Why Do I Need to Protect My Assets? Protecting your assets isn’t a concern reserved for the very rich. The sad truth is that we live in a litigious society and there are many people out there—perhaps even some who are close to you— who will use the legal system to take control of your money and property.This happens quite frequently when someone passes away. Distant … [Read more...]
What Everyone Can Learn from Aretha Franklin’s Lack of Estate Planning
On August 16, 2018, the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin died at her home in Detroit after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer.Ms. Franklin had many significant accomplishments throughout her career: she was the first woman admitted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, she had 88 Billboard Chart hits, and more than two dozen Top 40 hits.Unfortunately, for her … [Read more...]
How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Financial Elder Abuse
In July 2018, a judge granted a restraining order to protect comic-book creator Stan Lee and his family from a memorabilia collector and former manager of Lee who allegedly embezzled assets worth more than $5 million.The manager, Keya Morgan, is accused of isolating Lee from his daughter, J.C. Lee, and others, in an attempt to control Lee’s business affairs. Morgan is even … [Read more...]
Funeral Crowdfunding Is Not the Answer; Funeral Planning Is
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...]
