Category: Family Needs

What’s inside this article? When does your child need to file a tax return? What documents will they need to gather? Common first-time mistakes to watch out for Creating an opportunity to build financial literacy When professional help may make sense   There are a lot of “firsts” that mark the transition into adulthood — [...]

What’s in this article? State tax considerations for Oregon and Washington residents Taking advantage of the annual and lifetime gift tax exclusion Making direct payments for education and healthcare Gifting to 529 Plans Using custodial accounts and trust structures as a tool for gifting to grandkids   Many of the grandparents that I work with [...]

In this article (read below or download here): Getting started with a multi-generational philanthropy tradition How donor-advised funds (DAF) offer both flexibility and tax advantages Building a legacy with a family foundation How Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) can play a role in family giving The most significant thing we can pass on to the next [...]

For the past two years, I’ve been the primary caregiver for my 94-year-old mom.  The experience has been both challenging and—unexpectedly—rewarding. Everyone’s journey looks different, but there are common threads. Caring for aging parents requires planning, flexibility, compassion, and a strong support system. Here are a few lessons that I’ve learned that may help guide [...]

Summary points: This article outlines and describes some of the most important legal documents you’ll need to include as part of your end-of-life planning, including: Your last will and/or living trust determine how assets are passed on after your death; a living trust may also determine how assets are used and distributed if you are [...]

Serious illness and the imminent passing of a family member or close friend can be one of the most challenging and heart-wrenching times in a person’s life. Luckily, the ability of healthcare professionals to work alongside patients and family members as they face these difficult moments is rising to the challenge. Hospice is one of [...]

79.6 million family households include at least one family member with a disability, and 23.6% of all families include at least one adult with a disability. Source: U.S. Census Bureau When a family member is newly living with a disability, life changes suddenly and profoundly for everyone in their family, not just the injured individual. [...]

When it comes to gifting to children, especially teenagers, we often think of material items or memorable experiences. While those are meaningful, one of the most powerful and often overlooked gifts is helping them begin building wealth for themselves, particularly through one important tool: the Roth IRA. Roth IRAs offer a powerful opportunity for savers [...]

Talking about money can be uncomfortable for many people; it’s taboo in our culture to reveal too much about our finances, often even with those closest to us. Additionally, discussions about money can generate strong emotions, or feel intimidating and overwhelming. But as parents become grandparents, retire, and begin thinking about building their legacy and [...]