More Storms of Life

We in North and South Carolina just went through heavy Storms, including heavy rains, over the past several days. Here in Western North Carolina we have been having rain off and on for more than ten (10) days. That was followed by very heavy rain over this past weekend. This rain has led to rivers... [Read More]

Casey Kasem Estate Planning Woes

Radio icon Casey Kasem famous for his national “America’s Top 40” weekly radio show, is in the spotlight for his Estate Planning woes. There appears to be an ongoing wrestling match between Casey Kasem’s wife and his adult children from a prior marriage over physical possession of Casey Kasem. He is reported to be suffering... [Read More]

Steve Teaches CE Class – “Can You Trust Your Trust?”

Steve will teach a Continuing Education Class – “Can You Trust Your Trust?” on Wednesday, June 4, 2013 at 8am at The Biltmore Building to Financial & Insurance Professionals & Accountants.  The class will look at how your client’s Estate Plan could blow-up on them.   The Class is approved for one hour of Continuing... [Read More]

Why We Do What We Do

I’ve always been protective of friends, loved ones, and teammates. It’s probably why I played offensive tackle in football and center in basketball. It was always about sacrificing myself in the game for the good of the team or others. I’ve always had a very high “Protective Streak.” In establishing a relationship with my clients... [Read More]

It’s the People, not the Stuff

Love people and use things.  Not the other way around.  Our relationships are the high points of our lives.  That may include our faith relationship. Those relationships are the most precious gifts that we receive.  Our sweetest memories we have maybe of our children’s laughter, our friend’s understanding or looking into the eyes of someone who... [Read More]

Home, Sweet Home!

After spending a few days in the Northeast where it was roughly 20 degrees colder, home prices and taxes are at least two times more expensive and there are way more people & more lines I am so much more appreciative of little old Western North Carolina.  There are good and helpful people wherever you go, but... [Read More]

Strange Days…

Russia invades Ukraine, a giant jet disappears and Spring never comes to the mountains. Strange things happen that we never anticipate happening. Natural events like unending winters, dangerously aggressive acts by world powers such as invading a neighboring country, and whatever strange events are happening in your own life. We need to be flexible and... [Read More]

The Tax Man Cometh

Again this President seeks to penalize those who have been successful financially. The new proposal from the White House seeks to limit annual gifting to $50,000.00 dollars total per year.  Instead of limiting it per individual they’re seeking to limit it to a total of $50,000.00 dollars in the year beginning in 2015. That may... [Read More]

Hang In, Spring is Coming!

Here on the East Coast we have been battered with a tough winter and heavy snows, but we’ve had glimpses of spring weather in the last few days. The forecast is for more cold weather and more snow. We in the South are not set up for snow as local governments do not have a... [Read More]

Snow Storms, Canceled Flights and Life

Recent storms on and around Valentine’s Day grounded thousands of airplane flights and changed even more automobile traveler’s plans. We may plan to take action at a certain time, but events out of our control often preclude us from taking that action. I had airline travel plans but was precluded from taking the trip as... [Read More]