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There’s a question that haunts me in the quiet moments: When I’m gone, what will people say my life meant? I used to think the answer would be found in my resume: the titles I held, the projects I completed, the professional milestones I achieved. I thought it would be...

The spooky season is upon us! As the days grow colder and darker, Halloween decorations emerge, and we settle onto the couch for scary movies and candy corn (at least, I do). But there’s something even spookier than any ghost or goblin: the thought of leaving your family to navigate...

Here’s a question I hear all the time. “Do I really need life insurance?” And right behind it comes, “How much should I actually have?” Let me answer the first one right away. Yes, you really should have life insurance as part of your comprehensive estate plan. I remember a...

It's easy to get confused about Living Wills and "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) orders. Many people worry both of these documents mean hospitals won't help you if you need it. But that's not the case at all! In Rhode Island, the Living Will and the DNR are two separate documents...

Just had lunch with a friend, who's knee-deep in raising young kids. We were chatting about the upcoming school year, their crazy schedules, and college plans. I naturally asked about his estate plan, and he said, "Don't have one—it's bad luck." Seriously??? Of course, I completely disagree. But rather than...

When people think about estate planning, wills and trusts often come to mind first. But there is a simple tool that can make a big difference in ensuring your assets pass smoothly to your loved ones: beneficiary designations. A beneficiary designation is a simple way to name who will receive...

Estate planning isn’t just for married couples, retirees, or people with large estates. If you’re a single woman, whether you’re building your career, raising children on your own, recently divorced, or enjoying retirement, it’s especially important to have a clear plan in place. Without a spouse as a default decision-maker,...

I talk to a lot of people who’ve heard about living trusts and are interested in using one, but they often tell me, “I just need something simple.” The truth is, there’s really no such thing as a simple trust. Trusts are legal instruments that require thoughtful drafting, and the...

As the relaxed days of August unfold, we recognize it as National Make a Will Month—a perfect time to address an important task before the busy back-to-school season and holiday rush begin. Shockingly, about two-thirds of Americans lack any form of estate plan, whether it's a will, trust, or powers...

When people think about estate planning, they often focus on what happens after they pass away. But planning for the “what ifs” of life is just as important. One of the most powerful tools for protecting yourself and your loved ones during your lifetime is a Durable Power of Attorney...

Let’s be honest — no one dreams of picking out a nursing home. But when the time comes, whether for yourself or someone you love, making the right choice can mean the difference between peace of mind and panic mode. The good news? With a little planning (and maybe a...

When it comes to estate planning, you’ve probably heard of wills and living trusts—but what about testamentary trusts? If you're looking for a way to provide for your loved ones while maintaining some control over how your assets are distributed, a testamentary trust might be a great option. So, what...

When my son turned 18 and left for college a few hours away, it felt like the start of a new chapter — one filled with excitement, independence, and the quiet ache that comes with watching your child grow up. He didn’t come home on weekends, rarely called, and though...

Some people hear the term “estate plan” and assume it is reserved for the ultra wealthy.  I assure you, that is not the case! Anyone over the age of 18 should consider making an estate plan. Your “estate” simply refers to your possessions - the money in your bank account,...

Adults who are no longer able to handle their finances or make healthcare decisions for themselves are set up for “living probate,” which refers to a guardianship or conservatorship. In simpler terms, you want to avoid guardianship for the same reason you want to avoid probate. The real situation you...

Planning for a loved one with special needs requires more than just good intentions—it requires thoughtful, strategic action. Leaving assets directly to a special needs beneficiary, even with the best of intentions, can unintentionally jeopardize their eligibility for essential government benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). That’s where...

Inheriting real estate can be both a financial opportunity and a potential source of stress—especially when multiple heirs are involved. Deciding whether to keep or sell the property depends on a variety of legal, financial, and emotional factors. Below, we explore the pros and cons of each option, how the...

A living trust is an excellent tool for estate planning. Think of it like a treasure chest - we build it and provide you with a couple of keys to the lock. But an empty treasure chest is essentially worthless. The same can be said for an unfunded living trust....

Life is constantly changing—marriages, births, new investments, retirement, and even changes in tax laws can impact your estate plan. If you haven’t reviewed your documents in a while, now is the perfect time to make sure they still reflect your wishes. Estate Plan Spring Cleaning Checklist by Jill M. Santiago,...

We all know life can be unpredictable. Estate planning isn’t exactly at the top of most people’s to-do lists, and it’s easy to put off making a will—until time starts running out. This is where deathbed wills come in—wills that are created at the very last moment, often in stressful,...