Donald Sterling’s Mental Incapacity

Professional basketball team owner Donald Sterling’s has reportedly been declared Mentally Incompetent under the terms of his Trust with his wife according to Sports Illustrated. Apparently under the terms of Donald Sterling’s Trust he can be declared an incompetent adult by two physicians, which apparently has been done, placing his wife in control under their... [Read More]

Steve Teaches CE Class – “Can You Trust Your Trust?”

Steve will teach a Continuing Education Class – “Can You Trust Your Trust?” on Wednesday, June 4, 2013 at 8am at The Biltmore Building to Financial & Insurance Professionals & Accountants.  The class will look at how your client’s Estate Plan could blow-up on them.   The Class is approved for one hour of Continuing... [Read More]

We Remember

On Memorial Day we remember the soldiers who died in service. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard & Army Reserves have all sacrificed their lives while serving in the armed forces. A sacrifice they, their families & loved ones have made that changed the lives of all left behind. We are all thankful for... [Read More]

James Brown’s Estate Planning Blues

As a movie about James Brown, “the Godfather of Soul”, hits cinemas we remember the disastrous Estate Planning he left behind. James Brown’s Will attempted to create a Trust under a Will for education of poor children for the bulk of his assets, also for education for his grandchildren, some personal items to his adult... [Read More]

Mickey Rooney’s Estate Fight

Five days after the 93 year old actor died the family headed to Court to fight over where his body should be buried. The drama is not surprising as Mickey Rooney was previously a victim of elder abuse at the hands of his adult step son and wife who exploited millions of dollars from him.  He... [Read More]

The Hand of Tax

A good way to help explain an overview of taxes is to look at the five fingers of your hand. There is an “Income Tax” when you earn the money. There is a “Sales Tax” when you purchase an item. There is a “Property Tax” when you purchase some things and hold it. There is... [Read More]

It’s the People, not the Stuff

Love people and use things.  Not the other way around.  Our relationships are the high points of our lives.  That may include our faith relationship. Those relationships are the most precious gifts that we receive.  Our sweetest memories we have maybe of our children’s laughter, our friend’s understanding or looking into the eyes of someone who... [Read More]

Home, Sweet Home!

After spending a few days in the Northeast where it was roughly 20 degrees colder, home prices and taxes are at least two times more expensive and there are way more people & more lines I am so much more appreciative of little old Western North Carolina.  There are good and helpful people wherever you go, but... [Read More]

Hang In, Spring is Coming!

Here on the East Coast we have been battered with a tough winter and heavy snows, but we’ve had glimpses of spring weather in the last few days. The forecast is for more cold weather and more snow. We in the South are not set up for snow as local governments do not have a... [Read More]

Snow Storms, Canceled Flights and Life

Recent storms on and around Valentine’s Day grounded thousands of airplane flights and changed even more automobile traveler’s plans. We may plan to take action at a certain time, but events out of our control often preclude us from taking that action. I had airline travel plans but was precluded from taking the trip as... [Read More]