General Blogs

I will be a featured speaker at the National Business Institute CLE seminar “Estate Administration Step-by-Step - An Interactive Workshop” on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at the Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax. My presentation will cover a complete walkthrough of final accounting, distributions and closings. For more information: Estate Administration Step-by-Step - An Interactive WorkshopRead More

Probate is the legal process of administering an estate after someone dies in Northern Virginia, and in most states. It's a complicated maze, leading to many misconceptions. Let's dispel some of the most pervasive myths about probate and set you on the path toward better understanding of what lies ahead. Myth #1: A will is valid once it is on…Read More

Until state authorities intervened to help Yvette James get control of her father's remains, James was stuck in a nightmare of red tape. All she wanted was to rightfully fulfill her father’s burial wishes, something she should have legally been allowed to do from the get-go. Left out of Dad's burial planning It seems Yvette James was wrongly excluded from her…Read More

Perpetual trusts: good or bad? The principle of this tool is up for debate. Perpetual trusts allow trust creators to maintain some control after they pass, and help protect fortunes from taxes and creditors. However, people who set up these perpetual trusts in states where they’re legal could have some headaches as lawsuits brought in a state where the trusts…Read More

Pre-retirees need to consider a lot more than snow days and tradition, according to a recent Bankrate report and Investor Ideas article. Where you live now "During their careers, the 'acquiring wealth years,' many people live in places that have lots of jobs – and the higher cost of living that goes along with that," the article says. "In retirement, many of them…Read More

Most of us never look twice at the fine print of the frequent flier rewards program’s terms and conditions. The type is so small and there’s so much of it … but if you did, you’d probably see language stating that any accumulated points are not transferable on death. Some heirs have found that having the right documents and asking…Read More

Tax planning for high wage earners is better done looking ahead three or five years, according to a recent post on cnbc.com, If you see a trend, such as an increase or reduction in income, you can alter your deductions or deferrals. Leverage income-producers To avoid adding to your tax burden, make sure to leverage some income-producing investments, like bonds and…Read More

Take the chill off your weekend in downtown Historic Manassas where new casual eateries add to the upscale vibe of longtime favorites, creating a Northern Virginia dining hot spot. Make friends with the new coffeehouse, Mexican Tequila bar and casual pub, but don’t forget the old favorites. We bring you both below, as you plan your weekend visit to this charming…Read More

Adult children who become caregivers often pay a steep price. However, with some smart strategies, you can avoid sabotaging your financial future. What can you do ahead of time to help ease the financial burden of caring for your aging parents? Look into potential tax breaks. As noted in a recent article in Oprah Magazine, titled “Sanity-Saving Secrets For Caring…Read More