Second Half of Life Podcast

Introducing Unpacked – a webinar series diving deep into the world of elder care! From navigating complex decisions to understanding the essentials, we've got you covered with expert insights and real-world advice. Our second episode is also hosted by our very own long-term care planner and Certified Dementia Practitioner, Kristin Daugherty and this time, she speaks with Quentin Burchfield, director of the Centre County Office of Aging. Links:SGY Website https://www.paeldercounsel.com/SGY Email info@paeldercounsel.comSGY Phone Number (570) 322-2077Kish Financial Solutions Website https://www.mykish.com/Kish Email kishfinancialsolutions@financialguide.comKish Phone Number (866) 959-4500This video can also be seen on our Facebook page. 

Introducing Unpacked – a webinar series diving deep into the world of elder care! From navigating complex decisions to understanding the essentials, we've got you covered with expert insights and real-world advice. Our first episode is hosted by our very own long-term care planner and Certified Dementia Practitioner, Kristin Daugherty and she speaks with Wade Curry, Sr. VP & director of wealth management for Kish Bank. Links:SGY Website https://www.paeldercounsel.com/SGY Email info@paeldercounsel.comSGY Phone Number (570) 322-2077Kish Financial Solutions Website https://www.mykish.com/Kish Email kishfinancialsolutions@financialguide.comKish Phone Number (866) 959-4500This video can also be seen on our Facebook page. 

What happens to your estate planning documents when you move between states? In this episode, originally produced by Mason & Associates, LLC, for their Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast, Attorney Megan Ingram and Julie Steinbacher share advice on the legal implications of relocating and how it affects your estate plan. You'll learn about the importance of keeping your documents updated, especially after major life changes or moves, and how laws like the Uniform Trust Act help estate documents travel across state lines. View the entire transcript of the episode.https://www.masonllc.net/blog.htm?ID=16460 Watch a video of this podcast.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dfHrjB38VgFederal Employee Financial Planning Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/federal-employee-financial-planning-podcast/id1605491625

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) took effect on January 1, 2024. This new reporting requirement requires millions of small businesses to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with the U.S. Department of Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).The main purpose behind the CTA is to halt money laundering and tax evasion. Entities that fall under the CTA's mandatory reporting criteria include: LLCs,  Limited partnerships, Corporations and S-Corporations. In this episode, Attorney Julie Steinbacher and Attorney Jessica Eckrote go over the CTA and its requirements and how our law firm can and will be helping its small business clients with CTA reporting requirements. They also encourage people to get out in front of the reporting requirements, which are required by Jan. 1, 2025 for businesses established prior to 2024. 

In this episode, a recording of a seminar originally presented live in February 2024, Attorney Pat Santucci and long-term care planner Tammy Zilske help you discover the importance of pre-planning an estate before a catastrophic healthcare crisis happens. This will help you safeguard your loved ones from potential consequences and hardship in the future. Pat and Tammy discuss basic estate planning documents such as wills and powers of attorney, inheritance taxes, trusts and how they can be used to not only protect assets but also distribute them according to a pre-determined plan, and also briefly summarize long-term care options and how to pay for them. To view a video of this presentation, including PowerPoint slides, visit our YouTube channel. 

Have a question about trusts? Curious about whether a trust would be a good fit in your estate plan? Then join the co-author of the Pennsylvania Trust Guide to learn more about how to protect more of your wealth and provide a legacy for future generations. That's right, our founder, Attorney Julie Steinbacher, literally wrote the book on trusts in Pennsylvania, and in this hour-plus episode, discusses all aspects of trusts and how they are generally used. If you've ever thought about setting up a trust, then this episode is for you. Among the questions she answers are: - How does a trust offer asset protection from the costs of nursing home care?- Why does it matter if a trust is revocable or irrevocable?- Can my spouse or family still access any & all funds placed inside a trust?- Do you have to be "rich" or have multiple investment accounts to benefit from using a trust?- What situations are common for setting up a trust - pros & cons? A video of this episode can also be viewed on our YouTube channel. For more information, questions, to schedule an initial consultation,  email us at info@paeldercounsel.com 

