A Guide to the SSI and SSDI Appeals Process for Older Adults
Appealing an SSI or SSDI denial can be a long and frustrating process, but persistence matters. Many successful claims are approved only after one or more appeals.
Wills vs. Trusts in Florida: Which One Do You Need?
What is the difference between a will and a trust? Planning how your money and property will be handled after you pass away is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. In Florida, you…
How to Set Up a Trust in Florida: Your Step-by-Step Guide
How to set up a trust in Florida: A trust is like a special container that holds your property and assets for the benefit of the people you care about. Think of it as giving your belongings to a responsible…
Your Complete Estate Planning Checklist for Florida Residents
Life in Florida comes with unique advantages – no state income tax, beautiful weather, and strong property protections. Planning ahead is important, and using an estate planning checklist in Florida can help ensure your loved ones and assets are fully…
How to Skip Probate Court in Florida: A Simple Guide to Living Trusts
How to avoid probate in Florida: When someone dies, their family often faces a long, expensive legal process called probate. This court-supervised procedure can drag on for months or even years while your loved ones wait to inherit your assets.…
Your Unpaid Medical Debt Won’t Be Erased From Credit Reports
Takeaways
A recent federal court ruling reversed a rule that would have removed medical debt from credit reports, meaning this debt can continue to negatively impact credit scores.
Older adults are disproportionately affected by medical debt due to fixed incomes and health…
Giving to Grandkids? Consider Gift Tax, 529 Plans, and More
Takeaways
Grandparents should clarify whether financial assistance for their grandkids is a gift or a loan.
Consider 529 plans for education funding to ensure fairness and tax benefits.
Grandparents should also ensure their own financial security, especially regarding potential long-term care costs.
Grandparents often…
Annual Gift Tax and Estate Tax Exemptions for 2026
Takeaways
The federal estate tax exemption for 2026 will increase to $15 million per individual, with married couples exempt up to $30 million.
The annual gift tax exclusion will remain at $19,000 per individual for 2026, with a lifetime gift and estate…
High Earners Over Age 50 Will Lose a 401(k) Tax Break
Takeaways
Starting in 2026, employees aged 50 and older who earn over $145,000 must make 401(k) catch-up contributions on an after-tax (Roth) basis, losing the immediate pretax deduction.
Affected high earners should check if their employer offers a Roth 401(k) option and…
Survey Highlights Inheritance Expectation Gap
Takeaways
There’s a notable “inheritance expectation gap” between older adults’ plans to leave inheritances and younger adults’ expectations of receiving them, as revealed by a recent LegalZoom survey.
Older generations generally plan to leave more in terms of value and variety of…
