What to Look For When Buying an Annuity
Entrusted Legacy Law
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Mar 24, 2023
Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area
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An annuity can be a useful tool for long-term care planning, but annuities are also complex financial products that are hard to understand. If purchasing an annuity, you need to consider your options carefully.
An annuity is a contract with an insurance company under which the consumer pays the company a certain amount of money and the company sends the consumer a monthly check for the rest of his or her life, or for a certain term. Annuities come in many flavors. They can be deferred (begin paying out at a later date) or immediate (begin paying out right away). They can pay a fixed amount each month or pay out a variable amount based on how the money is invested. While a fixed immediate annuity can be a good Medicaid planning option for a married couple, other annuity products can be quite complex and confusing and are not right for everyone.
If you have decided an annuity is the right choice for your long-term care or retirement plan, you need to shop around to find the right product. The following are some purchasing tips:
- Check the terms. Be sure to read the annuity contract carefully. Annuities often have surrender charges that penalize you for withdrawing your money too early. You need to understand for how long you won’t be able to access your money and when payouts begin. There may also be other fees associated with the annuity as well as optional riders. Understanding the fees will allow you to shop around to find the best product.
- Choose your salesperson. Insurance companies often pay generous commissions to the brokers who sell their particular annuities, payments that many of the brokers don't disclose. They also generally don't disclose whether they are paid more or less by one insurance company than another or whether the annuity being sold is the best option for the consumer. Ask your broker questions to determine how they are paid. You may want to seek a second opinion to make sure your salesperson isn't steering you into a product that isn't right for you.
- Select a sound insurance company. Annuity payments are often supposed to last a lifetime, so you want an insurance company that will stick around. Make certain that the insurer is rated in the top two categories by one of the services that rates insurance companies, such as A.M. Best, Moody's, Standard & Poor's, or Weiss.
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I'm a Survivor... And Now I have my Own Trust?
Many married couples share almost everything, including finances. This may be reflected in their estate plan by using one joint living trust instead of two separate trusts. Separate trusts can provide greater flexibility, but a joint trust can be structured so that when one spouse passes away, the trust is split into two sub-trusts: a survivors trust and a decedents trust. This arrangement provides the surviving spouse with the same versatility that separate trusts offer. The surviving spouse has full control over their survivors trust, but may have limited control over the deceased spouses accounts and property that make up the decedents trust. Decedents Trust and a Survivors Trust A survivors trust is a middle ground between a joint trust and separate trusts. If a couple chooses to combine their assets (accounts and property) into a joint revocable living trust, both spouses will usually be named as trustees and beneficiaries. The joint trust can further stipulate that when one spouse passes away, the trust divides into subtrusts. One of those subtrusts can be a survivors trust. A second subtrust, the decedents trust, will also be created to hold and manage assets owned by the decedent. How a Survivors Trust Works A typical joint trust arrangement lists four types of property, depending on the state in which you live: Joint assets Community property First spouses separate property Second spouses separate property When the first spouse dies, the survivors trust receives one-half of the community property, one-half of the joint property, and all property identified as the separate property of the surviving spouse. The deceased spouses half of the community property and joint property, along with their separate property, may be funded into the decedents trust with its own set of instructions. The trust agreement could also state that all of the deceased spouses property will go into the survivors trust instead of going into a separate subtrust. Reasons to Have a Survivors Trust Regardless of exactly how the joint trust assets are allocated, a crucial distinction is that a survivors trust is revocable, while the decedents sub-trust is irrevocable. This means that the surviving spouse retains full control over the survivors trust. They can alter the terms of the trust however they want. For example, they can add and remove assets, change beneficiaries, appoint new trustees, or terminate the trust. The surviving spouse can also completely change the terms of the survivors trust in its entirety. While the surviving spouse may be the beneficiary of the decedents trust, the surviving spouse will likely have less control over the management of assets in the decedents trust. This allows the deceased spouse to put protective measures in place while they are alive to make sure that their assets are managed the way they want and that someone cannot change the rules after they pass away. This can be helpful for clients who are worried about their spouse remarrying after their death and to ensure that assets that remain at the surviving spouses death go to a predetermined person. The purpose of any trust is to take care of loved ones and protect assets from costly probate and taxes. To discuss an estate plan that meets your goals, please schedule your appointment with our Estate Planning attorneys - 724-375-4005.
