal benefits usually only pay a small co-pay for health care or nothing at all. The program also supplies Medi-Cal waivers for supplementary services. What are Medi-Cal Waivers? Medi-Cal waivers provide additional...

Contributing to your IRA is one of the best ways to secure your financial future. The investment into this interest compounding, and tax-deferred or tax-free environment, comes with positive impacts on your retirement savings. Contributing to your IRA also provides tax benefits. You can deduct them on your tax return depending on how much income you make, whether you or your spouse are...

Retirement planning is one of the most important financial goals for your future. When done right, you’ll be assured freedom and financial independence for later in life. When done wrong, you’re facing a future full of stress and worry. To avoid this outcome, consider the ten worst retirement planning mistakes below, and make moves now to avoid them! #1. Not Having a Retirement Plan in Place...

Recently lost a loved one? Please know that you’re not alone. We’re here to help you through this difficult time and guide you on the next steps to take. We also encourage you to reach out and ask for help from family and friends in making arrangements for what comes next. This network of support is often more than happy to prepare food, look after children, help with arrangements, or simply...

2020 is a major election year. While it’s too early to tell what that means in terms of which side of the aisle will have the majority, it’s not too early to start planning for estate tax law changes that could happen. Proposed Estate Tax Law Changes Depending on the outcome of the November elections,  there’s a strong chance that estate tax reforms will pass and be applied to assets...

An executor of a Will and Trustee of a Trust have distinct legal responsibilities and there are major legal liabilities at stake when confusing these two different roles. Let’s explore the differences. What does an executor of a Will do? If your loved one passed away with a Will, then an executor is named within the document or appointed by the court. The executor of a Will carries out the...

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the fiscal year 2020 could bring change for our country’s Gold Star families and survivors of fallen veterans. If passed, it could repeal a law nicknamed the Widow’s Tax that currently, “affects more than 65,000 military families nationwide, costing each an average of about $11,000 per year,” in lost compensation. Under current law, surviving...

The sad reality is senior citizens are often targets for con or scam artists in order to divest them of their hard-earned money. Seniors with any mental or physical incapacities are even more at risk. According to the NCOA, “While likely under-reported, estimates of elder financial abuse and fraud costs to older Americans range from $2.9 billion to $36.5 annually.” Protecting yourself and your...

When a loved one dies, their family members go through a lengthy process of taxes, financials, and legalities. While everyone’s situation is different, it is important to seek the help of a professional attorney for California trust administration and it’s crucial to do so as soon as possible! If you wait to seek out professional help before the administration process begins, you may find tax...