This episode is a brief excerpt from an eight-hour, day-long training program given by Certified Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Trainers (CADDCT®) for the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). This training is required for people to become Certified Dementia Practitioners (CDP®). In this clip, Attorney Julie Steinbacher, who is a CADDCT and a CDP, discusses the challenges that are present for those professionals and family members that are caregivers to people with dementia, and possible solutions, as well as things to look out for with respect to elder abuse and neglect. While the CDP® designation is primarily intended for professionals that work with people with dementia in the senior services industry, anyone that is interested is welcome to participate in the training program. Our law firm usually conducts 2-3 such trainings per year. If you are interested in participating in a future CDP training given by our firm, email us at info@paeldercounsel.com. 

This episode is the third and final part of a presentation that was recorded in December 2023 and made to tax and financial professionals. In it, Attorney Landon Hodges goes over special needs planning with a focus on the taxation aspect of it and ways to minimize taxes. In addition to the usual special needs planning that our firm does for clients with special needs and their family members, there is also a tax component that we haven't covered in depth in past recordings. This presentation, while intended for professionals, can still be helpful for those families that have a member with special needs and who will be engaging in special needs planning in the future, or have already done so. A video of this episode with a full PowerPoint presentation can be viewed on our YouTube channel. 

In this episode, which was recorded in December 2023 and was originally a presentation made to tax and financial professionals. In it, Attorney Jenna Franks goes through some of the changes to retirement planning that have come about since the SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0 were passed and became law over the past five years. She goes through some hypothetical examples of beneficiaries receiving inheritances in the form of IRAs to determine what is the best way to receive them - all at once or over the 10 years now allowed by the SECURE Act - and talks about other things that tax and financial planning professionals, as well as anyone planning for retirement, need to keep in mind for both themselves and their future beneficiaries. While some of the information presented is quite specific and is intended for financial and tax professionals, some of the material would also be applicable for those beginning or already engaged in their own estate planning, especially those that would like to minimize estate tax for their beneficiaries in the future. A video of this episode with a full PowerPoint presentation can be viewed on our YouTube channel. 

In this episode, which was recorded in December 2023 and was made to tax and financial professionals, Attorney Julie Steinbacher discusses and analyzes various asset protection strategies as they relate to estate tax minimization, specifically grantor vs. non-grantor trusts. While some of the information presented is quite specific and is intended for financial and tax professionals, much of the material would also be applicable for those that need to begin their estate planning, especially those to whom estate tax minimization will be one of their top priorities in estate planning. A video of this episode with a full PowerPoint presentation can be viewed on our YouTube channel. 

In this recording of a virtual seminar originally presented on September 28, 2023, Attorney Landon Hodges and Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske discuss legal strategies that are available to help you cover the rising costs of long-term care while providing for your immediate needs and preserving your quality of life. Among the topics they go over are: current trends in long-term care & options  you might not have known existed; myths & truths about the five-year Medicaid look back period; gifting your house to a child (or anyone) for $1 - why you better think twice; why a trust isn't just for "rich" people; and how to lessen your tax burden & other legal documents that are a must! To watch a video of this presentation, visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

It's important to identify and understand what assets are going to pass directly to a child with special needs and if those assets will adversely affect his or her ability to qualify for certain government benefits. The sooner we can get a handle on things, the better off our child with special needs will be in the future. In this recording of a virtual seminar originally presented in June 2023, Attorney Megan Ingram and Brian S. Young, CFP®, ChSNC®, give a rundown of some of the things that families with a child with special needs should consider, and also answer the following questions and more: - Who will act as guardian or custodian of my child after my life?- How can Life Insurance provide a benefit to an estate plan?- Why you should review any existing plan periodically to make sure it's still in good order & current with the law- Funding a Special Needs Trust – what assets should you consider?- Key differences between a 1st Party Special Needs Trust, 3rd Party Supplemental Needs Trust & a Pooled Trust- What is an ABLE account & Summary of Our Wishes?- Recent law updates, tax implications & so much more!The presenters can be reached at the following:Brian.Young@fpgroupllc.netmingram@paeldercounsel.com To schedule an initial consultation with our law firm, email info@paeldercounsel.com or call 1-800-351-8334 and be sure to reference this podcast episode.

