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As the year draws to a close, its the perfect time to review your estate plan, and ensure its still aligned with your goals and the latest tax laws. Proactive steps now can help minimize tax liabilities, maximize gifting opportunities, and set the stage for a smooth transition for your assets. Here are a couple of essential estate planning actions to consider before the new year: 1. Review Your Estate Plan Life changes quickly, and your estate plan should keep pace. Take time to review your will, trusts, and other documents to ensure they reflect your current wishes and family circumstances. This is especially important if youve experienced major changes this year, such as the birth of a child or grandchild, a marriage, a divorce, or the passing of a loved one. Confirm that your named executors, trustees, and agents under powers of attorney are still appropriate for their roles.2. Optimize IRA Distributions If youre required to take minimum distributions (RMDs) from a retirement account like an IRA, be sure to do so before the end of the year to avoid penalties. Even if youre not required, consider whether making strategic withdrawals now could lower your taxable income in future years. For those feeling charitable, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA can satisfy RMD requirements while benefiting a cause close to your heart. Be sure to check with your estate planning attorney to ensure this is done in the proper manner and timeframe. 3. Take Advantage of Year-End Gifting The annual gift tax exclusion allows you to gift up to $18,000 per recipient in 2024 without impacting your lifetime estate tax exemption. Making gifts before December 31st can reduce the size of your taxable estate while sharing your wealth with loved ones or supporting your favorite charities. Again, be sure to check with a qualified estate planning attorney prior to gifting, to see if other interests are affected or impacted by the gift. For example, even though gifting is allowed for estate tax purposes, it may negatively impact your or your beneficiarys eligibility for benefits such as Medicaid. 4. Update Beneficiary Information Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial instruments often take precedence over whats written in your will or trust. Review these designations to ensure they reflect your current intentions. Similarly, verify that all contact informationaddresses, phone numbers, and emailsfor heirs and key advisors is up to date to avoid administrative headaches later.Estate planning is not a set it and forget it process. Regular updates, especially at critical moments like year-end, ensure your plan is optimized to protect your legacy and minimize tax exposure. By taking these steps now, you can move into the new year with confidence, knowing your estate plan is working as hard as you do.Curating Your Legacy:Estate Planning for CollectorsFor those who have spent years curating a collection of art, antiques, or rare items, the idea of passing it on requires more than a simple clause in a will. These collections often hold significant monetary value, but their true worth lies in the passion and personal history they represent.Thoughtful estate planning ensures that these treasures are preserved, distributed, or liquidated in ways that reflect the collectors intentions while avoiding unnecessary complications for heirs. During the Collectors Life The first and perhaps most critical step in planning for a collection is determining its true value. Unlike traditional assets, collections often require appraisals by professionals who understand the nuances of the market. For example, the value of a rare painting or antique can fluctuate dramatically based on trends, provenance, and condition. Hiring a qualified appraiser ensures the collections worth is accurately assessed for tax purposes, insurance, and future planning. Keeping valuations up to date is equally important, as markets evolve and the significance of individual items may grow over time. Plus, within your estate plan, if your goal is to give equally among your beneficiaries, you may need to make adjustments to your plan if collectibles vary significantly in value. Its also important to recognize that some collectibles may be counted against the collector for benefits programs such as Medicaid. While personal property is not typically considered a countable asset for Medicaid purposes, certain collectibles are worth substantial value and may be considered up-for-grabs to the nursing home. Ensure your collection is protected by considering an asset protection trust for your collectibles if possible. After a Collectors Death Deciding what happens to a collection after the owners lifetime is a personal choice. Some collectors wish to pass items down to specific heirs, while others prefer to donate pieces to museums or institutions that can ensure their public enjoyment. Clear documentation in a will or trust is crucial to minimize disputes among beneficiaries and to ensure that these wishes are honored. Donations may also help the donors qualify for tax benefits, depending on the value of the asset being donated, and where it is donated to. Alternatively, if liquidation is the best path forward, having a strategy in place can make the process smoother for heirs. Professional guidance from appraisers, auction houses, or reputable dealers can maximize the value of the collection while relieving family members of the burden of navigating the complexities of niche markets.Whether a collection represents an investment, a lifelong passion, or a legacy for future generations, estate planning provides a framework to protect and preserve it. By working with an estate planning attorney experienced in handling unique assets, collectors can ensure their treasures are cared for and their wishes are carried out seamlessly, leaving behind a legacy that speaks to their love and dedication.

