With our daily lives changing constantly during the current COVID pandemic, unforeseeable circumstances may prevent real estate owners and tenants from being able to complete the duties outlined in their rental contracts. This situation is referred to as Force Majeure, a common clause in contracts that essentially frees both parties from liability or obligation when an extraordinary event or circumstance happens beyond the control of either party.
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The SECURE Act: How it Affects Estate Planning and What to Do
With the introduction of the Setting Every Community Up For Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act in effect as of January 1, 2020, new and big changes have been made that affect one large aspect of retirement accounts: the payout process for beneficiaries. Previously, those who inherited someone’s retirement account were able to spread withdrawals from the account over the course of their lifetime. However, under the SECURE Act, beneficiaries are now required to withdraw all funds from an account within a 10 year period.
Read moreThe SECURE Act: How it Affects Estate Planning and What to Do
Why and How to Provide for a Pet In Your Estate Plan
Oh, the burden of setting up an estate plan. With so many steps to take in the process of planning your estate, it can be easy to unintentionally leave some important things out, such as providing for the furry member of your family in your overall plan – your pet.
Read moreWhy and How to Provide for a Pet In Your Estate Plan
Why It’s Important to Have An Estate Plan If You Are Over 18
If you’re over the age of 18, regardless of financial status or property owned, it’s important to set the measures of an estate plan for health purposes. Estate plans not only allow for finances to be managed in the case of an accident, but they also amount to a number of other important measures that any individual should consider.
Read moreWhy It’s Important to Have An Estate Plan If You Are Over 18
COVID-19: The Ultimate Guide to Estate Planning
With the COVID-19 pandemic at large and death rates continuing to rise, the US now has more known cases than both China and Italy. During this current crisis, it’s best to remain calm and use this “stay well at home” time to do things you’ve been putting off. One such thing that may be worth considering during this unprecedented situation is setting up an estate plan.
Wills vs. Trusts: Which Should You Choose?
Estate planning is a necessity for anyone with finances and property intended to pass on to another person or organization. How to plan your estate, however, is a larger question best answered by this fact: if you plan on leaving anything you own to beneficiaries, you will want to decide between using will or a trust – or potentially both. To help you make the most informed decision, here are wills and trusts explained:
Red Flags When Purchasing a Home
Purchasing a home can present many issues that must be acknowledged beforehand in order to prevent future issues. While in the process of looking for a home to buy, there are a number of things to look out for financially, psychologically, and physically when viewing any potential home.
Red flags can give any homebuyer insight into whether the decision to purchase a specific home is worth it. Circumstances associated with both the selling party and the buying party can give some insight into the home itself.
Here are some red flags to look out for when purchasing a home:
Different Types of Real Property Taxes and Fees
Taxes invade almost every aspect of our daily lives and property ownership is no exemption. When investing in such a large asset it is important to understand the different types of real property taxes and fees associated with the purchase. Although the process of buying a home is often handled by a real estate agent, it is important to know the ins and outs of each tax and fee associated with buying a property.
5 Things to Think About: Choosing the Right Guardian for Your Child
Having children adds a new and extremely important dimension to your estate planning. You must designate a responsible guardian for your children while they are minors, in case you or your partner are no longer able to care for them. Choosing the right guardian for your child is one of the hardest and most important … Read more5 Things to Think About: Choosing the Right Guardian for Your Child
5 Things to Do When You Get an Inheritance
Receiving an inheritance from a family member may seem like a blessing, but sometimes it can feel like a curse. In the next three to four decades, $30 trillion will transfer from baby boomers to their heirs. A lump sum of money may seem like it will last you a lifetime, but most people go through it in just a couple of years.