This presentation was originally for tax and accounting professionals, but is now being made available for all. In it, Attorney Julie Steinbacher discusses some of the things that clients will need to consider - with the proper legal guidance of course - from an inheritance tax perspective when doing their estate planning this year. Changes to applicable laws that are upcoming are also discussed. 

This episode is the full, uncut version of three previous episodes on trusts that were divided up and released in three separate parts. Protect more of your wealth and provide a legacy for future generations. Learn how you can establish a financial readiness plan today that accounts for the healthcare challenges of tomorrow. If you've ever thought about setting up a trust, or wondering how one works (there are many different types), then this video is for you. In it, Attorneys Julie Steinbacher and Megan Ingram answer the following questions and much more:- How does a trust offer asset protection from the costs of nursing home care?- Why does it matter if a trust is revocable or irrevocable?- Can my spouse or family still access any and all funds placed inside a trust?- Do you have to be "rich" or have multiple investment accounts to benefit from a trust?- What situations are common for using a trust - pros and cons?To view a video of this presentation, visit our YouTube channel. 

This episode is a recording of a webinar originally presented to current clients of our firm and professionals, which we're now making available to everyone. In it, Attorneys Julie Steinbacher and Landon Hodges go over in detail some of the changes brought about by the passage of SECURE 2.0, which was signed into law on Dec. 29, 2022. SECURE 2.0 is a continuation of the original SECURE Act, which became law in December 2019. Both pieces of legislation are primarily designed to increase and facilitate access to retirement savings and lower employers' costs of offering and funding retirement plans, but they also have several provisions that could affect individuals' estate planning. Even though most of the SECURE 2.0 provisions aren't effective until 2024 or later, the time to plan is NOW! If you would like to schedule an initial consultation with our firm to begin your estate planning, visit ChatwithSGY.com to book a free introductory information gathering session. 

So you've set up a trust, either specifically to protect assets from long-term care costs, to avoid probate, or for some other reason specific to your individual circumstances. Now what? How is it administered, both during your life and after you pass away? In this episode, a partial recording of a virtual seminar originally held live in January 2023, Attorney Julie Steinbacher goes over some considerations of why you might want to set up a trust based on how it works after it is set up, goes over some hypothetical scenarios on how it would work if you set up a trust and then need long-term care, discusses when might be an appropriate time to set up a trust, and then summarizes what to expect should you come into our firm for an initial consultation. She also answers a few more questions from the attendees of this seminar. To schedule your initial consultation, visit ChatwithSGY.com, email info@paeldercounsel.com, or call 1-800-351-8334. The initial information gathering session is generally done by phone, and the initial consultation can be done either in-person, by phone or video conference. Like us on FacebookSubscribe to our YouTube channelRequest a free copy of the book referenced at the end of the seminar, "Don't Write a Blank Check to the Nursing Home."

In this episode, a partial recording of a virtual seminar originally held live in January 2023, Attorneys Megan Ingram and Julie Steinbacher conduct a Q&A session with attendees of the seminar, answering a variety of questions posed by the group related to trusts. If you had some questions after listening to our previous episode on trusts (link to that episode is below), perhaps they were some of the same questions that are answered in this episode. If you have any further questions or would like to schedule an initial consultation with our office to get started with your individualized estate plan, give us a call at 1-800-351-8334 or email info@paeldercounsel.com. Previous podcast episode

In this episode, a partial recording of a virtual seminar originally held in January 2023, Attorney Megan Ingram gives a comprehensive presentation on trusts, including the different types, why and how our offices generally uses them, and much more. If you've heard about trusts and the benefits of using them in estate planning and are interested in learning more about them and potentially if they may be a fit for your future estate planning, this is the perfect episode for you. 