As the world becomes increasingly connected through technology, ensuring that everyone has equal access to communication services is more important than ever. For individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments, telecommunications have historically been a challenge. Over the years, organizations like Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) have worked tirelessly to bridge this gap, providing innovative solutions to ensure that communication is accessible to all.Looking toward the future, what does the landscape of telecommunications hold for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community? How will FTRI continue to evolve its services and offerings to meet the needs of an ever-changing world? This article explores the future of telecommunications for the deaf and hard of hearing and highlights the innovative strategies FTRI is embracing to ensure greater accessibility.The Role of FTRI in the Future of TelecommunicationsFounded in 1991, Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) has long been a key player in providing access to communication technologies for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments. FTRI has worked closely with state and federal agencies, telecommunication companies, and technology developers to provide services such as telecommunications relay services (TRS), captioned telephones, and video relay services (VRS).FTRIs goal has always been to promote equal communication access for individuals with hearing and speech impairments, ensuring that they have the same opportunities to communicate effectively with others, whether its for personal, professional, or emergency purposes.As technology continues to evolve, FTRI is committed to staying at the forefront of telecommunications innovation. With an eye on the future, FTRI is preparing to expand its services, improve existing technologies, and advocate for more inclusive communication solutions.Emerging Trends in Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of HearingThe Rise of 5G TechnologyOne of the most exciting developments on the horizon for telecommunications is the widespread implementation of 5G technology. With faster speeds, lower latency, and higher capacity, 5G promises to revolutionize how we communicate. For the deaf and hard of hearing community, this means even better access to real-time communication tools, such as video calls, real-time captioning, and sign language interpretation services.FTRI is closely monitoring these advancements, working to ensure that 5G is harnessed to benefit the community. Whether its facilitating high-quality video relay calls, improving the accessibility of telehealth services, or enhancing mobile accessibility, 5G technology holds the potential to dramatically improve the way individuals communicate.Increased Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)Artificial intelligence (AI) is already making significant strides in communication technology, and its role is expected to grow in the coming years. For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, AI-driven technologies like speech-to-text and real-time translation can provide more accurate and seamless communication experiences.FTRI is exploring how AI-powered tools can enhance its services, including improving the accuracy of captioned phones, enhancing video relay services, and making voice recognition systems more effective. AIs ability to understand context and deliver more personalized, accessible solutions will make communication even easier for individuals with hearing impairments.Advancements in Video Relay Services (VRS)Video Relay Services (VRS) have already transformed communication for many individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, allowing them to communicate with hearing individuals via video calls and sign language interpreters. The future of VRS holds great promise, with improved video quality, faster connection times, and advanced interpreter services on the horizon.FTRIs VRS platform will continue to evolve, incorporating enhanced video quality and additional accessibility features, ensuring that individuals with hearing impairments can connect more effectively with others. As video calling becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, FTRI will focus on making VRS more user-friendly, accessible, and widely available to the community.Expanded Captioning ServicesAs more content moves online, the demand for captioning services will only continue to grow. For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, access to captions is essential for understanding video content, whether its educational material, entertainment, or public information.FTRI is working toward increasing access to live captioning services for a wide range of platforms, including streaming services, online meetings, webinars, and more. By expanding access to captioning, FTRI will help ensure that individuals with hearing impairments can fully participate in a world that is increasingly reliant on video and audio communication.Smart Home and IoT IntegrationThe rise of smart home technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) has opened up new possibilities for individuals with disabilities, including the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Smart home devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and voice-activated systems, can be integrated with accessibility features like visual alerts, vibrating alarms, and speech-to-text translation.FTRI is exploring ways to integrate IoT and smart technology into its services, allowing individuals to manage their communication needs more efficiently. This could include smart home integration with captioned telephones or devices that send text messages for missed calls, improving communication at home and in the workplace.Telehealth and Virtual Healthcare AccessThe telehealth movement, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made it easier for people to access healthcare services remotely. However, for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, the lack of accessible communication options in telehealth settings can present a barrier.FTRI is focused on advocating for telehealth accessibility, including video-based services with sign language interpreters and captioning to ensure that healthcare professionals and patients can communicate effectively. As virtual healthcare becomes more mainstream, FTRI will continue to push for accessible technology that allows everyone to receive the care they need, regardless of their hearing abilities.FTRIs Commitment to the FutureFTRIs mission to ensure telecommunication access for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments is unwavering. As technology continues to evolve, FTRI will remain at the forefront of advocacy, technology development, and partnerships to ensure that individuals with hearing impairments have equal access to the communication tools they need.Through its Equipment Distribution Program, Telecommunications Relay Services, and Video Relay Services, FTRI will continue to serve as a vital resource for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Florida. FTRI is committed to advocating for policy change, increasing accessibility, and supporting the integration of new technologies to ensure that the future of telecommunications is inclusive, accessible, and empowering for all.ConclusionThe future of telecommunications for the deaf and hard of hearing is bright, with new technologies and innovations on the horizon that promise to make communication even more accessible. From the rise of 5G technology to the integration of AI and smart home devices, the next wave of communication tools will transform the way individuals with hearing impairments interact with the world around them.FTRI will continue to play a critical role in shaping this future, advocating for greater access, and ensuring that equal communication is a reality for all. To learn more about how FTRI is shaping the future of telecommunications, visit FTRIs website.