Navigating Medicare with Confidence
Becoming eligible for Medicare is a significant milestone in your life. Whether you are newly turning 65 or approaching eligibility due to disability, understanding your Medicare options can feel overwhelming. With multiple parts, plans, and enrollment periods, making the right choice is essential to protect your health and finances.Thats where Inman Medical Insurance Services steps in helping Medicare-eligible individuals and their families navigate the complex landscape of Medicare insurance with clarity, confidence, and care.Understanding Medicare: A Quick OverviewMedicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, younger individuals with certain disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). It consists of several parts: Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers outpatient services like doctor visits, preventive care, and some home health services. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare and include Part A and B benefits, often with added perks. Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) helps cover the cost of medications through private plans. Choosing the right combination of these parts depends on your health needs, budget, and preferences.Why Professional Guidance Matters When Choosing Medicare PlansMedicare is not a one-size-fits-all program. With dozens of Medicare Advantage and Part D plans available in many areas, it can be challenging to understand differences in coverage, premiums, deductibles, copays, and provider networks. Making an uninformed decision could mean paying more than necessary or missing coverage for services you need.Inman Medical Insurance Services offers personalized Medicare consulting to ensure you: Understand your Medicare benefits and options Identify plans that best fit your health needs and financial situation Avoid costly penalties by enrolling during the correct periods Navigate changes to your Medicare coverage over time This professional guidance saves time, reduces confusion, and empowers you to make decisions with peace of mind.Services Offered by Inman Medical Insurance ServicesAt Inman Medical Insurance Services, youll find a trusted partner with a deep knowledge of Medicare plans and regulations. Their services include:1. Medicare Eligibility CounselingIf youre turning 65 or recently became eligible due to disability, the team helps you understand when and how to enroll in Medicare, including your initial enrollment period and special circumstances.2. Medicare Plan Comparison and EnrollmentThey analyze available Medicare Advantage, Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance), and Part D prescription drug plans in your area. By comparing costs, coverage, and provider networks, they help you select a plan that fits your unique needs.3. Annual Medicare Review and Plan OptimizationMedicare plans can change year to year. Inman Medical Insurance Services offers yearly reviews during the open enrollment period (October 15 December 7) to ensure your plan remains the best option, or help you switch plans if needed.4. Assistance with Medicare Appeals and ClaimsIf you encounter coverage denials or billing issues, their experts assist with navigating appeals and resolving Medicare claims, reducing stress and ensuring your rights are protected.5. 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Aging in Place with Dignity: How Homecare Services Empower Independence for Seniors in Pittsburgh
As more older adults express a strong desire to age in place, families across Pittsburgh are seeking solutions that allow their loved ones to remain in the comfort of their own homes while still receiving the care and companionship they need. Aging in place means staying in ones own residence as one grows older, rather than moving into assisted living or a nursing facility. For many seniors, this choice represents independence, familiarity, and dignity. But aging in place doesnt mean aging alone. Thats where Seniors Helping Seniors in Pittsburgh is making a meaningful difference. This unique in-home senior care provider offers a compassionate and innovative model: pairing older adults who need assistance with other active, caring seniors who can provide that help. Meeting the Real Needs of Seniors The challenges of growing older can feel overwhelmingespecially when tasks that were once routine become more difficult. From help with grocery shopping and meal preparation to medication reminders and transportation to doctors appointments, the day-to-day needs of aging adults can pile up quickly. Many family caregivers try to manage it all, often at the expense of their own health and peace of mind. In-home senior care in Pittsburgh through organizations like Seniors Helping Seniors provides crucial support that eases this burden. But what makes this service truly unique is its peer-based approach. By matching older adults with other compassionate seniors, care feels less like a transaction and more like a trusted friendship. According to numerous studies, social interaction and companionship play a critical role in senior mental health, often improving mood, reducing isolation, and even slowing cognitive decline. Seniors Helping Seniors doesnt just provide helpit brings real human connection into the home. The Benefits of Aging in Place with Homecare Support 1. 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With thoughtful, respectful in-home care, seniors can continue to live on their own terms, surrounded by their memories, their community, and the comforts of home. For family caregivers, the peace of mind that comes from partnering with a trusted provider like Seniors Helping Seniors is immeasurable. If you're caring for an aging loved oneor planning your own path forwardconsider how homecare might be the key to aging in place with dignity, support, and joy.
