Hastings Community Education

The trust is a very popular component and tool to be used in our Estate Planning. However, there are a variety of vastly different Trust options to be used and the question arises: “Am I using the right Trust for my needs and goals?” Often used Trusts include: Living Trusts, Testamentary Trusts and Irrevocable Trusts, each serves a different purpose, each has a different result. One common problem that often needs addressing is the over-utilization of the Living Trust for goals or problems that it does not resolve. For example, “Does my Living Trust protect my assets against Medicaid and the nursing home?” The answer is probably not. The Irrevocable Trust and the Testamentary Trust each have their strengths and weaknesses as well. We will clearly define the strengths and weaknesses of these different types of Trusts and when to use them. Explore your goals and wishes to see where they fall in the realm of Trusts. Class encourages questions and we hope to provide answers that will set your mind at ease or assist you in the decision making in this area. A zoom link will be emailed a few days before the start of class.

A vital part of every retirement or resettlement discussion involves the roadmap of issues that help us decide where we want to call home! Is it Taxes, the Political Landscape, the Weather, the location of Family assets, Debt or Income concerns in Retirement, Cost of Living, Health Concerns or . . . our Friends are already there! When should we start this discussion? Did you know many States do not tax Social Security, Pensions or other Qualified Retirement Income sources? Which are the worst states for Estate Taxes? How do we establish Domicile? How about the quality of medical resources and retirement facilities – who is good, who is not-so-good? All these issues will be raised and discussed in an open and friendly manner with questions encouraged. A zoom link will be emailed a few days before the start of class.

This is a relaxed and friendly open-forum seminar for participants with a seasoned Will & Trust attorney. Questions like: Should I avoid Probate? Is a Will good enough? Do I need a Trust? How does my plan deal with the nursing home? How do we gift the assets of husband and wife? What about separate assets not of the marriage? If I am alone, what tools protect me best? How do I decide who should serve in my estate plan? What is the death tax? How do I avoid leaving a mess for my children? Which Trust is best for my needs? Can I use a Transfer-On-Death Deed? How do my retirement assets operate in my Will or Trust? All questions will be answered!

You work your whole career with the goal of someday retiring. This seminar covers the crucial years leading up to your retirement date, the active years of your retirement, and the winding down of your retirement years. Subjects will include: Estate planning while working, during retirement and at the end of life, When to take your Social Security Key financial products and services available in the market (Medicaid compliant annuities, Long Term Care Insurance, Life Insurance Long Term Care Riders) What to look for in a professional (Financial Advisor, CFP, RIA, Fiduciary)? The final plans before the end – what can be too little too late? Please bring your questions, this class is an interactive forum. A zoom link will be emailed a few days before the start of class.