The House Ways and Means Committee recently proposed a draft tax bill that, if passed, could create some serious impacts on current estate planning strategies, and much quicker than expected. Below is a summary; to read the full details, click on the link at the end of this post. The Estate and ...

After more than a year of wearing masks, virtual learning, and keeping our distance, kids are going back to in-school learning. But for some children, the pandemic has left a serious emotional and developmental impact. Activities that would have felt safe and normal pre-pandemic, like making new ...

You've worked hard and handled your responsibilities and now you're ready to retire. Congratulations! How do you envision spending your newly found freedom? We've compiled a list that is sure to give you some great ideas on designing your retirement life, whether you're feeling adventurous, want to reconnect with your passions, or desire some quiet time.

On Father's Day, there are many different ways to celebrate your dad, the father of your children, or an important father figure in your life. We've compiled a list of activities to make this Father's Day memorable for you and him. The key ingredient in all of them? Spending time with the people ...

Estate Planning is important for everyone no matter their age or socioeconomic status. If you don't have an Estate Plan, you are leaving yourself, your assets, and your loved ones unprotected in the event of your disability or death. Here are the most common mistakes people make with regards to Estate Planning.

Holiday traditions can be beautiful things that add to your faith and strengthen your family life. But as life isn't static, neither are traditions. Family changes, like children becoming adults, marriage, divorce, the loss of a loved one, or the addition of a new family member can cause a shift ...

Important documentation, such as a business plan, an operating agreement, annual lists, licenses, employment/contractor agreements, insurance policies, etc., come together to make the "guts" of your business. If your company is missing some essential foundational documents, you're not only hindering your ability to succeed but also opening yourself for unnecessary legal risk as your corporate veil could be pierced. Also, if your business is lacking in this area, what other gaps are you facing that you might not be aware of?

There's a new approach to marriage I'd like to share with you. It's the concept of focusing on you and your partner's well-being and enjoyment ahead of accumulating money, climbing a career ladder, or bending to the pressure to constantly be "on." It's the deliberate and intentional change in val...

There's a sign in my office that reads, "Find something you would die for, and live for it." It's a philosophy I take seriously and encourage others to follow. I believe we should all create significance in our lives by following our passions and having a positive impact on others. Because if we'...

The holidays are meant to be a time of gratitude and connection. However, for some, the holidays tend to be a stressful time marked with irritating, awkward, and sometimes heated conversations. And this year, there might be even more minefields to navigate; in addition to the normal irritants of ...

Words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. These are the "5 Love Languages" as written in Gary Chapman's bestseller. His book challenges us to recognize which type of "language" we speak to others to show we care as well as consider which type we pre...

Whatever our expectations for the year were at the start of it most surely went right out the window when the pandemic engulfed us. Goals and plans were scrapped or put on indefinite hold while adapting to the rapidly evolving situation. Now that the lockdowns have lifted, and we are all tentativ...

Freelancing isn't just for millennials: whether they're looking to earn extra income, have flexible work options, bulk up their retirement funds, or transition into retirement, baby boomers make up a large chunk of gig economy workers. A study by FreshBooks shows that 49 percent of freelancers ...

The public reaction to the coronavirus outbreak shows how being unprepared for disasters can cause fear and anxiety and turn our finances upside-down within a matter of days. That's why we compiled steps you can take right now to not only help you through this pandemic but also prepare you for future emergency situations. With preparation comes peace-of-mind knowing you and your family are protected against whatever comes your way.

Romance comes easily at the beginning of a relationship. Everything is new, thrilling, and romantic gestures are abundant. Once the newness is replaced with familiarity and you settle into everyday life with your partner, the excitement and spontaneity can fade. It's natural to get swept up in ...

Those of you who have accrued sizeable retirement plans or IRA accounts with the hopes of retiring well and leaving a nest egg for your beneficiaries need to know the facts about the new SECURE Act of 2020. Effective on January 1, 2020, the law expands opportunities for people to increase their retirement savings and significantly modifies the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules. The law changes could require proactive planning and alterations to your estate plan to protect the retirement you deserve and the legacy you want to leave.

Getting together over the holidays can be a stressful time if you're planning on having a difficult conversation with a loved one. We might have a tendency to avoid or delay it as much as possible, but in order to have a strong relationship with that person, these kinds of conversations are neces...

Approaching a difficult conversation with a loved one can be daunting and stressful. But, as with anything important, proper planning can help ease your stress and give you the confidence you need to have a satisfying and productive dialogue. Here are some tips on how to plan ahead. Set the ti...

Healthy relationships don’t just happen. They’re created, challenged, maintained and nurtured. Over the course of our relationships with loved ones, it’s natural to be met with conflict at some point, whether that be unresolved issues, unexpressed challenges or concerns about their health or happiness. We tend to put these conversations off because we’re fearful of how the other person will react and how it will impact the relationship. However, in order to enjoy deep, meaningful connections with other people we need to be able to face uncomfortable and difficult conversations. Sharing our perspective, clearing the air or letting someone know how we feel are crucial elements to relational depth. If you’ve been avoiding or dreading a tough conversation, consider these tips on how to begin the process of preparing yourself before the big talk.

For those of us who didn’t extend our tax deadline, our 2018 taxes are done. Whew! By now, we have seen the impact the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) had on our 2018 tax liabilities. With the second quarter of 2019 already underway, it’s prime time to review your Estate Plan to address and resolve any tax liabilities you faced this last tax season and plan thoughtfully for the rest of 2019. Let’s review what you should be aware of and plan for in 2019.

Move over, Marie Kondo: There's a new decluttering phenomenon in town and it has a funny name. Döstӓdning, or “death cleaning” is a Swedish decluttering process that has been picking up steam after the release of Margareta Magnusson's book “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.” It's exactl...

Choosing the right beneficiary(ies) of your IRA is one of the most important and crucial decisions you can make in estate planning. Choose wisely and you can ensure your legacy is passed on and your heirs receive huge benefits through tax-deferred growth. Choose poorly (or not choose at all) and your assets could go to the wrong people, get paid out too quickly and/or could get hit with high estate taxes. The right choice for one is not necessarily the right choice for another. Sundvick Legacy Center is here to answer your questions and present your options.

What if you could control and protect your wealth while you were alive and well and have confidence that, in the event you become disabled, those you choose will have authority to take care of you and your family? And, what if you could intentionally transfer your values and assets after your death to whom you want, the way you want, when you want, while optimizing administrative costs and tax savings? You can do all of that and more with a Living Trust as the foundation of your Estate Plan. Have you wondered if a Living Trust is right for you? If you have a will, do you also need a Living Trust? Lizette B. Sundvick, Esq., founder of Sundvick Legacy Center, explains the benefits and differences so you can make educated decisions about your Estate Plan and ensure you leave your legacy by design, not by default.

Will you have enough money to last you through retirement? With the average life expectancy at 78.7 years old and data suggesting around half of Americans currently in their mid-50s are expected to live to be 90 years old, your retirement money will need to stretch farther than the generation before you. Have you started planning? It's never too early to start; the sooner you start, the better off you'll be come retirement. Every life stage has its own action steps you should take to meet your goals for retirement. If you're already a few life stages in and feel like you haven't done enough, don't worry; Sundvick Legacy Center is here to help guide you through the journey towards financial health and a retirement that you deserve.

Studies prove the theory that the older you get, the fewer friends you have. Scientists from Aalto University in Finland and the University of Oxford in England found that people start decreasing their friend pool around the age of 25 and the decline continues up to retirement. With data confirming that friends are essential to our medical, psychological and social well-being as we age, what can we do to keep a good circle of friends?