Tuesday with Tom

Tom suggests 3 ways to remember your favorite charities at Christmas time, and counts down the top 10 episodes from 2018.

Tom reviews the various limitations that apply to both financial and medical powers of attorney

In today’s episode, Tom explains why using a 529 Plan can be a great way to pay for the costs of college, or K-12 private school tuition, for children or grandchildren.

Tom discusses a number of issues that need to be considered in deciding whether to record a deed to your Trust, including: Mortgage “due on sale” clauses, uncapping property taxes, homeowners Insurance coverage, protecting Tenancy by Entireties protection for married people, and more.

In his continuing discussion about using beneficiary designations to implement your estate plan, Tom discusses how you can use POD or TOD designations to transfer your Michigan LLC or Corporation at the time of your death.

Tom discusses the importance of getting written confirmation of your beneficiary designations, and the problems that can result to your heirs when you don’t.

Tom discusses the use of beneficiary designations to avoid probate, and what happens if your named beneficiary dies before you.

Tom talks about Certificate of Deposit as investments, and how to make your CD yields higher with a CD ladder.

While Tom is meeting with clients in the UP, enjoy this archived episode.....If you or a loved one is thinking about moving to an assisted living facility, explore the options available where the focus is on you and the quality of your life. Tom explores The Village Movement, a national movement to keep people in their own homes, and The Green House Project, where facilities are focused on you and...

If you have a Will, or are thinking about having a Will as part of your Estate Plan, be sure you understand what Wills do and do not do. I discussed 4 common myths that people have about Wills.

Tom discusses a situation where we recommended that a client’s daughter contact her representatives in Washington DC to resolve a legal problem, that ended up saving her thousands of dollars in attorney fees.

Tom explains the differences between Warranty Deeds and Quit Claim Deeds, recording requirements in Michigan, different ways to own real estate, and what a Ladybird Deed is.

Tom explains what an Irrevocable Trust is, how it differs from a Revocable Trust, and how it might be used to avoid or minimize federal estate taxes, serve as an asset protection vehicle, or provide a tool for advanced Medicaid planning or Veterans Survivor's Benefits planning.

Do you have a child that you don’t want to receive any of your estate? Or, maybe you want to be sure that your estate does not to end up going to your child’s spouse or creditors. In today’s episode, Tom discuses the best ways to disinherit a child, or to keep your estate from going to your child’s spouse or creditors.

In this archived episode, Tom discusses Michigan’s Medicaid Estate Recovery law that requires the State of Michigan to recover the cost of Medicaid benefits that were paid for you from your estate after you die. Without proper planning, this can result in the State forcing the sale of your home to reimburse the cost of Medicaid payments.

On August 21 Tom explained what a self-directed IRA is, and how it gives you opportunities to extend your IRA investment options. In today’s episode Tom takes that concept one step further and discusses how a Checkbook IRA might even be a better option if you are interested in alternative investments.

Enjoy this archived episode where Tom explains why if there is a conflict between a beneficiary designation on your bank account and what you say in your Will , the beneficiary designation wins. This also applies to other assets such as life insurance, annuities, retirement accounts and jointly owned real estate.

Did you know that Your IRA does not have to be at your bank or broker? In today’s episode, Tom discusses how you can extend your IRA investment options through a self-directed IRA. Maybe you are interested in rental property, or flipping property, or private loans, or gold, or digital currency. All of these investments can be held by a self-directed IRA.

Did you know that if that child that you sent away to college is in a serious accident, you do not have any legal authority to know about, or make decisions about, their medical care just because you are their parent? Tom discusses the important legal documents that your child should have to give you that authority.

If you are thinking about adding your minor child to the title of your home, or any child for that matter, listen to this episode first. I discuss a number of things that you need to consider before making your child a joint owner of your home, including having to petition the Probate Court to appoint a Conservator, loss of control over your home, liability for your child's creditors, gift taxes,...

While may be difficult to consider, funeral arrangements are a critical component of your estate plan. Failure to clearly communicate your wishes regarding the disposition of your body can lead to tension, disputes and even litigation among your family members during what is already a difficult time. Tom discusses the importance of pre-planning your funeral, and appointing a Funeral Representative...

Continuing with last week's discussion about staying in your own home, Aging-in-place Home Remodeling is making changes to your existing home, so you can live in it safely, independently and comfortably as you age.

If you or a loved one is thinking about moving to an assisted living facility, explore the options available where the focus is on you and the quality of your life. Tom explores The Village Movement, a national movement to keep people in their own homes, and The Green House Project, where facilities are focused on you and your wellbeing and development.

Contrary to what you might hear at a free, no obligation dinner discussing investments, not everyone needs a Living Trust. Listen while Tom discusses 6 occasions when you should consider a Living Trust as part of your estate plan.

Tom explains what a Do-Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) is, and how to get one.