In this classic episode, Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske summarizes the best way to plan for potentially needing long-term care in the future, and goes over some things to keep in mind should you or a loved one ever suddenly have a need for such care. Of course, the best way to plan is to pre-plan before the emergency, but our firm is still able to assist with those crisis situations and usually make things a bit better off for our clients than if they hadn't consulted us. Please note that because this episode was originally recorded in 2020, some of the numerical figures mentioned may be out of date. 

The episode is a rebroadcast of an episode originally produced in 2020. In it, Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske discuss some strategies that are available to anyone and everyone that will help minimize the financial and emotional impact of a healthcare crisis for you or a loved one. She discusses the five-year Medicaid lookback period and how to use that to your advantage to qualify for Medical Assistance to help pay for long-term care if you need it in the future, or even right now. She also talks about legal strategies that will protect your home and assets from the cost of long-term care, why starting early BEFORE a healthcare crisis is critical and will lead to better outcomes, and different planning options that put YOU in control.Please note that because this episode was originally recorded in 2020, some of the numerical figures mentioned may be out of date. 

In this episode, a recording of a virtual seminar originally held live on Nov. 9, 2022, Attorney Julie Steinbacher and James Lange, CPA, Attorney and Registered Investment Advisor, go into great detail on the topic of Roth IRA conversions, with a special focus and emphasis for parents with children with special needs. With the SECURE Act nearing its three-year anniversary and it having eliminated the old "stretch" IRA, there remains a loophole in the current law for beneficiaries of IRAs that have special needs, so those individuals that may be passing on a Roth IRA to a beneficiary that has special needs will want to take this into consideration when doing their estate planning. To get the free resources from James that are referenced at the end of the presentation,  visit:https://disabledchildplanning.com/paelderlaw/To view a video of this presentation, visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

This episode is a partial rebroadcast of an episode that was originally produced in 2020, in which Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske goes over what to expect if you already have a trust and then need long-term care in the future. She also touches on what can still be done if you've done no advanced planning for long-term care and then need it. Please note that because this episode was originally recorded in 2020, some of the numerical figures mentioned with regards to the cost of long-term care may be out of date, and in fact, are now even more expensive.

In this classic episode, a portion of an episode that was originally recorded in 2020, Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske discusses some of the characteristics of dementia, and things you may see from someone that may have the early signs of dementia, even if they don't have a diagnosis. She also touches on some caregiver tips. 

In this classic podcast episode, a partial rebroadcast of an episode originally recorded in June 2020, Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske discuss what is dementia and its warning signs and stages, community resources to contact for help as well as some caregiving tips. While Tammy doesn't go into great detail in this episode, this is a good starting point for those that may have just recently received a dementia diagnosis or for family members or caregivers that are just beginning this difficult process with and for a loved one. After listening to this podcast, if you're interested in learning even more about this subject, you can sign up for a free electronic version of You're Not Alone, Living with Dementia, written by our firm's founding shareholder, Julie Steinbacher. 

This episode is a partial rebroadcast of an episode that was originally produced in 2020., in which Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske gives an overview of the different types of Powers of Attorney,  some tips for what people need to consider when drawing up their own POAs, and a few things that our firm generally recommends for all of our clients' POAs. 

This episode is a partial rebroadcast of an episode that was originally produced in 2020. In it, Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske discusses a little bit about how the process goes when you apply for Medicaid to pay for your long-term care. She also talks about some of the other ways that people pay for long-term care, including long-term care insurance, out of pocket, veterans benefits, and Medicare (although that doesn't pay for much in this area). Please note that because this episode was originally recorded in 2020, some of the numerical figures mentioned with regards to the cost of long-term care may be out of date, and in fact, are now even more expensive.

