Handwritten Notes Make A Will – Not So For Most of Us

Handwritten Will Valid or Not? From time to time, I get questions about handwritten wills. In particular, is a handwritten will valid? This is a loaded question. The response to the question will be based on Maryland law. Here’s a scenario that was presented to me: Mr. Bob Smith was sitting around one evening relaxing and … Continue reading Handwritten Notes Make A Will – Not So For Most of Us

Why Love Letters to Heirs go Great With Chocolate and Roses

     Valentine’s Day is special to many folks. It is a time to show our affection for loved ones and let them know how special they are.  As a child, you may remember getting a box of chocolates from your parents letting you know that your were special and loved in their eyes. Of … Continue reading Why Love Letters to Heirs go Great With Chocolate and Roses

Five Ways You can Debunk the Silver Spoon Myth

Five Ways You can Debunk the Silver Spoon Myth What is the silver spoon myth? In a nutshell, many people have been lead to believe that only those with lots of possessions and property should have an estate plan. Are you picturing ornate silver serving sets, land ownership fit for a king or queen, grandiose … Continue reading Five Ways You can Debunk the Silver Spoon Myth

The Overlooked Fundraising Gem: Planned Giving

The Overlooked Fundraising Gem: Planned Giving If you are involved with a nonprofit – 501(c)(3) organization, listen up: Executive Directors, Development Directors, Church Leaders, Faith Based Leadership, Board Members, Donors and Supporters. Planned giving (click here for free eBook) is a form of fundraising that has adjusted to trends in charitable giving for generations. Through … Continue reading The Overlooked Fundraising Gem: Planned Giving

Change Happens: Why you Should Update Your Estate Plan

A question that I am asked on a regular basis is, “How Often Should I Update my Estate Plan?” The question is not as clear-cut as you may think. Here is some information to keep in mind: Life: Weddings, births, new job, divorce, family dynamics, retirement, business ownership, new assets, illness, and death. Change Happens. … Continue reading Change Happens: Why you Should Update Your Estate Plan

Here’s Why You Should Make a Holiday List and Check it Twice

First, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you and your family. This is a busy time of year. All kinds of events, tasks, obligations and requests are being made of your time and energy. What’s a person to do with all of the demands? Well, after you focus on taking care of yourself amidst all … Continue reading Here’s Why You Should Make a Holiday List and Check it Twice

Do You Have Unclaimed Assets?

The idea of unclaimed assets is exciting to many people. If you are thinking, why would someone have unclaimed assets? According to an article[1] on the USA TODAY website, there are several reasons why someone would end up with unclaimed assets. One of the culprits for unclaimed assets is poor estate planning. Which of course … Continue reading Do You Have Unclaimed Assets?

Should an Estate Plan be on Your Child’s College Checklist

Are you getting ready to take your child to college this fall? If so, you should know that many of the rights you had regarding your child may be gone once your son or daughter turns 18. That can be a scary thought. However, the law in many instances have cut you off from acting … Continue reading Should an Estate Plan be on Your Child’s College Checklist

6 Things you Should Know About Alzheimer’s Disease

END ALZ - image credit to Alzheimer’s Association

We are living longer these days. Active lifestyles, healthy eating, medical advances and genetics are all playing a role in longer life expectancies for many people. With that in mind, how has your family been affected by Alzheimer’s? If you are fortunate, you may be asking: what is Alzheimer’s and why should I care? Alzheimer's … Continue reading 6 Things you Should Know About Alzheimer’s Disease

How is Your Estate Plan Looking for Father’s Day? (Part 3 of 3)

Part 3 or 3 Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, granddads, uncles and other men who have been mentors to young people. We celebrate the wonderful contributions that you have made. Enjoy your day and know that you are appreciated. What happens to your assets when you are gone? The answer to that question … Continue reading How is Your Estate Plan Looking for Father’s Day? (Part 3 of 3)