General Information

Courts Weight Adult’s Children’s Responsibilities in Parents’ Care Costs

Court Weight Adult'sChildren - Patti Spencer

Can an Adult Child be Held Responsible for a Parent’s Nursing Home Costs? On May 7, 2012 the Pennsylvania Superior Court issued an opinion in the case of Healthcare Retirement Corporation of America v. Pittas. The court found a son liable for his mother’s $93,000 nursing home bill under Pennsylvania’s Filial Responsibility Law. This high-profile… Read More

There’s No Such Thing as a Simple Will

There's No Such Thing as a Simple Will - Patti Spencer

“For every human problem, there is a neat, simple solution and it is always wrong.” H. L. Mencken “I  want a simple will.”  Estate planning attorneys often hear this from clients. What do they mean? Simple to them means short and inexpensive. Short is not always better. If you need open heart surgery do you… Read More

Payout Options for ROTH IRA Beneficiaries

Roth IRAs do not have minimum distribution requirements during the account owner’s lifetime. Age 70½ can come and go and no distributions are required. This allows more wealth to accumulate tax-free as the assets stay in the Roth IRA and earnings are reinvested tax-free. Roth IRAs are a great tool to consider in estate planning.… Read More

How the Government Shutdown Affects the IRS

In anticipation of a government shutdown, the Treasury Department announced on September 27 procedures for the IRS and other agencies under its jurisdiction in the event of a government shutdown after the end of fiscal year (FY) 2013. Only 9 percent of the IRS’s personnel are allowed to work. The IRS website states: “Due to… Read More

PBI Solo & Small Firm Conference Thur. & Fri, August 1-2, 2013

Strategic solutions for solo to mid-size firms.  Omni Bedford Springs Resort. I will be presenting on “Tax Aspects of the Healthcare Act” and “Probate and Estate Administration for the Solo / Small Practitioner.” Check out the brochure:  Solo-Small-Firm-Conference-2013-final.pdf. Hope to see you there!

The Top Ten Money Excuses

Thank you to Peterson Hastings for posting this article by Jim Parker, Vice President, DFA Australia Limited: “Human beings have an astounding facility for self-deception when it comes to our own money. We tend to rationalize our own fears. So instead of just recognizing how we feel and reflecting on the thoughts that creates, we cut… Read More