In this episode, a excerpt from a virtual seminar held earlier this year, Long-Term Care Planner Kristin Daugherty gives a brief summary of how our firm generally protects assets for our clients, the key points and things that you need to remember and consider for when you're engaging in long-term care planning and would like to preserve your assets so they can't be used for long-term care costs, and how to move forward when you're ready to do so. 

In this episode, Attorney Jenna Franks explains the importance of having good legal documents and exactly what that means, as well as the risks of not having good documents, or documents at all. She also discusses who to appoint as your Power of Attorney or agent, beneficiary designations that fall outside of Wills, and gives a general overview of trusts and how we  generally use them. 

In this episode, an excerpt from a recent virtual seminar, long-term planner Kristin Daugherty gives a general overview of the different types of long-term care available out there, as well as the different options to pay for them. For additional details about the different forms of long-term care, check out these more comprehensive and detailed podcast episodes:Levels of Long Term CareAvailable Benefits and Ways to Pay for Long-Term CareTypes of Long-Term Care and How to Pay for ThemFor more on the Medicaid qualification process and what is required, check out these past episodes:Qualifying for Medicaid to Pay For Long-Term Care CostsExplaining the Medicaid Five-Year Lookback

In this podcast episode, Attorney Megan Ingram and Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske answer some questions that recent seminar attendees asked during the seminar. Among them are:- Differences between a healthcare Power of Attorney and a living will- Briefly explaining the five-year lookback as it relates to applying for Medicaid to pay for long-term care- The "four D's" as they relate to gifting- Differences in IRS gifting guidelines and Medicaid gifting rules- The filial support law- How often should legal documents be reviewed- Who should have copies of your living will- Where to keep legal documents- What is the "pink sheet" and a POLST- What is your parents refuse to make a Power of Attorney

Caring for a loved one who is living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia can be quite challenging and should not be underestimated. Having conversations early and often is the key for making sure the right health care decisions are made in the second half of life. In this episode, Attorney Megan Ingram and Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske discuss three conversations that need to happen within your family if you have a loved one that has a dementia, and also answer the following questions and more: - Are there government benefits available to help cover the costs of care?- When should you consider placing a loved one with dementia into a nursing home?- How much does Medicare and Medicaid cover for the costs of care?- Will giving your house to a child create any issues related to receiving government benefits? This episode is an audio recording of a virtual seminar that was originally presented live on April 27, 2022. To view a video of this presentation, visit our YouTube channel. The strategy sessions mentioned at the end of the episode are always available and can be booked online or by calling 1-800-351-8334. 

Taxes are a big part of what everyone needs to consider when doing their estate planning. Whether federal or state inheritance tax, how one structures their estate can make a big difference in what your estate tax is after you pass away. In this podcast episode, Attorney Jenna Franks gives a brief and general summary of what to consider when you do your estate planning with regards to taxes. Of course, every estate is different and the way it is structured with respect to taxes will also greatly vary depending on each person's unique situation and goals. Call our office at 1-800-351-8334 and schedule a strategy session so that we can help you structure your estate in a way that makes the most sense. 

When a minor child with special needs transitions to being a legal adult (age 18), there are several things that need to be kept in mind from a legal standpoint and done correctly so that individual does not lose out on any potential benefits that he/she may be otherwise entitled. In this video, a recording of a presentation done for a private group in March 2022, Attorney Landon Hodges discusses those legal concerns for families that have individuals with special needs. Among the specific items discussed are guardianships, supplemental security income (SSI), social security disability insurance (SSDI), the Pennsylvania ABLE Act, special needs trusts, Medical Assistant Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD), and much more. To view a video of this presentation, visit our YouTube channel. 