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Entrusted Legacy Law
Elder Law 100 Pinewood Lane Suite #303, Warrendale, Pennsylvania, 15086Our Firm Prepares You for Life What makes our firm different is that we were built with the needs of growing families in mind. We understand you are BUSY, you are growing, you are planning for a life of prosperity and you value ease, convenience and efficiency. You are raising children, and caring for elderly parents, while also working hard to build your own nest egg for a lifetime of support. You want to know youve made the best decisions for your family and that your plan will work when your loved ones need it most. You want to make sure your minor children would be raised by the people you choose, and never by anyone you wouldnt want, and that your teens and adult children are properly prepared to care for you and what you leave behind. You want to feel confident that youve made the right choices, and handled everything so that you arent leaving behind a mess, when something happens. That is our focus as well. Weve developed unique systems to give you the same access to a Personal Family Lawyer as was previously only available to the super-wealthy, so you can have the guidance you need to build and maintain a life of prosperity and wealth. And, to keep your family out of court and out of conflict, which is the greatest risk to the people you love and all you have created, even if youve already worked with a traditional lawyer or created documents online. Our Team Is Here for You We encourage communication with our clients. In fact, weve thrown out the time clocks so you never have to be afraid to call with a quick question. Everything we do is billed on a flat-fee basis, agreed to in advance, so there are never any surprises. We have a whole team to serve you. When you call our office to ask your quick question, you wont have to wait hours or days for a phone call back. Youll get your question answered, right away. And, if you need to schedule a more in-depth legal or strategic call with your Personal Family Lawyer, a call will be scheduled when you're both available and ready for the call so we can make the very best use of your time and not waste your time by leaving voicemail after voicemail back and forth. And, we ensure the most important details of your planning are followed through on and your plan continues to work throughout your lifetime. We have a funding coordinator to ensure your assets are owned the right way throughout your lifetime and none of your assets will end up going through a long, expensive court process or being lost to the state because they were missed after your death. Weve created unique membership programs to keep your plan up to date year in and year out as well as give you access to our Trusted Team of Legal Experts for guidance on ANY legal or financial matter. One day you will need a lawyer. I dont know why and I dont know when, but when you do, you will be grateful you can call on us and well be here to advise you or get you out of a jam. We Help You Transfer Your Life and Legacy Lastly, we believe your financial wealth is only a small part of your overall Life and Legacy Planning which is made up of your far more valuable and most often lost upon incapacity or death intellectual, spiritual and human assets. These assets are what make you who you are, and sum up whats most important to you. And, a survey of inheritors has revealed that what they care about even more than inheriting your money, is inheriting these intangible assets. Most estate plans only focus on the transfer of your financial wealth to the next generation. Most people have such great intentions of passing on the intangible, but very few ever get around to it. Its just not a priority, until its too late. How much do you know about your grandparents values? Their most prized personal possessions? How they felt about you? What they had learned during their lifetime? If you are like most people, you know very little. Thats why we build the capture and passage of these most valuable assets into every estate plan we create. Not only will we help you pass on your money, but also your values, your insights, your stories and your experience the truly valuable assets your loved ones care about the most. Weve developed a tool that allows us to capture and pass on your whole family wealth, including your Intellectual, Spiritual and Human assets. I cant go into all of the details here, but well definitely talk about it when you come in for your Life and Legacy Planning Session.
