Crowdfunding has made its way deep into the social consciousness. These online group fundraising efforts have successfully returned cult-classic TV shows back to the air, like Mystery Science Theater 3000, and helped smaller video game studios fund hits, like the follow up to the beloved game Psychonauts.But crowdfunding not only affects entertainment ventures. More and … [Read more...]
Preparing for the Unexpected: What Happens to Your Kids if Something Happens to You?
At age 53, Pennie Krietemeier and her husband Randy Krietemeier did not expect to be raising a five year old. But, they also did not expect that their former honor roll student and star softball player daughter would spend her twenties struggling with opioid addiction, in and out of rehab, and unable to care for her son.The Krietemeiers are not alone. The opioid epidemic is … [Read more...]
Safeguarding Your Estate Planning Documents: Where to Secure These Important Papers?
Colorado is free from many of the natural disasters that plague other states. It’s pretty hard for a hurricane to hit our land-locked area, and we’re a fairly low flood-risk state. However, the natural disasters we do get – especially tornadoes and wildfires – tend to hit relatively hard. This year alone there have been more than 25 wildfires, and state officials have predicted … [Read more...]
What We Can Learn from Barbara Bush about End-of-Life Care
Barbara Bush, who died on April 17, 2018 at the age of 92, led a rich, fascinating life and was also very thoughtful when it came to her death.She was known as someone of great compassion who also had an acerbic wit. (According to historian Jon Meacham, during her final days in the hospital, Bush jokingly asked a nurse if she wanted to know “why George W. turned out the way … [Read more...]
Why You Need to Include Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan
The digital age has made many aspects of life much more convenient. We simply post a photo to update our family and friends about our status. Purchased movies and songs can be streamed to any device seamlessly. We can send and receive detailed conversations in an instant.Our lives are getting increasingly digital and that’s a trend that’s only going to increase. In fact, … [Read more...]
“Before I Die” Boards Encourage Community to Think About Life
A number of thought-provoking blackboards have appeared around Colorado in the past few months. Written in bold letters across the top is the phrase, “Before I Die I Want To…”. It is the job of passersby to complete the thought.The boards are part of the Before I Die project that helps people reflect on their lives. They are a small part of a larger movement that is … [Read more...]
Estate Planning and Succession Planning: Helping to Pass Along a Family Business’ Values as well as Assets
Family-owned businesses are the backbone of the American economy, accounting for 64 percent of U.S. gross domestic product. However, they face unique challenges in trying to remain family owned while nurturing the values that led to success.For example, in 1850, German immigrant Bernhard Stroh opened a brewery in Detroit. One hundred and thirty years later, that company, … [Read more...]
Tax Changes and Estate Planning
How the Recent Tax Changes Impact Your Estate PlanningEstate planning is something that many people put off doing. And with the recent passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, those same people may feel that they can push estate planning even further down their list of priorities.Under this new tax plan, individuals can give away up to $11.2 million when they die without … [Read more...]
Avoiding the Mess: Why Estate Planning is Essential for Blended Families
The winter months, in addition to being a cold, grey slog, have the dubious distinction of “divorce season”. But there is a silver lining to every rain/snow cloud. Just as leaves will bud and flowers will shoot up from the earth, divorce season turns to wedding season in the spring and love will bloom again.However, tying the knot for a second time can also cause some … [Read more...]
Divorce and Estate Planning
Divorce and its Impact on Estate PlanningThe spring and summer months are ripe with weddings, so much so that the time is frequently referred to as “wedding season”.But, did you know that there is also a “divorce season”Beginning in early January and peaking near the end of March, divorce filings spike.“Many couples see the holidays as an opportunity … [Read more...]
