It’s Never Too Late…

…to get remarried.  Whenever I meet with a couple to discuss their estate planning, we nearly always discuss Elaine (your husband’s next wife).  Would it be a problem if your spouse remarried and assets intended for your children instead went to your replacement?  When I bring this up, I can’t tell you how many people…

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Be Careful of Scams

Many people have recently received phone calls and messages from various scam artists. There’s the call from someone claiming to be an officer from the Internal Revenue Service. “The reason behind this call is to inform you that a lawsuit has been filed under your name and an arrest warrant has been issued.” I got…

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Estate Planning Is Important, Not Urgent—An Update on My Dad

I have often said that estate planning is important, but is not urgent—at least until it’s too late. We often take much for granted, especially our health. Four weeks ago, my father, who lives in Tucson and was in better shape physically than me, fainted while standing and talking to others at a potluck pool…

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The Dangers of Not Seeking Counsel

Sometimes people want to simplify how to pass their house to their children.  At the same time, many are hesitant to spend money to seek legal advice.  Unfortunately, these two factors can converge to create harmful results—often leading to the proverb “you get what you pay for.” A father wanted to leave his house to…

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What You Don’t Ask Can Cost You

Here’s a true story I heard recently from a Phoenix colleague. A client wanted to invest her IRA in real estate, so she opened a self-directed IRA, which required forming an LLC in the process. (This is becoming more common in today’s investing environment.) The client later decided to remodel the property, and hired a…

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Children’s Performances at the Berger Performance Center

For those of you who enjoy watching kids perform, my son Corey has several upcoming shows the next few weeks. He performs for Kids Unlimited at their Fall show this Friday at 7 pm and Saturday at 3 pm at the Berger Performance Center at the School for the Deaf & Blind on Speedway near…

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Story on Organ Donation

Many of you know that I’m a big college football fan. I especially enjoy when sports can show the best of humanity. Please enjoy the following video about how the heart of a six-month old baby who died helped save another baby’s life and brought diehard Louisiana State (LSU) and Auburn fans together. (Normally LSU…

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10 Gruesome Estate Planning Mistakes

I will be presenting a shortened version of my Ten Gruesome Estate Planning Mistakes presentation in two weeks at Frey Financial’s September educational event. 

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Don’t fall for these scams…

I recently received the following voicemail on my cell phone: “This message is intended to talk to you. My name is Steve Martin and I’m calling regarding an enforcement action executed by the US Treasury intending your immediate attention. Ignoring this will be an intentional second attempt to avoid an initial hearing before a magistrate…

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