Financial troubles and marital issues often occur in tandem, making many New York residents wonder if it’s better to file divorce or bankruptcy first. If it looks like both are on the horizon, you can take steps that help you complete each process as smoothly as...
Automatic stay: What you should know?
If you are currently struggling with overwhelming credit card, medical or mortgage debt, you know first hand the difficulties of dealing with harassing creditor’s calls. Once you have missed a payment or have fallen behind on financial agreements, creditors often...
What will likely happen following Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
You have probably looked into what you must do to complete your Chapter 13 bankruptcy, like composing a repayment plan and making payments to your trustee as your repayment schedule dictates. It is also important to keep in mind the events that will likely take place...
Bankruptcy court, step one: analysis
Your success in bankruptcy would depend on many things. Commitment, financial management skills, effective planning and taking full advantage of all available exemptions, to name a few. However, one of your first steps will probably be analyzing your financial...
How out of control is medical debt?
All over the country, regardless of income level or even insurance coverage, healthcare costs went up. Unfortunately, it has become a common reason why many Americans have less money. Medical debt can contribute to bankruptcy fears. How common is medical debt? In the...
4 potential benefits of a revocable trust
A revocable trust is a legal instrument that can dictate how a person’s property is managed and distributed during their lifetime or after they have passed away. As with the majority of legal tools, there are both positive and negative aspects to a revocable living...
What do you know about discussing your end-of-life desires?
While you understand the importance of planning your estate and drafting all the documents, you may struggle to discuss your end-of-life desires openly. How do you bring up the matter with your family and friends? AARP offers tips for sharing your estate plans with...
Don’t overdo the “dead-hand controls” on your trust
Trusts have become an increasingly useful financial tool for people who want to safely pass their wealth onto the next generation. So-called “conditional” trusts, which impose certain obligations on would-be beneficiaries to receive their funds, are particularly...
A spendthrift trust may provide needed asset protection
A spendthrift trust includes specific provisions regarding how a trustee may use its funds on behalf of the named beneficiaries. As noted by SmartAsset, the trustee may exercise broad discretion to spend money on an heir's expenses so that he or she can maintain a...
Here’s why a DIY-estate plan is a bad idea
Creating an estate plan is one of the most important things you can do to safeguard your future, your assets and your loved ones. A well-written estate plan gives you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be honored when you pass on, or if you become...
Is this a sign of nursing home neglect?
Hearing the many news stories focused on abuse or neglect at nursing facilities likely leaves you feeling concerned for your own loved one. Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine where or when neglect may occur. Noticing red flags can help you react quickly if...
What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
The “Baby Boomer” generation is getting older and starting to investigate their healthcare options. If you're among that group, you may be wondering exactly how Medicaid plays into your future plans -- and how its relationship with Medicare works. Since 1964, the...
Think of succession planning when starting your business
In the excitement of getting your new business up and running, it is difficult to think of everything you need to do. Succession planning may not be part of your checklist at this point. However, if you have partners, shareholders and employees, there is no time like...
Involve a professional during Medicaid planning
Most people overlook the need for planning for long-term care. Unfortunately, the problem with this kind of thinking is your health can change, especially as you advance in age. No one can project how their health will be in the future. That said, nearly two-thirds of...
Why do inheritance disputes happen?
Knowing that you have planned your end-of-life affairs can remove some of the angst of growing older. Naming beneficiaries and having the peace of mind that those you care about will receive your assets can provide satisfaction and comfort. Despite your best efforts,...
