Although inflation is generally nothing to be pleased about, the IRS recently announced inflation-adjusted changes to the annual gift tax and estate tax exclusions for 2023. If you are considering wealth transfer tax planning, these are welcome increases. Gift Tax…
When an individual passes away without a funeral plan, responsibility for arranging the funeral often falls on the deceased’s close family members, such as surviving spouses and children. Planning your own funeral arrangements can assist your loved ones in an…
Do you have a friend or loved one who receives Social Security and is unable to manage her payments? If so, you can request that the Social Security Administration (SSA), the government agency that disburses Social Security, name you as…
If medical personnel are able to access your medical history during an emergency, it could mean the difference between life and death. But if, for example, you are injured, in shock, suffering from dementia, or are otherwise incapacitated, you may…
To mark the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Attorney General Kwame Raoul launched an online guide for voters with disabilities in Illinois. “Thirty-two years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act finally prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities…
If you are about to turn 70, congratulations on reaching a big milestone. And if you also have delayed claiming Social Security retirement benefits up till now, you are joining a select group -- only 6.5 percent of Social Security…
Tax Day, which is Tuesday, April 19 in 2022, is approaching and it is time to begin crossing T's and dotting I's in preparation for paying taxes. As tax time draws near, you want to make sure you file all the proper…
No matter when it happens, the loss of a loved one is a moment we are often unprepared to address. You may have made many decisions related to the funeral, but you may not know what next steps may be…
“The Experience You Require and the Compassion You Appreciate” is more than just a tagline for us. We deal with sensitive family situations every day, and our core values help us stay focused on these important issues as we help…
Most seniors prefer to stay at home as long as possible rather than move into a nursing home. For many families, this means eventually hiring a caregiver to look after an aging relative. There are two main ways to hire…