Beginning January 2026 the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be increased by 2.8 for those on SSI or SSDI For people on Social Security retirement, the average increase will be $56 per month. https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2025-10-24.html That means that people with these conditions should get Social Security benefits (of course with evidence of the conditions). The new 13 … Continue reading Two Changes from the Social Security Administration in 2025
Author: Shannon Fauver
The 9 documents you need, just in case the marriage cases get attacked.
I would actually recommend that you have all of these documents prepared, no matter the current or future impacts of the Obergefell v. Hodges cases being attacked. This statement is for all married couple, no matter their gender or non-gender determination. In addition, if are married and are already co-mingling your money, make sure your … Continue reading The 9 documents you need, just in case the marriage cases get attacked.
New laws that went into effect on June 27, 2025 (for Kentucky)
LAWS BY TOPIC: EDUCATION POLICY SB 19 – Required Moment of Silence in Schools Public schools must begin each day with a moment of silence. Students are required to remain seated and silent. School districts may also allow students to leave for one hour per week for off-campus “moral instruction.” SB 181 – School Communication … Continue reading New laws that went into effect on June 27, 2025 (for Kentucky)
Some of the Proposed legislation in Kentucky as of March 1, 2025
While you think these Bills impact your or not, some of the Bills cover things like: Fairness Bill, Anti Fairness Bill, Abortion Exceptions, State employees being able to work from home, the Right to Protest, and much more. Per Senator Gerald Neal’s post this week: Several bills advancing this week with full bipartisan support include: … Continue reading Some of the Proposed legislation in Kentucky as of March 1, 2025
How Do I Stop Heirs from Foolishly Wasting Inheritance?
A spendthrift trust, according to the article “Possible to spendthrift-proof a trust” from Record Courier, is created for the benefit and protection of a financially irresponsible person. For a spendthrift trust, it may be better not to choose a family member or trusted friend to serve as the trustee. Such person might not live long enough or have … Continue reading How Do I Stop Heirs from Foolishly Wasting Inheritance?
Do I Need an Attorney for Probate?
Having an estate planning attorney manage the probate process can alleviate a great deal of stress for the family, says the article “Reasons to hire a lawyer for probate” from The Mercury. For one thing, the attorney will know what your state requires in the way of executing the will. You may need to pay a state inheritance … Continue reading Do I Need an Attorney for Probate?
How Do I Protect Myself and My Children in a Second Marriage?
In first marriages, working together to raise children can solidify a marriage. However, in a second marriage, the adult children are in a different position altogether. If important estate planning issues are not addressed, the relationship between the siblings and the new spouses can have serious consequences, according to an article titled “Into the Breach; Getting … Continue reading How Do I Protect Myself and My Children in a Second Marriage?
What Does a Will Do and Not Do?
Estate plans are like life—over time, it changes, people are added and subtracted and your wishes and goals change. Regardless of your income, amount of assets or family circumstances, everyone wants to minimize taxes and facilitate a smooth transfer of property at death. Consider a recent aptly named article titled “Does Your Estate Plan Call for … Continue reading What Does a Will Do and Not Do?
What Is a Pour-Over Will?
A pour-over will is a particular kind of will created to work with a trust, with a goal of facilitating the transfer of assets if the person creating the trust (the grantor) has not transferred all of their assets into the trust. This happens more often than you’d think. How do you know if you … Continue reading What Is a Pour-Over Will?
Does ‘Gray Divorce’ Fit into Estate Planning?
According to the Pew Research Center, the divorce rate has more than doubled for people over 50 since the 1990s. According to the AARP’s article entitled “Getting Divorced? It’s Time to Update Your Caregiving Plan.” A divorce can be financially draining. Moreover, later-in-life divorces frequently impact women’s finances more than men’s. That is because in addition … Continue reading Does ‘Gray Divorce’ Fit into Estate Planning?