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stockfresh_181218_last-will-and-testament_sizeS_72a2cb-300x225It is a given that the last will is the cornerstone of estate planning. A person’s estate is in some legal jeopardy without that document. Unfortunately, some folks do not want to think about death, and the last will is the last item on their bucket list. It is a bad mistake. Those who die without a will leave their estate, including personal property, real estate, personal investments, and bank accounts in the dark realm known as intestate. That is no walk in a flower garden.

Intestacy Law and the Probate Court Continue reading

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stockfresh_636353_stethoscope-laying-on-stacks-of-money_sizeS-300x200We are coming to the end of the year, and many people are more concerned about credit card balances than other expenses. We understand that Christmas is the season for slapping the plastic around, but gift buying is only one concern. Additional costs can train wreck a family budget, and one of these is medical costs. These may require some creative management strategies.

Paying The Bill Continue reading

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stockfresh_6387113_gavel-and-stethoscope-on-table_sizeS-300x200A living will is not the same as the last will, although it is sensible to any financial planning. Living wills are the directives you provide to family and healthcare providers should you become unresponsive. The contents of this document mold critical health care decisions, and care needs to be used in preparing one.

Terms and Conditions Continue reading

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stockfresh_5532754_home-mortgage-concept_sizeS-300x300There is still a lot of activity in the American real estate market, and prices are projected to keep rising in some markets well into 2022. House buyers do not want to wait and want to get that home of their dreams. One significant challenge for someone who never bought a home is understanding the real estate market. Buying a house is not as easy as purchasing a pair of shoes.

You Pay Dearly for What You Do Not Know Continue reading

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stockfresh_1627257_estate-planning-word-cloud-concept_sizeS-300x300It is essential to provide employees with the type of benefits they can use. These services cannot just gather dust on a shelf but must be available to assist with everyday problems. For example, legal advice is something that employees can use. It doesn’t mean that employees are involved in complicated lawsuits. Instead, there are common concerns people need to address, and group legal plans can help. An example is the drafting of a simple will.

 

Thinking About the Future

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stockfresh_2912650_what-do-i-do-now-thinking-person-thinker-question_sizeS-297x300The idea that young employees live a carefree life is a fantasy. These folks are learning to adjust to life outside the dormitory that is not always easy. Managing money is a stressful challenge for them.

 

It is not because they are not making enough money. On the contrary, those who have high-tech skills are doing rather well. They can afford to move out of their parent’s house, but they often run into financial troubles. Recent developments are causing many to deal with a double whammy.

 

The eviction moratorium is lifting, and those who forgot to pay rent face sizable debt. The same is true for college debt, and lenders want their money as soon as possible. Some young employees get into bad spending habits and rely too much on credit cards. That type of obligation charges double-digit interest rates, and the hefty balances are not getting any smaller. Financial wellness is moving from being a problem to a crisis. Continue reading

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stockfresh_1104622_falling-credit-cards_sizeS-300x200It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas if you believe in retail stores. Some are starting to get the decorations out and are planning their holiday campaigns. It is a time of love and giving. But unfortunately, Christmas is also a time when credit cards get maxed out.

Folks have a hard time saying “no” in December, which will get them in financial trouble. They may already be stretched to the limit on their plastic. Credit card balances, and the interest charged on those figures, can wreak havoc on anyone’s finances. Paying those bills adds to the stress and anxiety of many employees. Continue reading

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stockfresh_260360_read-the-fine-print_sizeS-200x300Employee well-being has become a primary issue in the employee benefits arena. Workers want more than the standard group health and life insurance plans. MetLife’s 2020 Employee Benefits Trends Study discovered that whenever employers provide benefits that support the well-being of their associates, that organization is rewarded with better productivity and engagement. The same study showed that 82% of respondents indicated that legal services were either a nice to have or must have employee benefit. Group legal plans are now essential, and an employee wants assistance with issues such as reviewing legal documents. Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services offer legal document review as one of the benefits options in the group legal plan benefit. Continue reading

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stockfresh_6378534_financial-freedom-concept_sizeS-300x192We have all faced some tough times recently, but not all of us are in financial trouble. Many are being paid a good wage and can pay their bills. They are not the ones who desperately need help, but they do appreciate some guidance. An employer gains employee loyalty when that assistance is provided.

Helping the Workers

Generation Z wants to be financially responsible. Their challenge is that they do not know what to do. Younger people try to create budgets but sometimes get lost in the figures. Older employees are starting families and are thinking of buying a house. They are uncertain about real estate, bewildered by the terminology, and have trouble selecting the best mortgage. Any advice from a professional will save these employees thousands of dollars. Senior aged employees face issues with medical bills. They worry they may have to postpone retirement because of the high cost of medical treatment. Continue reading

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stockfresh_7255035_consumer-protection_sizeS-300x150The Internet has changed the marketplace, and cyberspace continually challenges consumers to seek protection from fraud and other unethical activity. There is no question that Internet-based scams are different from the traditional crimes that justify consumer protection laws. Buyers must beware of what is going on in the ether without their knowledge.

There are Retail Protections for the Online Consumer

The greatest threat to consumers on the web centers on private information. A negative option offers a free service or product to an online consumer, but credit or debit card information is requested when the consumer registers online. The vendor uses that information to enroll the consumer in a membership program and immediately sends monthly bills. Likewise, a data pass will happen when an online consumer buys something from a merchant. The payment is processed by an independent third party, who then sells the consumer’s personal information. Continue reading