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]
Category: Squander
Super Charging an Inheritance
One can protect an inheritance they leave to a loved one by leaving that share of the inheritance in a Protective Trust. That gives the adult who inherits the money more protection to keep them from losing that inheritance by squandering it, losing it in a divorce, or losing it in a car wreck lawsuit.... [Read More]
What We Really Fear in Our Estate Plan
Many clients come into the office concerned more about the delay, costs and publicity of Probate Court, or potential tax issues. But as they start to open up about their real concerns about leaving inheritance, the concerns are about what if they become mentally disabled? What if their spouse remarries – will their assets go... [Read More]
Psychological Cost of Inheritance
When creating your Estate Plan do consider whether an inheritance to your children is disincentivizing them from growing-up into a responsible adult. A lump-sum inheritance might leave them feeling “fat and happy” and therefore they’ll stop being a productive member of society. Another issue to consider is whether they might be one of the estimated... [Read More]
Steve Teaches Class
Attorney Steven Andrew Jackson will teach a Continuing Education Class to professionals titled “Can You Trust Your Trust?” on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at 8:00 a.m. The class will show where hidden bombs are in Estate Plans that clients are unaware of that may cause unnecessary expense and loss of control to the client and... [Read More]
The Hand of Tax
A good way to help explain an overview of taxes is to look at the five fingers of your hand. There is an “Income Tax” when you earn the money. There is a “Sales Tax” when you purchase an item. There is a “Property Tax” when you purchase some things and hold it. There is... [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]
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]
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]
Setting Your Course
Back in the time of Tall Sailing Ships the captains would use their sextant at night with the stars in the sky to set the ship’s course. During the day the Captain could not see the stars and would often get off course due to winds and the sea currents. However, every night they would... [Read More]