On Wednesday, March 4, 2015, the US Supreme Court heard arguments on the legality of this controversial law. The legal challenges include that the federal government is requiring states to take certain actions that maybe unconstitutional for the federal government to require. Under this law those who choose to self-insure themselves due to high insurance... [Read More]
Category: Estate Planning
Hospice and End of Life
As my friend is dealing with the “end of life” decisions regarding her father a number of things come to mind. Some of the most difficult decisions one makes in their lifetime are regarding their “end of life”. It can also be where you are assisting a loved one with their “end of life”. This... [Read More]
Ice Storms and the Unexpected in Life
The recent sleet and snow covering Western North Carolina in ice and snow reminds us of our powerlessness against storms. Whether weather storms or unexpected times in life. Recently my friend returned from a trip out of town to find her father jaundiced in color. Upon taking him to the hospital she learned he has... [Read More]
Who Do I Love?
As Valentine’s Day nears we think about “Who do I love?” Estate Planning is all about “Who do I love?” People do Estate Planning because they love someone or something. Whether that love is in the form of affection, respect, validation, encouragement, support, opportunity, friendship, goodwill, charity, or whatever other form “love” may take. Someone... [Read More]
It’s Never Too Late For You – Or Harper Lee
Harper Lee who published her first novel To Kill a Mockingbird in 1960 will have her second novel released this July, some fifty-five years later. Go Set a Watchman will be Harper Lee’s second novel which will be released to great fanfare this summer. Harper Lee is now 88 years old, deaf, nearly blind and... [Read More]
The Able Act
Congress passed The Able Act. It was to be a much ballyhooed law that would allow a special needs or challenged individual to own assets in their own name and still become eligible for Medicaid Assistance for special care living and related expenses. Unfortunately the law did not turn out as anticipated. What the law... [Read More]
President Wants to Raise Taxes
President Obama is seeking to raise Capital Gains Taxes again. Capital Gains Taxes were raised during his first term in office. The President says that the Capital Gains Tax only affects the “wealthy”. Capital Gains Taxes affects anyone who might ever own their own home, whether it is a house, condominium, or land. Further, it... [Read More]
Accountants figuring out Obamacare
Accountants tell me they are still scratching their heads and still trying to figure out the taxes that are inside the Obamacare legislation. The reason the Obamacare law was upheld by the US Supreme Court was that it was as Chef Justice Roberts said, a “Tax Bill”. Congress has the authority to raise taxes. Unfortunately... [Read More]
Stuart Scott Passes On
Stuart Scott the iconic, high energy, full of life sportscaster on ESPN passed away on Sunday morning. He was 49 years old. Stuart Scott was famous for his sayings of “Boo-yah!” and, “As cool as the other side of the pillow”, and so many more. He was as full of life as anyone you could... [Read More]
New Year’s Resolution
We often make New Year’s resolutions and promise ourselves, and possibly others, that in the new year we will lose weight, improve our health, learn a new skill, clean the garage, fix up our home, get a new automobile or become fluent in a new language. What these resolutions are about is trying to improve our... [Read More]