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Will or Trust: Which One Should You Choose? 5 Compelling Reasons to Consider a Trust
Whether you are wealthy or working class, Trusts can be a very valuable planning tool when it comes to creating an effective estate plan. When people think about estate planning, they often think about a Last Will & Testament. While Wills are the most basic estate...
11 Major Reasons to Update Your Estate Planning in Illinois
If you have an estate plan, you are already doing better than many. Creating an initial estate plan is certainly challenging, and it’s often an emotionally difficult process. It's understandable that you don't want to repeat the experience and update your plan. But as...
How Can Life Insurance Help with Estate Planning?
Life insurance can be a valuable tool in the estate planning process – providing protection and cash when your loved ones need it most. Many people ask us if life insurance should be a part of their estate planning. Our answer always depends on the individual...
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A Quick Guide to Writing and Publishing Your Family History
Writing your family history can be a wonderful way to leave a legacy. With the world going digital, it may seem old-fashioned to print a book about your family’s history. But the truth is, a screen can never replace the experience of flipping through pages of pictures...
Recording and Transcribing Family Conversations on Your Smartphone
With all the holiday gatherings coming up, this is the perfect time of year to get around the table and record your family’s stories. Smartphones have made this easier than ever: turn on a voice record app, set it in the middle of the table, and start asking grandma...
How to Protect Your Family’s Inheritance
I often speak to local associations and service groups about estate planning. Oftentimes, the topic is about protecting the money people have worked so hard for. While proper planning can make things easier on your heirs after you're gone, few people consider how...
You Are in Control
Growing old can seem cruel and unkind. When the time comes that your decisions are no longer yours but are given away to your children or someone you may or may not trust, it can feel like you’ve lost control. But you can stay in control if you choose the correct path...
It’s Time to Sign up or Review Your Medicare Part D Plan
It’s fall, when thoughts turn to spicy pumpkin lattes, crisp colorful leaves, and Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D? Yes! Enrollment starts October 15 and ends December 7, so it’s time to review your current plan or prepare to sign up for a new one, or both. It’s...
Widows at Risk for Being Taken Advantage Of
It may be hard to believe, but when a husband (or wife) dies, there are plenty of people there to take advantage of the situation. A recent article in a national newspaper column highlighted this risk with a local Springfield woman. Trustworthy helpers are vitally...
The Unique Planning Needs of Women
Women today have many unique situations that require special treatment when it comes to estate planning. Well, maybe not special treatment, but women need to take extra care that they are protected through good planning. Here are some examples: Young mom stays home...
Caring for an Aging Loved One? Get Organized Around These 6 Areas to Save Time and Stress
Caring for an elderly parent can be so stressful. It can feel like you're just moving from one crisis to another without having time to catch your breath. Every twist and turn comes with new challenges. Figuring out how to deal with those challenges is like starting a...
5 Stages of Life Care Planning
First, you’re probably wondering, “What is Life Care Planning?” Life Care Planning is a new concept in the estate planning field that came about because people are living a lot longer these days. Estate planning attorneys realized that planning didn’t just need to be...
Edwards Group Is Open and Serving Clients
We are still open and serving those who need our help! Under the governor's orders, legal services are considered essential business. So, we remain open to assist families with estate planning and elder care needs, but we are taking extra steps to protect our clients...