Harper Lee who published her first novel To Kill a Mockingbird in 1960 will have her second novel released this July, some fifty-five years later. Go Set a Watchman will be Harper Lee’s second novel which will be released to great fanfare this summer. Harper Lee is now 88 years old, deaf, nearly blind and... [Read More]
Category: Inheritance
The Able Act
Congress passed The Able Act. It was to be a much ballyhooed law that would allow a special needs or challenged individual to own assets in their own name and still become eligible for Medicaid Assistance for special care living and related expenses. Unfortunately the law did not turn out as anticipated. What the law... [Read More]
President Wants to Raise Taxes
President Obama is seeking to raise Capital Gains Taxes again. Capital Gains Taxes were raised during his first term in office. The President says that the Capital Gains Tax only affects the “wealthy”. Capital Gains Taxes affects anyone who might ever own their own home, whether it is a house, condominium, or land. Further, it... [Read More]
Accountants figuring out Obamacare
Accountants tell me they are still scratching their heads and still trying to figure out the taxes that are inside the Obamacare legislation. The reason the Obamacare law was upheld by the US Supreme Court was that it was as Chef Justice Roberts said, a “Tax Bill”. Congress has the authority to raise taxes. Unfortunately... [Read More]
Stuart Scott Passes On
Stuart Scott the iconic, high energy, full of life sportscaster on ESPN passed away on Sunday morning. He was 49 years old. Stuart Scott was famous for his sayings of “Boo-yah!” and, “As cool as the other side of the pillow”, and so many more. He was as full of life as anyone you could... [Read More]
New Year’s Resolution
We often make New Year’s resolutions and promise ourselves, and possibly others, that in the new year we will lose weight, improve our health, learn a new skill, clean the garage, fix up our home, get a new automobile or become fluent in a new language. What these resolutions are about is trying to improve our... [Read More]
The Human Touch
A few years ago I was visiting a friend in a major city and attended a large formal church. As I followed my friends down the aisle there was an elderly gentleman sitting alone looking forlornly at the floor on the end of the pew. I put my hand on his shoulder, smiled and asked... [Read More]
Traveling for the Holidays? Does your Estate Plan work across State lines?
Christmas time is the second most traveled holiday in the United States after Thanksgiving. People are traveling to be near loved ones, friends, family or as a time away for vacation from work or school. Your Estate Plan may only be valid in your own State and not be valid when you are crossing into... [Read More]
Year End Clean Ups
As we head to the calendar year end, focus on the financial actions that need to be taken. Do you need to take action for Income Tax purposes? For Medical Insurance purposes? Do you need to get your Estate Plan updated before you get on the road, that airplane, or that ship? At the Law... [Read More]
Seize Life
19 year old Lauren Hill recently fulfilled her life-long dream to play in a college basketball game. She had a scholarship to play college basketball, but was later diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. The brain tumor quickly grew and was leading towards her inevitable end. Mount St. Joseph’s University worked with the opposing basketball... [Read More]