Resources For Aging Well

There is definitely a false belief that estate planning and elder law are only for individuals who are elderly and who have amassed a ton of wealth.  Certainly, individuals in that category absolutely need to plan, but that does not mean that younger individuals should not also put a plan in place ahead of time.When an individual reaches the age of majority, which is 18 in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, they are presumed to be able to make decisions for themselves and not need the assistance of anyone at that point.  Oftentimes, young adults don't realize that once they turn 18, getting a financial power of attorney, medical power of attorney, and Last Will and Testament can be absolutely necessary.Many of our clients are college students, going away without mom or dad for the first time, and somewhere within the first couple of years, they either end up at the hospital or they end up asking mom and dad to call the school to ask questions about billing or something else.  To their surprise, their parents are no longer able to just make decisions because they are over 18 and are expected to be adults.We recommend that all college students going off to school enter into a power of attorney providing the authority for the parents to be able to make their healthcare and financial decisions if need be.  If nothing else, allowing the parents to be able to call the school or other institutions and ask questions.  This is often overlooked by many parents and can cause a lot of heartbreak and stress if their child is injured or in need of assistance.Although most college students and young individuals have not amassed a ton of wealth, having the document in place specifying who is going to receive the assets and who will be the individual responsible for carrying out those wishes (executor) can often save lots of heartbreak.  Yes, it is true that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a statute called intestate succession which does provide what would happen to assets if an individual dies, but oftentimes it is not what a person would want.The intestate succession rules are archaic and old and do not necessarily follow the wishes of a current situation.  For example, we recently had a problem where the parents who are estranged had to administer the estate of their daughter who passed away.  The emotional toll that it took on the parents and the family for them having to put up with each other was undoubtedly probably not what the daughter wanted and had she had her wishes in place it would have eliminated not only the heartache of losing a child but them having to fight and remind each other every day of why they were divorced in the first place.We also recommend that young adults have documents that are properly put in place (so that others can get access to digital assets).  Digital assets often include photos and videos, electronic media, stored data, apps, etc.  Young adults are typically ones who have proportionately more of these than others, and if the power of attorney or the Last Will and Testament does not provide for that, it can cause lots of time delays and issues.Hopefully, this article was able to express the need for individuals to have planning in place, particularly young adults who often don't think that it is necessary. If you would like further information or would like to learn more about the content in this blog, please contact our office at (717) 845-5390

If you have grandchildren, you probably enjoy spending time with them and watching them grow. And to help them achieve a bright future, you might like to make some financial gifts but which ones?   You have several options. Lets look at three of them: 529 plans When you invest in a 529 education savings plan, any earnings growth is distributed federally tax free, as long as withdrawals are used for qualified education expenses. (Withdrawals used for expenses other than qualified education expenses may be subject to federal and state taxes, plus a 10% penalty.) And in-state residents who invest in their home states 529 plan may also receive state tax incentives. A 529 plan can be used for college, approved trade school programs, qualified student loan repayments and even some K-12 costs. And if the grandchild youve named as a beneficiary of a 529 plan decides to forego further education, you can generally switch beneficiaries to another immediate family member. You can contribute up to $17,000 in 2023, per grandchild, to a 529 plan without incurring gift taxes. Furthermore, as of the 202425 school year, grandparent-owned 529 plans wont affect financial aid eligibility. However, tax issues for 529 plans can be complex, so consult with your tax advisor about your situation. Roth IRA Any earnings growth in a Roth IRA is distributed tax free, provided the owner is at least 59 and has had the account at least five years. If your grandchildren earn money from babysitting or a part-time job, they can open a Roth IRA with the help of a parent or other adult. You could match your grandchildrens contributions, possibly on a dollar-for-dollar basis, to provide them with an incentive for saving. In fact, you could fully fund the Roth IRA, up to the annual contribution limit, which is $6,500 or the amount of your grandchilds taxable compensation, whichever is less. (The annual limit is $7,500 for those 50 or older.) And your grandchildren can withdraw the contributions not the earnings at any time to pay for college or anything else. Custodial account You can open a custodial account, also known as an UGMA or UTMA account, for a grandchild, and fund it with most types of investments: stocks, mutual funds, bonds and so on. For that reason, it can be a good way to teach grandchildren about the nature of investing risks, returns and the value of holding investments for the long term. Plus, theres an initial tax benefit to custodial accounts: The first $1,250 of your grandchilds investment income (dividends, interest, capital gains) is tax free, and the next $1,250 is taxed at the childs rate. Anything above that amount is taxed at the parents marginal tax rate. However, once your grandchildren reach the age of termination usually 18 or 21, depending on where they live they take control of the account and can do whatever they choose with the money. So, while a custodial account could be considered as a funding source for college, it might alternatively serve as a gift that could eventually enable your grandchild to fulfill another desire or goal take an overseas trip, pay for a car or maybe even start on a path to entrepreneurship.  Making financial gifts to your grandchildren can be rewarding for them and for you. So, consider the possibilities carefully and put your generosity to work.Chad Choate III, AAMS828 3rd Avenue WestBradenton, FL  34205941-462-2445chad.choate@edwardjones.com                                                                                                    This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.Edward Jones, Member SIPC Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.  

As we age, prioritizing elderly health and wellness becomes increasingly crucial for maintaining a fulfilling and vibrant life. Aging gracefully is not just a matter of passing years; it's about embracing a holistic approach to well-being. Physical fitness remains a cornerstone, with regular exercise helping seniors maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. Equally important is a balanced diet tailored to meet the changing nutritional needs of seniors, supporting vital functions and warding off age-related illnesses. Yet, elderly health encompasses more than just the physical. Mental and emotional wellness play an equally significant role. Engaging in cognitive activities, staying socially connected, and nurturing emotional resilience are all integral to fostering a robust sense of well-being in our golden years. By prioritizing elderly health and wellness, we empower seniors to enjoy a life rich in experiences, purpose, and contentment.In the pursuit of elderly health and wellness, it's essential to recognize that age is not a limitation but an opportunity for growth and self-care. Seniors have accumulated a lifetime of wisdom, and by investing in their health, we ensure they can continue to share their unique perspectives and contributions with the world. A focus on elderly health is an investment in the longevity and vitality of our older loved ones. It's about providing them with the tools and support they need to live life to the fullest, embracing each day with resilience and optimism. By championing elderly health and wellness, we celebrate the richness of life at every stage and honor the invaluable role seniors continue to play in our families and communities.

In recent years, Senior Move Management (SMM) has undergone a remarkable transformation, embracing trends and innovations that have made the process of transitioning to new living spaces for seniors more seamless and beautiful. Personalization has taken center stage, with SMM professionals tailoring every aspect of the move to each individual's unique preferences, ensuring that seniors feel a sense of ownership and control over this important life transition. Additionally, the integration of technology, including virtual tours and digital inventory management, has not only streamlined logistics but also enhanced the visual and emotional aspects of moving. These innovations, combined with a growing focus on sustainability, emotional support, and multigenerational involvement, are collectively shaping a future where the golden years are marked by grace, dignity, and excitement, as seniors embark on their new chapters.In conclusion, the beauty of the senior move management journey now lies in its ability to offer not just practical assistance but also a deeply personal and emotionally supportive experience. By incorporating technology, sustainability, and personalized care, SMM is ensuring that seniors transition to their new homes with a sense of fulfillment, connection, and well-being, allowing their golden years to truly shine.