In this episode we go over one of the fundamental concepts of Bellomo & Associates: “The Three Lands to Your Family’s Security”. The three elements of this concept are Tax Land, Long-term Care Land, and Estate Planning Land. Understanding these three “lands” is essential for trust planning and protecting your assets. Maintaining control of your assets is key, so it is important to understand Tax Land and Long-term care land so that you do not unnecessarily lose control of your assets to unexpected circumstances. On our next show, we’ll continue the conversation about the three lands and then we’ll dive into trusts. You won’t want to miss it!
Key Takeaways
Takeaway 1: Tax Land
Currently, there is no federal estate tax with individual assets equalling $12.06 million or less ($24.12 for a married couple). No current clients have problems with staying under that mark. After 2025, the federal estate tax limit is set to go down to $5 million plus inflation. We can estimate it will be around $5.8 million for an individual and $11.6 million for a married couple. Historically, Congress only passes tax bills related to estate tax when they absolutely must, so estate law is set to go forever at $5.8 million unless there is great necessity to change the law again. The transfer of the money can occur during life, at death, or a combination of both stages. For annual exclusion gifts, you can give $16,000 per child and their spouse per year. Essentially, we can give everything away in Tax Land.
Takeaway 2: Long-term Care Land
Includes skilled nursing homes or skilled care in the home. The average cost for nursing homes in PA is around $14,000, and $12,500 between York and Lancaster.
In-the-home care can cost between $21 and $23 thousand per month. Paying for long-term care can either be done out-of-pocket, with long-term care insurance or with government programs (Medicaid). If a spouse enters a nursing home, we are able to protect the assets for the spouse residing at home 100%. If a single individual enters a nursing home, we are able to protect 50% of the assets. You cannot give away all of your assets in Long-term Care Land. You can only give away up to $500 per month in aggregate.
Takeaway 3: Estate Planning Land
Estate Planning Land is where you can keep the control that you lose in the other 2 lands, such as not being able to take back any gifts in Tax Land. Estate Planning Land accounts for the unexpected, whereas in tax land, your father could put your name on everything, but if you unexpectedly die the next day, control of the money is lost. Bad things happen to good people, you could lose your assets. Outright gifts are risky but trusts aren’t. When you put money in trusts, you avoid capital gains tax. CONTROL IS THE KEY. You must make sure to look into all three lands before making any final determination.
Links and Resources Mentioned
Bellomo & Associates workshops, including “The Three Lands of Estate Planning”: https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/
Jeff reflects on his many years as an attorney and shares the advice he would give himself as a young lawyer. As it turns out, his advice consists of universal truths: think differently; keep learning and growing; be clear, consistent, and honest in your communications; accept that people need to make their own decisions in their own time; nurture and value your relationships; and, most of all, cherish your loved ones and tell them how you feel. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reflecting-on-universal-truths-jeffs-advice-to-his/id1634278675?i=1000632666319 YouTube: https://youtu.be/O3LeJuvnnr4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2C2Xh0q5o6BhtWTK7cYKtO?si=F6k6_r8dTzaXAdKvnQjsGg
Episode 64: Dont Gamble with Your Legacy: Choosing the Right Professionals for Elder Law and Estate Planning Jeff answers another set of commonly asked questions in this last part of our series. But keep your questions coming! Along with guest interviews and deep dives into special topics, we will continue to address your questions periodically. And, of course, were happy to assist you in our workshops, meetings, and all of the ways we interact. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dont-gamble-with-your-legacy-choosing-the/id1634278675?i=1000631821067 YouTube: https://youtu.be/ftFVvtreyMw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6mZanpnQgggg8F5Cwo4HDX?si=uQOIDttpTAmi6tyMLg4VWQ
Episode 63: Cracking the Code: Estate Planning FAQs Unveiled As we continue our series, Jeff discusses several misconceptions surrounding elder law, asset protection, and estate planning. These questions apply to everyone, regardless of financial status. Whether hes talking about basic wills, different types of trusts, or the significance of the red wagon, Jeff uses relatable examples to make the concepts easy to understand. With that clarity comes the realization that proper planning is essential to ensure that you are taken care of and that you leave a lasting legacy for your loved ones. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cracking-the-code-estate-planning-faqs-unveiled/id1634278675?i=1000631048145 YouTube: https://youtu.be/V3DiuTnqoAo Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7kobEqyzVTdVkdqRBpB6Mv?si=uvNR-XAATcSkH2W2J2S1Ew