Tuesday with Tom

Not sure if you should have a Will or a Trust? Tom discusses six reasons for choosing a Trust over a Will.

Due to recent changes in Michigan Law, you might find that your bank, credit union or financial services company will no longer accept that Certificate of Trust that was prepared as part of your estate plan. In today’s episode, Tom discusses what these changes are, and how banks, credit unions and financial services companies are requiring updated Certificates of Trust.

Have you fully considered what can happen if you make a child a joint owner on your account? Whether it is to avoid probate or help you pay your bills, Tom explains 3 reasons why you should not make that bank account jointly owned with your child.

The Michigan Department of Treasury has millions of dollars in lost or forgotten assets from dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes, stock certificates etc. Does any of it belong to you? Tom tells you how to find out, and what to do to get it.

Volunteering during retirement … you have a lifetime of living to share…and it just might prolong a better life

Summer is here...but is your Estate plan ready for your summer vacation?

Are you thinking about giving away your assets in order to qualify for Medicaid? Be sure that you understand what the 5 year Medicaid look back period is, and how it might affect your planning.

Tom discusses the 5 most common lies people tell themselves to avoid estate planning...are you guilty?

They do not go well together like peanut butter and jelly. Listen to today’s episode if you are concerned about protecting your loved one’s privacy when you die.

Based upon his 40 years of experience in working with clients, Tom explains what every estate plan must include.

You are wrong to think that you don’t need a Will just because you have a Living Trust…find out why before it is too late…

In today’s episode, Tom discusses options that you have to protect the inheritance that your child receives from you from going to their spouse in the event of a divorce.

In today's episode, learn what a Health Care Power of Attorney or Advanced Directive is…..why you need one…..and what can happen if you do not have one. And, in recognition of National Healthcare Decisions Day, learn about the special savings we are offering to listeners on a Health Care Power of Attorney.

Be sure to listen to today’s program to find out if your debts will have to be paid after you die and, if so, will your Spouse or children have to pay them.

In today’s episode, Tom discusses the options that are available when settling an estate where the balance on the mortgage exceeds the value of the home.

The number one mistake that people make after creating their estate plan is failing to keep it up to date. Make reviewing and updating your Estate Plan part of your Spring Cleaning.

To help avoid family conflict, be sure that there will be adequate cash available in your estate to pay ongoing expenses until your home is sold.

As we begin our 4th year of "Tuesday with Tom", Tom reviews a number of the most popular topics that have been covered during the last 3 years.

In today’s episode, Tom discusses the headaches and expenses that you can incur if you do not get a deed from the seller when you pay off your land contract.

In today’s episode, Tom answer a question that many clients ask when they have a home or other land for sale, and they are working on funding their Living Trust.

In today's episode, Tom describes when your Power of Attorney for Finances and your Power of Attorney For Health Care become effective so that your named Agent has authority to act on your behalf.

Tom explains how a transfer of assets under Michigan's Uniform Transfer To Minor's Act (UTMA) can be used to provide trust like benefits for a minor until age 21

In today's episode, Tom discusses several reasons why it might be better to leave your assets in your trust for your adult children, instead of having them inherit the property outright.

In today’s episode, Tom explains what a Michigan Domestic Asset Trust is, and how it can be used to protect assets from your creditors.

Tom discusses 3 important issues that every senior should consider before getting remarried.