Entrusted Legacy Law
Estate Planning 100 Pinewood Lane Suite #303, Warrendale, Pennsylvania, 15086Estate Planning for Everyone You Love and Everything You OwnHave you ever considered what would happenlegally and financiallyto you, your family, your assets, and everything you care about if the unexpected were to occur?If your estate plan is outdated or non-existent, your assets could be lost to the State Department of Unclaimed Property, subjected to an expensive and time-consuming probate process, or even end up in the wrong hands. Without a comprehensive estate plan, your loved ones may face unnecessary financial hardship, legal disputes, or court intervention at a time when they need certainty and protection the most.If you dont know exactly what would happen to everything you own and everyone you love, the first step is to gain clarity. You need to understand how your current estate plan (or lack thereof) will impact your family so you can make informed decisions about whether it truly aligns with your wishes.How Entrusted Legacy Law Helps You With Estate PlanningWe offer customized estate planning solutions designed to protect your family, preserve your wealth, and ensure your wishes are honored. Through our Life and Legacy Planning Session, we take the time to educate you on the legal, financial, and personal implications of your estate choices.Step 1: The Life and Legacy Inventory & AssessmentBefore your Life and Legacy Planning Session, you will complete a comprehensive estate inventory that outlines your financial assets, real estate holdings, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other valuable property. This step ensures that we have a full picture of your estate and can identify potential gaps in your asset protection strategy.Step 2: Creating a Personalized Estate PlanIf you decide that your current estate plan is inadequateor if you dont have one at allwe will work together to design a legally sound and strategically structured estate plan that meets your familys unique needs. The foundation of your estate plan will often include a revocable living trust, which allows you to transfer your assets into the trust while maintaining control during your lifetime.Benefits of a Revocable Living Trust: Avoid Probate Prevents the time-consuming and expensive court process that could otherwise delay asset distribution. Minimize Estate Taxes Helps reduce tax liabilities and protect your wealth for future generations. Ensure Privacy Unlike a will, which becomes public record, a trust ensures your estate remains private. Maintain Control Dictate how and when your assets are distributed to your heirs.For families with complex financial portfolios, business ownership, or special circumstances (such as blended families or special needs children), we offer advanced estate planning strategies tailored to your specific goals.Can You DIY Your Estate Plan?Many people wonder if they can create an estate plan using online templates or generic legal services. Unfortunately, most DIY estate plans fail when families need them the most. What often passes for "estate planning" is nothing more than basic document generation, where you answer a few questions and receive a generic template that may not fully protect your assets or your loved ones. No Personalization A generic template cannot address your unique family dynamics, financial situation, or specific legal concerns. Legal Loopholes Improperly structured wills or trusts may be contested in court, leaving your family in legal disputes. No Ongoing Maintenance Estate laws change, and without updates, your plan may become outdated and ineffective.At Entrusted Legacy Law, we dont just draft documentswe provide comprehensive estate planning services that ensure your estate plan actually works when it matters most. We take the time to understand your familys needs, educate you on your options, and create a legally enforceable, tax-efficient, and conflict-free estate plan that gives you peace of mind.Protecting Families & Minor Children Through Estate PlanningIf you are a parent with young children, your estate plan should begin with a solid foundation that ensures your children will always be taken care of, no matter what happens. Without the proper legal protections in place, your children could end up in the custody of someone you wouldnt have chosenor worse, under state guardianship.At Entrusted Legacy Law, we specialize in estate planning for families with minor children. We help parents:Name Legal Guardians Ensure your children are raised by trusted individuals of your choosing.Set Up Trusts for Minor Children Prevent financial mismanagement by appointing a responsible trustee to oversee assets.Establish Emergency Plans Provide clear instructions for immediate care in case of sudden incapacity or death.Whether youre planning for minor children, adult dependents, elderly parents, or a complex estate, we can guide you through the estate planning process with personalized strategies to protect your familys future.Secure Your Legacy With Entrusted Legacy LawEstate planning isnt just about who gets whatits about ensuring that your loved ones are financially secure, legally protected, and prepared for the future.If you want to create a comprehensive estate plan that reflects your wishes, avoids probate, minimizes taxes, and keeps your loved ones out of court and out of conflict, then now is the time to take action Contact Entrusted Legacy Law today to schedule your Life and Legacy Planning Session and take the first step in protecting your family, your assets, and your future.
