Reminder: Time to Start the Financial Aid Process
If you have a child in college or entering college during the next school year, you need to read this. You can now fill out your required Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) for the next school year. FAFSA application timeframe The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process opened on Oct. 1. […]
Decoding the New Dating Scene
Are you feeling a little in the dark about the new vocabulary developing around dating? It’s not surprising, especially when you hear a term like getting “ghosted.” Luckily, you’re just a few dating slang definitions away from having a better understanding of this vocabulary — often used on social media. It’s important to understand, especially […]
Amazon and eBay Sales Tax ALERT!
If you or your business sells product on Amazon using the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service, you are well into the multi-state sales tax mess … even if you are not aware of it. You may be asking yourself: Do I now need to register my business with every state and collect tax on their […]
Bill collector calling? Know your rights
Maybe you’re behind on paying your bills because of circumstances outside of your control. Or perhaps there’s been an error in billing. Either way, these scenarios may lead to a run-in with a debt collector. Fortunately, there are strict rules in place that forbid any kind of collector harassment in the U.S. If you know […]
Another Year, Another New 1040
In 2018, the government attempted to “simplify” the tax-filing process by drastically shortening Form 1040. The result was six new schedules that created a lot of confusion. Now the IRS is attempting to ease some of that pain by revising the form and removing some schedules. Will it help? Here is what you need to […]
Family Irrevocable Trust vs MA Health – Gina Walcott to the rescue
Gina Y. Walcott, an attorney with Beliveau Law Group, demonstrated her legal expertise and knowledge when she represented our family’s Irrevocable Trust vs State of MA. She was well informed and took the opposing attorney to school as he recited only partial law instead of the full law, which she had at the ready which […]
Should you leave siblings unequal shares of your estate?
When you’re reviewing your estate plan, it’s important to think about how to divide your estate among your children. While you don’t need to leave siblings equal shares, be aware that inheriting unequal amounts can cause arguments among children after you pass. To avoid disagreements from the getgo, you may want to leave your children […]
Avoiding Medicaid penalty period for a house transfer
Under the laws of most states, when you transfer your house to a child or anyone else, you enter into a Medicaid penalty period, barring your eligibility for Medicaid for a period of time. A way to avoid the penalty period is for the Medicaid applicant to transfer the house to a child considered to […]
Updating estate-planning documents at divorce
The story of a divorcing couple in Arizona demonstrates why you need to update your estate plan at divorce. The couple, who were in their early 40s and had been married for several years, had created a multimillion dollar business together. When they filed for divorce, the process became bitter and full of disagreements about […]
Benefits of mediation in estate planning
A recent case in Illinois highlights the value of mediation in resolving estate-planning disputes. The case involved a successful family business created by Daniel and Mary O’Brien. The business, valued at $125 million as of 2013, included interests in hotels, a nursing home, a golf course, gas stations, fast-food franchises and warehouses. Most of the […]