Most people know Medicaid as a general healthcare program for people with limited income and assets. While it is this, the program also covers long-term care costs for people that qualify, and one may be surprised to learn that you don't need to be entirely broke with little or no assets to qualify. So, how does that happen? In this episode, Long-Term Care Planner Kristin Daugherty gives a brief and general overview, without going into too many fine details, about how our firm helps people qualify for Medicaid to pay for long-term care. There are some general things to keep in mind when entering into this process, but no two situations are the same, so when engaging in Medicaid planning, it requires a unique and individualized process. This episode is an excerpt of a virtual happy hour seminar held on Feb. 9, 2022. For more information on Medicaid qualification and planning, check out some past podcast episodes below:S1, E37 (Oct. 13, 2020)S1, E41 (Oct. 30, 2020)S1, E43 (Nov. 1, 2020)

If you or a loved one suddenly or unexpectedly needs long-term care, it can be an overwhelming time with lots of questions. In this podcast episode, Long-Term Care Planner Kristin Daugherty answers some of those common initial questions that people have when faced with this situation, based on our firm's experience in working with such clients on a daily basis. Each individual's and family's situation differs, however, so if you find yourself or a loved one facing these circumstances, it's best to consult an elder law attorney. Call us at 1-800-351-8334 to schedule a strategy session. 

Our clients trust us to give them sound legal advice with respect to planning for their second half of life. As a law firm, we strive to give all of our clients the best possible advice for their situation and goals, which can greatly vary depending on those two and other factors (how old they are, how's their health, etc.). But, we always make one recommendation to all of our clients regardless of their circumstances. In this brief podcast episode, Attorney Jenna Franks explains that recommendation and goes into a bit more detail about what it entails. 

We get it! Having conversations with anyone - family or otherwise - about estate planning and what you want to have happen after you pass away isn't something anyone looks forward to. In fact, many people intentionally put off such conversations for one reason or another. But doing so can potentially cause a lot of hardship later on during what is likely already a difficult time after a loved one passes away. So, in this brief podcast episode, an excerpt from a virtual happy hour held on Feb. 9, 2022, Attorney Jenna Franks and Long-Term Planner Kristin Daugherty go over some ways to approach such conversations, and also detail some of the specific items that should be talked about in such discussions. 

In this recording of a virtual seminar originally presented on Jan. 27, 2022, Attorneys Julie Steinbacher and Megan Ingram-French teach you everything you need to know about trusts. Ever wondered if a trust might be the right estate planning tool for you? Then sit back and listen to this comprehensive presentation about trusts, how we generally use them at our law firm and why we set them up for our clients, who the key people are when a trust is set up, what assets can (and cannot) get put into a trust, and estate tax considerations. If you would like a FREE copy of one of the books written by Attorney Steinbacher referenced in this presentation, please fill out this form,  email info@paeldercounsel.com, or call 1-800-351-8334 to request one. The free strategy sessions are always available, and can be scheduled by calling 1-800-351-8334 or online at ChatwithSGY.com. 

In this episode, an excerpt from a virtual happy hour event in November 2021, Attorney Chris Bradley and Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske talk all about trusts and wills, and provide some basic information about both. This includes what each are, what generally gets put into a trust and how it is funded, how certain assets get moved into a trust, assets that usually aren't able to be moved into a trust, who controls a trust, how a will works and things to keep in mind when drafting your own. They also discuss differences between a will and a trust, estate tax issues, and also touch a few estate administration pointers. 

Transferring or selling property to family members (or non-relatives), or making future plans to do so, particularly real estate but not necessarily limited to that, is generally a major part of estate planning. Generally speaking, the main goal in doing so for many people is to pass such property to desired beneficiaries in the most tax-efficient (cheapest) way possible. What's the best way to do so? Well, it depends on your unique situation and goals, and what's right for one person may not be the best option for someone else. However, there are a few things that everyone should keep in mind when making plans to transfer or sell property as part of a larger estate planning process. In this brief episode, an excerpt from a virtual happy hour event in November, Attorney Chris Bradley and Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske discuss what everyone should consider in general when transferring and selling properties. 

In this brief episode, an excerpt from a virtual happy hour Q&A event held last month, Attorney Chris Bradley and Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske summarize what happens if someone doesn't have a Power of Attorney, and they are unable to make their own financial or healthcare decisions. They also discuss who could serve as someone's POA if an individual doesn't have any close or trusted family members willing or able to do it. In short, as uncomfortable as it may be to think about or plan for, such situations are almost always made worse if someone doesn't have a POA, so take just a little time and have a POA done before a crisis happens. Give us a call at 1-800-351-8334 and let us help you get started. 

