Latest articles by Patrick M. Simasko, J.D.
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Estate Planning: How to Protect Family Treasures
Items like antiques, art and jewelry, as well as family photos, can carry huge emotional ties. The more specific you are in your plans, the better for everyone.
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Are Living Trusts Worth It? Pros and Cons
Living trusts can help manage your assets (and taxes) while you're alive and transfer them after you die, but they have disadvantages, as well as advantages.
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What Are Social Security Credits, and How Do They Work?
You have to earn a certain amount of money for a certain amount of time in order to be eligible to collect Social Security benefits.
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What to Consider Before Buying Life Insurance
For National Insurance Awareness Day, here’s the lowdown on the types of life insurance out there and what could work for you and your budget.
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Four Ways to Prevent Feeling Regret in Retirement
Making financial plans for decades into the future can be daunting, but focusing your efforts is key to achieving freedom, financial and otherwise, in your golden years.
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Estate Planning in Six Manageable Steps
Getting started on your estate plan can be daunting. Breaking the process down into these six smaller tasks can help you avoid getting overwhelmed.
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What Is Probate, and Who Has to Deal With It?
The probate process can be a long and expensive journey for heirs. Real estate, cars and even art often trigger probate, but other assets get a free pass.
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How Getting Married Affects Your Social Security Benefits
Once you tie the knot, your Social Security benefit will be forever tied up with your spouse’s — and that can be a good thing if you understand how it works.
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Leaving Property to Multiple Heirs? What to Consider
A family meeting is essential to determine whether your heirs want the property, and then it’s a matter of choosing the legal arrangement.
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Naming Beneficiaries for Inherited IRAs: What You Need to Know
The rules for how to handle an inherited IRA differ depending on the beneficiary, and you should also consider the tax implications of required minimum distributions (RMDs).
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Nearing Retirement With Student Loan Debt? What You Can Do
Many older adults will struggle with rising costs (health care and otherwise) and not enough savings. Here’s how they can manage lingering student debt.
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Pros and Cons of Waiting Until 70 to Claim Social Security
Waiting until 70 to file for Social Security benefits comes with a higher check, but there could be financial consequences to consider for you and your family.
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How Lower Interest Rates Could Affect Older Adults
When the Fed starts cutting interest rates, retirees could see lower yields on fixed-income assets. Social Security’s finances could be impacted, too.
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Three Ways to Delay Claiming Social Security Benefits
With Americans living longer these days, maximizing your Social Security is more important than ever. Here are some ways to make the most of your benefits.
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Romance Scams That Target Older Adults Rising: What to Do
Here are some tips to help you avoid falling for a scam, especially when a scammer tries to prey on your affection.
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All About Designating Beneficiaries in Estate Planning
Choosing carefully and updating beneficiaries as your life changes, such as after a divorce, are crucial when planning your estate.
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What Happens if You Die Without a Will?
An elder law attorney explains the importance of a last will and testament, beneficiary designations and other critical estate planning issues.
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Is Your Estate Ready if You Experience Cognitive Decline?
Once your cognitive abilities begin to decline (which can start in your early 60s), your accounts could be at risk. Here’s how to protect them.
