Written by Robert T. Nickerson In 2025, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will increase by 2.5% due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This increase helps retirees and beneficiaries manage inflation and serves as a reminder to review your estate plan for financial alignment. Understanding the 2025 COLA Increase The COLA is…
Written by Robert Nickerson When it comes to estate planning, many people feel like it’s something they can set it aside to come back to later. “Oh, it’s not that important.” “We’re not gonna die for a while.” “We don’t talk about those things yet”. Don’t tell me you haven’t heard this before. But the…
Preserving Family Traditions Through Estate Planning Written by Robert Nickerson Holidays are about family, laughter, and the traditions that tie us together—Grandma’s famous pie recipe, the annual ornament exchange, or the antique clock that’s been in the family for generations. But what happens to those cherished traditions and heirlooms when life changes? Without a plan,…
Written by Robert T. Nickerson When we think about planning for the future, many of us focus on finances or retirement. But what happens if you’re unable to make medical decisions for yourself? That’s where an advance healthcare directive comes in. An advance healthcare directive is a legal document that spells out your wishes for…
Casey Kasem, a beloved radio personality and the iconic voice of Shaggy on Scooby-Doo, brought joy to millions with his upbeat voice and signature phrase: “Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars.” But in his later years, Kasem’s life took a tragic turn, entangled in a prolonged legal battle over…
Written by Robert T. Nickerson The largest transfer of wealth between generations in history is happening right now, and many families are not ready for it. According to Michael Pelzar, head of investments at Bank of America Private Bank, this lack of preparation could lead to significant challenges down the road. What Is the Great…
Written by Robert Nickerson With the many parents I meet with, I get asked a lot about their special needs child and their financial situation. They want to be able to provide funds without it risking their eligibility for disability (state or federal) or Medicaid. This also applies if their child (or any loved one…
Being named trustee for a family member is a big responsibility. You’ll be handling tasks like managing money, making decisions for the benefit of your loved one, and keeping track of how the trust funds are used. If you’re new to this role, there’s a lot to learn about your duties, the rules around trusts,…
One common question we hear when discussing probate litigation is, “How can I ensure my family doesn’t fight over my property after I’m gone?” The truth is, it’s challenging to guarantee complete harmony. However, careful planning can help minimize conflicts. Imagine you’re a fantastic estate planner, creating strong legal documents that make it clear who…
Legislation soon to be introduced by United States Representative Seth Magaziner (Rhode Island), Domenic and Ed’s Law, would change Section 437(d) of the Higher Education Act to clarify that parents who took out student loans for their child can get those loans forgiven if their child becomes totally and permanently disabled. Under current law, the…