The statistics on how many seniors are scammed each year vary depending on the source and the year the data was collected, as many frauds go unreported. According to reports from the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): In 2023 , over 101,000 victims aged 60 and over reported fraud to the IC3. In 2021 , the IC3 received 92,371 complaints from victims over the age of 60. It is important to note that these numbers only reflect reported incidents to the FBI. Other sou

🐌 What's really the hangup? Estate planning—the crucial process of deciding how your assets will be managed and distributed after you pass away—is something almost everyone agrees they should do. It also involves a lesser known, yet equally, if not more important, need for incapacity planning in case of emergency. Yet, for many, it sits stubbornly at the bottom of the to-do list, year after year. Why the massive delay? It turns out, the "hangup" isn't a lack of discipline;

Caught in the Middle: If you find yourself constantly juggling the needs of your aging parents and the demands of your own children, congratulations (and commiserations) – you're part of the Sandwich Generation . It's a demanding place to be. You’re the linchpin, the primary caregiver, the financial support system, and the logistical coordinator for two generations simultaneously. With so many immediate plates spinning, it’s easy to push the less urgent, yet critically impo

The Tale of Two Departures: What you actually experience when a loved one dies will depend largely on whether or not they had an estate plan. The passing of a loved one is an incredibly difficult time, filled with grief, reflection, and adjustment. But beyond the emotional toll, there's a practical reality that families must face: settling the deceased's affairs. The ease or agony of this process hinges almost entirely on one crucial factor: did your loved one have an estate

Estate planning when co-owning assets with a non-spouse requires careful consideration to ensure your wishes are honored and to avoid future disputes. This is particularly important for co-owned businesses or real property , as your share won't automatically pass to your co-owner upon your death unless legally specified. 1. Understanding the Co-Ownership Structure The first step is determining how you co-own the asset, as this dictates what happens to your share upon your

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