Entrusted Legacy Law
Probate 100 Pinewood Lane Suite #303, Warrendale, Pennsylvania, 15086Pennsylvania Probate: What You Need to Know After the Passing of a Loved OneIf you are here to learn about Pennsylvania probate laws after the passing of a loved one, we first want to extend our sincere condolences. We understand that this is a difficult time, and we hope the information on this page provides clarity and helps minimize the legal and administrative challenges you may otherwise face.What Is Probate in Pennsylvania?Probate in Pennsylvania is a court-supervised legal process that ensures the transfer of assets from a deceased individual to their rightful heirs or beneficiaries. This process is essential for: Proving the validity of a will Appointing an executor (if there is a will) or an administrator (if there is no will) Inventorying and appraising estate property Paying outstanding debts, estate taxes, and creditors Distributing assets as directed by the willor by Pennsylvania intestacy laws if no will existsIn Pennsylvania, if a deceased person owned real estate or assets solely in their name, their estate must go through probate before assets can be legally distributed.The Downsides of Pennsylvania Probateand What You Can Do NextMany residents in Allegheny County, Butler County, Beaver County, Washington County, and Westmoreland County have heard that probate is a lengthy, expensive, and public process. Unfortunately, this is truewithout proper estate planning, probate can be costly and time-consuming.The best way to avoid probate in Pennsylvania is to plan ahead using strategies such as revocable living trusts, beneficiary designations, and joint ownership structures. However, if you are already in a position where probate is required, the best thing you can do is educate yourself and seek experienced probate legal assistance to complete the process as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.How Is a Probate Case Started in Pennsylvania?Probate can be initiated by any beneficiary or creditor, but most often, the process begins when the Executor named in the will files the original will and a petition with the Pennsylvania probate court.If there is no will, a close relative of the deceased (such as a spouse, child, or sibling) typically files the petition to become the Administrator of the Estate.Choosing the Executor for a Pennsylvania EstateIf a valid will exists, the individual named as Executor will handle the probate processif they are eligible and willingIf no Executor is available or no will exists, any interested party (such as a family member) can petition the Pennsylvania Orphans' Court to be appointed as the Administrator of the Estate.Executor Compensation in PennsylvaniaUnder Pennsylvania probate law, Executors and Administrators receive compensation based on a percentage of the total probate estate value. This is designed to fairly compensate them for their time and effort in managing estate matters.However, Executors can be held personally liable for any mistakes made during the process. Given the complexity of Pennsylvania probate rules, its critical to work with a skilled probate attorney to avoid legal pitfalls.Do You Need to Go Through Probate If a Trust Exists?In most cases, no. If the deceaseds assets were properly titled in the name of a trust, probate is not required. Instead, the successor trustee will work with an estate planning lawyer to administer the trust and distribute assets.However, many families are surprised to learn that simply having a trust does not guarantee that probate will be avoided. Common mistakes include: The trust was not updated over time to reflect new assets. The decedents assets were never properly transferred into the trust.To ensure your estate plan works as intended, its important to work with an estate planning attorney who provides ongoing trust maintenance and reviews.Which Assets Are Subject to Probate in Pennsylvania?Assets that must go through probate include: Real estate, bank accounts, or investments owned solely in the deceaseds name Personal property and valuable assets without a beneficiary designationAssets that bypass probate include: Jointly owned property with Right of Survivorship Bank accounts or investment accounts with Transfer on Death (TOD) or Payable on Death (POD) designations Life insurance policies and retirement accounts with named beneficiariesHowever, some assets that normally bypass probate can still become subject to the process under certain circumstances. Consult with a Pennsylvania probate attorney to determine if probate applies to your specific situation.How Pennsylvania Intestacy Laws Distribute an Estate When There Is No WillIf no valid will exists, Pennsylvania intestacy laws dictate how the estate will be distributed:1 Spouse (If married, a portion or all of the estate goes to the spouse)2 Children (If the deceased had children, they inherit next)3 Parents (If there are no children, parents inherit)4 Siblings (If no spouse, children, or parents, siblings inherit)This highlights the importance of estate planningwithout a will or trust, the state determines who receives your assets.How Long Does Pennsylvania Probate Take?The timeline for Pennsylvania probate varies depending on the estates complexity. On average: Minimum of 12 months for simple cases Up to 2+ years for complex estates, disputes, or tax-related mattersWhat Are the Costs of Probate in Pennsylvania?Probate costs in Pennsylvania include: Attorneys fees (Based on estate size and complexity) Court filing fees Executor fees (set by Pennsylvania law) Appraisal and valuation fees Publication and administrative costsIn more complex estates, additional fees may apply, increasing probate expenses and delays.How to Choose the Right Pennsylvania Probate AttorneySelecting the right probate lawyer in Pennsylvania is crucial. Many general practice lawyers dabble in probate law, but only experienced probate attorneys have the knowledge to navigate complex estate matters efficiently. You do NOT have to use the attorney who prepared the will. You have the right to choose a specialized probate lawyer who understands the nuances of Pennsylvania estate law and can expedite the process. Avoid costly mistakes. Working with an experienced probate attorney prevents errors that could increase costs, cause delays, or result in legal disputes.Contact Entrusted Legacy Law for a Complimentary Pennsylvania Probate ConsultationIf youre ready to begin the probate process in Pennsylvania, our Allegheny County and Butler County probate attorneys are here to guide you.Call us at 412-347-1731 to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to determine your next best steps.During your consultation, we will: Answer your probate-related questions Provide guidance on estate administration Help you navigate the Pennsylvania probate process efficientlyWe are here to relieve the legal and administrative burden during this difficult time and ensure that your loved ones estate is handled with care.