While college education has been seen as not only a rite of passage but also necessary in order to enter into many areas of workforce, the costs associated with it can be overwhelming. In recent years, the costs associated with higher education have come with a hefty price tag and are projected to continue to rise over the next few decades. According to The College Board, in 2017, the average cost for tuition, fees, and room and board for a four-year private college is a whopping $118,000. If the college-cost inflation rate is 3 percent, today’s 8-year-old can expect to pay $265,000 for four years of higher education at a private college in 2028. With the costs of college looming for current and future generations, more grandparents are looking to support their grandchild’s higher education expenses in their estate plans. Continue reading “Including a Grandchild’s College Tuition in Your Estate Plan”
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Generation Xers Have Highest Debt Load
A LightStream Survey conducted by the Harris Poll showed that those in Generation X (ages 36 to 51) carry an average nonmortgage debt load of $30,334 — the highest of any other generation. Boomers (ages 52 to 70) have the second-highest amount of debt with $27,513, followed by Millennials ($22,784) and Generation Z ($6,983). Continue reading “Generation Xers Have Highest Debt Load”
Five Tips for Going Through a Divorce
Divorce proceedings are stressful and emotionally taxing. If you are in the middle of a contentious divorce, here are five tips to help you through the process:
Stay Positive
As like in any negative situation, it is important to attempt to stay positive. It is important to not feed into the negativity that surrounds you. Instead, try to surround yourself with supportive people, like family and close friends. These individuals will be able to help you through the process. Continue reading “Five Tips for Going Through a Divorce”
Filing for Bankruptcy in New Jersey
Unfortunately, many individuals across the United States and in the state of New Jersey face extremely difficult financial conditions which significantly affect their way of life. For some, filing for bankruptcy may be the best (or only) option to relieve themselves of their financial burdens. Federal bankruptcy laws allow individuals who qualify to have a fresh start. Continue reading “Filing for Bankruptcy in New Jersey”
Obtaining Guardianship of a Minor in New Jersey
If a parent is unable to care for a child or is determined to be unfit, the guardianship of the child can be granted to a relative or family friend. Guardianship can be defined as the position of being legally responsible for the care of someone who is unable to manage their own affairs. This provides a viable option for the child to be removed from the home and be relieved of neglectful behavior by their parent(s). Continue reading “Obtaining Guardianship of a Minor in New Jersey”
Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s and the Need for Advanced Directives to be in Place
Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects cognitive functions, including memory, thinking, and behavior. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are currently 5.7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s Disease and, by 2050, that number will increase to nearly fourteen million. The association claims that Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Continue reading “Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s and the Need for Advanced Directives to be in Place”
Estate Closure Should be Completed by an Experienced Lawyer
In accordance with the law, an estate is responsible for paying the following with the assets from an estate:
- Expenses for the decedent’s funeral;
- Administration expenses, which includes legal fees, probate fees, and appraisals among others;
- Money owed to the government such as estate and income taxes; and
- Real property taxes that were accrued prior to the decedent’s death.
Continue reading “Estate Closure Should be Completed by an Experienced Lawyer”
Pre-Plan and Pre-Pay Today!
While it may be emotional and difficult to think about, pre-planning and pre-paying for a funeral will ensure that your wishes are carried out properly. In addition, establishing an irrevocable pre-paid funeral trust can also assist with spending down assets in order to become eligible for Chronic Care Medicaid. An irrevocable pre-paid funeral trust cannot be canceled, changed, or revoked prior to death. It is worth noting that the money in the trust cannot be refunded even if the funeral costs less than the funds available. Continue reading “Pre-Plan and Pre-Pay Today!”
End-of-Life Conversations Can Be Difficult but Necessary
For many elderly people, discussing and planning for end-of-life situations may be very difficult. However, if you are a child of a parent that has not yet discussed his or her wishes for end-of-life care, you may be able to ease them into the process. Here are some tips to remember: Continue reading “End-of-Life Conversations Can Be Difficult but Necessary”
New Jersey’s FedUp Program Seeks to Help Seniors from Falling Victim to a Scam
Telephone and internet scams have been around for decades. Criminalistic hackers and con artists prey on the most vulnerable in an attempt to rob them of their fortune; the most vulnerable are our senior citizens. Senior citizens are often the main targets, as they spend most of their time in leisure, usually by the phone or on their computer. Hackers understand this trend in senior citizen behavior and attack when you least expect it. Continue reading “New Jersey’s FedUp Program Seeks to Help Seniors from Falling Victim to a Scam”
