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Spread Thanksgiving Cheer: Help Us Provide Baskets for Local Seniors
As Thanksgiving approaches, Edwards Group is excited to continue our tradition of giving back to the community. This year, we’re partnering again with Senior Services of Central Illinois to provide Thanksgiving baskets for local seniors who could use a little extra...
Two Types of Asset Organization Mistakes (And How to Avoid Heartache)
TL;DR Summary (Executive Summary) Asset organization is crucial—forgetting key details or mismatching legal documents can cause hardship for your family. The two biggest mistakes: 1) not keeping an updated, detailed master list; 2) letting your accounts/titles/plans...
Is There Really a “Reading of the Will”? What Actually Happens After Someone Dies?
People often ask us, “When do we have the reading of the Will?” That’s understandable, because for decades, movies and TV shows have shown dramatic “Will readings” where families gather in a lawyer’s office for a big reveal. Think Knives Out – the millionaire leaves...
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7 Ways to Check On Aging Loved Ones This Holiday Season
The holiday season has arrived again, and there's a lot to do! Baking, shopping, decorating, planning, wrapping, etc. The hustle and bustle of the season will usually be followed by special times with our friends and family, so this is a great time to check in on how...
Social Security and SSI Benefits Increase in 2024: What Retirees Need to Know
As we approach the new year, important news has arrived for retirees across the nation. The Social Security Administration recently announced a 3.2 percent increase in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 2024. This welcome news means...
5 Big Risks of Adding Your Kids to Your Bank Account
The Truth About Adding Your Child(ren) to Your Bank Account Many parents think that "adding their children to their bank account" is an easy way to be sure their kids can help if something unexpected happens, but it can cause some unintended consequences. Legally, you...
Edwards Group Expands with a New Satellite Office in Quincy, Illinois!
Edwards Group: Estate Planning & Elder Law is thrilled to announce the opening of our new satellite office, enhancing our capabilities for estate planning in Quincy, Illinois. We're now even closer to those in the Quincy Area who are eager for guidance on estate...
Quiz: Is My Family Ready for Their Inheritance?
Have you taken the necessary steps to prepare your family for their inheritance? Estate planning isn't just about securing your financial future; it's also about preparing your heirs for the inheritance they will receive one day. Ensuring your loved ones are...
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...
How to Get Started Allowing Hunting on Private Property
Hunting has long been a cherished tradition and recreational activity for many individuals. Understanding the requirements and options for hunters is crucial, whether you're experienced or just starting out. In Illinois, prospective hunters need a hunting license,...
How to Plan for Aging: A Local Event in Montgomery County
On Thursday, April 27, 2023, Edwards Group Elder Care Director Melissa Coulter and Elder Care New Client Specialist Audri Richard spoke to a crowd of over 60 people at The Event Center of Montgomery County in Hillsboro, Illinois. The event, titled "Protect Your Life...