Adulting, Made Easier – Stories & Straight Talk
Quick reads, helpful tips, and honest breakdowns of what you need to know.
Featured Posts
Holding Space for Grief: Ways to Comfort and Support A Loved One in Mourning
Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience, and the journey through grief can be both complex and overwhelming. In this blog, we explore practical and heartfelt ways to hold space for your loved ones who are mourning. Read more…
Transition to Adulthood: What Happens Legally When My Child Turns 18?
This week we explore what happens legally when your child turns 18, what it means for your ability to make legal, financial and healthcare decisions on their behalf, and what tools you’ll need for a smooth transition to adulthood. Read more…
Flu Season Fundamentals: How to Keep Seniors Safe This Fall
The fall season marks the beginning of flu season, which can pose a serious threat to your elderly loved ones. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ensure their well-being during the colder days ahead. Read more…
Massachusetts Estate Tax Update
Massachusetts embraces a significant tax overhaul, led by Governor Maura Healey, increasing the estate tax threshold from $1M to $2M starting in 2023. This shift not only offers relief for many but aligns the state with evolving federal tax standards. Read more…
From 'I Do' to 'What If': Estate Planning Must-Do's for Newlyweds - Part 2
Last week we started to explore the key estate planning components every newlywed couple needs to protect their rights, wishes, and plans now and in the future. This week, we’re continuing the conversation with three more estate planning must-do’s for newlyweds. Read more…
From 'I Do' to 'What If': Estate Planning Must-Do's for Newlyweds - Part 1
With all the joy and happiness a new marriage brings, planning for your potential incapacity and future death may feel out of place, but creating your estate plan as part of your post-nuptial to-do list is the greatest gift you can give your new spouse. Read more…
Can You Rely on Legal Insurance for Your Estate Plan?
Considering group legal insurance as a cost-saving option for your estate planning needs? It may seem like a good deal at first glance, but is it truly effective? Will a plan crafted through legal insurance actually stand strong and serve your family when it’s needed most? Read more…
Don’t Send Your Kids Back to School Without These Documents
As summer comes to a close, and back-to-school excitement fills the air, there is one crucial task that is often overlooked: designating legal guardians for your minor children. Read more…
10 Life Events That Signal It’s Time to Review Your Estate Plan - Part 2
Last week, we started to explore 10 life changes that might affect your estate plan. This week, we’re coving five more life events that mean it’s time to review your plan. Read more…
10 Life Events That Signal It’s Time to Review Your Estate Plan - Part 1
Common life events can drastically affect your estate plan and even cause your plan not to work in the way you intended. If any of these events have happened in your life, it’s time to review your plan. Read more…
Awakened Planning: How to Talk About Estate Planning at Your Family Reunion
July is National Family Reunion Month. If you’re getting together with family this month, it’s also a perfect time to talk to your loved ones about estate planning and the legacy you want to leave behind for the next generation. Read to learn practical tips and strategies for talking about it at your family reunion.
Estate Planning Pitfalls - 3 Mistakes That Could Make Your Estate Plan Worthless
Did you forget any of these critical financial steps when you created a Trust? Be sure to read this week’s blog to learn why proper funding of your Trust is essential to making it work! Read more.
Vacation Ready: Essential Legal Preparations for a Worry-Free Getaway
Vacations are a time to relax, unwind, and create beautiful memories with your loved ones. But before you set off on your adventure, it's essential to ensure that your legal affairs are in order. Read more…
The Importance of Customized Estate Planning for LGBTQ+ Relationships - Part 2
Cookie-cutter plans just don’t cut it for LGBTQIA+ families. This week, we’re exploring two more reasons why it’s essential for LGBTQ+ families to have custom estate planning. Read more…
The Importance of Customized Estate Planning for LGBTQ+ Relationships - Part 1
While the legalization of same-gender marriage and increased recognition of LGBTQ+ families has made LGBTQ+ rights more visible than ever before, there is still a large gap in estate planning for LGBTQ+ individuals that could leave your loved ones with a big mess. Read more…
Capturing the Stories of Aging Loved Ones: The Power of a Planning Session
May is Senior Citizen’s Month, a time to reflect and appreciate all the things the seniors in our lives have done for us. Whether they are our parents, grandparents, or elderly friends, our seniors have given us so much over the years. While no one can predict how many more years we’ll have with our elderly loved ones, there is an easy way to capture their stories, wisdom, and love for future generations. Read more …
Want to Grow Wealth? Warren Buffet's Unexpected Investment Advice
If you are going to take investment and estate planning advice from anyone, Warren Buffett is likely one you want to consider. At this year’s Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder meeting, Buffett shared several pieces of financial advice but also provided insights on the importance of personal growth and estate planning when seeking to grow wealth. While many of us may feel overwhelmed by the thought of estate planning or building our wealth, Buffett's advice reminds us of two key but simple steps we can take to create financial and generational wealth.
Why “Just a Will” Is Never Enough
When you think of estate planning, a Will is usually the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, most people who contact me tell me they don’t need anything complicated for their estate- just a Will. But although they are a key part of your estate plan, relying on only a Will leaves huge gaps in your estate and actually guarantees that your family will need to go to court when you die. Read more …
Create a Stronger Blended Family Through Estate Planning
If you have a blended family, estate planning is critical if you want your loved ones to avoid court and conflict in the event you die or become incapacitated. But planning for your blended family is also a great opportunity to strengthen your family bond through open conversations about your wishes and goals for your family and the love you have for them. Read more here …
4 Ways to Use AI to Make Life Easier for You and Your Family
AI technology is here, but don’t worry, you don’t need to be a techie to make AI work for you (or fear that it will lead to a revolution of Schwarzenegger-esque cyborgs). This week, I’m exploring 4 ways you can use AI language model software to make your family’s life easier. I’ll share real-world examples of the software in use, so you can free up more time for the things and people you love. Read it here…