Christmas Gifts in the Good Old Modern Days

Posted on November 28, 2015 by Hawkins Elder Law.

[See our Disclaimers page about relying on this website’s contents.] The “holiday” retail season has expanded beyond December into Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and pre-Thanksgiving sales. We could complain about Christmas commercialization and mourn the loss of Christmas past, but holiday sale jingles would drown out those objections. So what are we to do about […]

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10 Tips To Be Prepared

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Hawkins Elder Law.

[See our Disclaimers page about relying on this website’s contents.] People often forget to keep their important papers in order. Disorganization can rob you of the chance to react quickly in critical or important moments. Disorganization can lead to serious errors after your death or if someone is helping you manage your business during a […]

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What’s in a Will?

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Hawkins Elder Law.

[See our Disclaimers page about relying on this website’s contents.] Think for a moment about what “last will and testament” means to you. Maybe the term reminds you of a movie with a widow dressed in black, perhaps wearing a black veil. You may think about a deceased person’s family gathered at a lawyer’s office […]

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Power of Attorney – An Estate Plan’s Most Powerful Tool

Posted on October 24, 2015 by Hawkins Elder Law.

New clients often ask us to prepare wills and we prepare wills for most of our estate planning clients. We tell clients that wills are important to deal with the business of dying, but death is not usually the biggest issue. A debilitating stroke or other illness can make a power of attorney (often called […]

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In Financial & Healthcare Decisions, “Trust, But Verify”

Posted on September 26, 2015 by Hawkins Elder Law.

[See our Disclaimers page about relying on this website’s contents.] Many people today struggle with how to invest money and what to do when a family member faces a health crisis. When you lack expertise for urgent financial and healthcare decisions, take decision-making advice from former US President Ronald Reagan: “trust, but verify.” Mr. Reagan […]

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Stretching Wealth & Protecting Inheritance

Posted on September 19, 2015 by Hawkins Elder Law.

[See our Disclaimers page about relying on this website’s contents.] Entrusting inheritance to family members requires some thought about how family members will manage the money. You’ve worked hard for your money and a poor steward can blow it in no time. Relatively simple planning can help build and protect a financial legacy for future […]

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Social Security Retirement Income Mathematics

Posted on September 12, 2015 by Hawkins Elder Law.

[See our Disclaimers page about relying on this website’s contents.] The old saying that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush works most of the time, but it may not apply for everyone concerning Social Security retirement income benefits. In fact, the Social Security system rewards people for delaying their retirement […]

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Are You Asking the Right Questions about Wills?

Posted on August 22, 2015 by Hawkins Elder Law.

[See our Disclaimers page about relying on this website’s contents.] Financial experts often say that if you die without a last will and testament, the state will decide who gets your assets. That statement is true if you die owning assets without joint owners and without naming beneficiaries of bank accounts, insurance policies, retirement plans, […]

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Helping Ourselves

Posted on August 16, 2015 by Hawkins Elder Law.

[See our Disclaimers page about relying on this website’s contents.] As our local schools reopen consider this wish list: new band instruments and industrial arts resources for our schools; new audio equipment and nursery facilities for local church congregations; enhanced pediatric resources for our hospitals; and improved family recreation resources in our parks. Your local […]

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Financial Advisor Certifications, Titles, and Pedigrees

Posted on August 8, 2015 by Hawkins Elder Law.

[See our Disclaimers page about relying on this website’s contents.] “Professor” Herald Hill, the con-artist from the acclaimed musical The Music Man, wowed River City, Iowa, with his fancy talk and fake credentials. The magic of Broadway and Hollywood gave us a happy ending that does not often appear in the real world. When consultants, […]

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