As people gather with their family and loved ones for the holidays, that can sometimes be a place where discussions about estate planning occur. In this brief episode, an excerpt from a virtual happy hour event held November 17, 2021, Attorney Chris Bradley and Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske discuss why it is so important to have these types of discussions with your loved ones before a crisis hits. For addition insight into this difficult but necessary subject of having the estate planning conversation with your family, check out this earlier podcast episode from last year featuring Long-Term Care Planner Kristin Daugherty and Specialized Care Planner Holly Reigh. 

In this brief episode, an excerpt from a virtual happy hour event on Nov. 17, 2021, Attorney Chris Bradley and Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske explain what is a mental health Power of Attorney, how it works, how it gets renewed, and what happens if the person it covers isn't able to renew it due to incapacitation. 

Is it time to sound the alarm on your family's financial safety? In the case of a fire, a well thought-out plan can make all the difference between a safe escape and tragedy. But did you know that fire drills can also be utilized to save your family's financial future? In this episode, we're joined by Brooks Stahlnecker, financial advisor and president of the Stahlnecker Group, an education and motivational speaking firm based in Milton, Pa., that specializes in educating and motivating clients to create a custom plan that will act as a safety net for the protection of their financial health. Brooks discusses his Financial Fire Drill™ and how this helps prepare his clients for all they may face in their second half of life, while Attorney Brittany Smith discusses what people need to consider from a legal standpoint in making sure their estate affairs are in order. Visit ChatwithSGY.com to schedule a free strategy session with one of our attorneys. 

The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee released draft legislation on Sept. 13, 2021 that proposed a series of tax increases and tax cuts that could greatly affect certain parts of estate planning. In order to update our clients on the latest happenings within Congress, Attorney Julie Steinbacher recently conduced this virtual seminar to summarize these changes and how they could affect those that have already done at least some portions of an estate plan, although it can certainly apply to those that haven't started yet and are not our clients as well, which is why we're making this available to everyone now. Among the topics that are discussed are: what a reduction in gift, estate & generation-skipping transfer tax means for you & your family, grantor trust transfers & its impact on income tax, an elimination of grantor trust benefits & the need to pivot your portfolio, how to claim valuation discounts on nonbusiness assets and are they really being eliminated, and tax increases for high-income taxpayers.Although we don't know when the proposed legislation will be enacted or what the final form of the legislation will entail, we anticipate that some parts could be effective before the end of the year while others are scheduled to become effective January 1, 2022. While we continue to monitor the movement of this legislation as it works its way through the halls of Congress, we encourage you to watch this recording to stay informed on the latest law changes that could have a major impact on your family, home or business.To schedule an initial consultation with our office, visit ChatwithSGY.com or call 1-800-351-8334.To view a video of this presentation, complete with PowerPoint slides, visit our YouTube channel.

In this episode, learn valuable tips and resources for coping with the devastating effects of dementia. This is an audio recording of a virtual seminar originally presented on September 29, 2021. in it, Attorney Jenna Franks, Long-Term Care Planner Kristin Daugherty and Specialized Care Planner Holly Reigh introduce a plethora of pointers to your most urgent questions and concerns about dementia. These include, but aren't limited to the importance of early and accurate diagnosis, care options and how to pay for care, how to protect your home and other assets from having to be used to pay for the cost of care, the right (and wrong) way to prevent spousal impoverishment, and emotional and psychological support services. If you are interested in the Alzheimer's and Dementia support group that was referenced in this presentation, please email hreigh@paeldercounsel.com for more information. The free strategy sessions are always available, and can be scheduled by calling 1-800-351-8334 or online at ChatwithSGY.com. 

In this brief podcast episode, Attorney Jenna Franks and Long-Term Planner Kristin Daugherty explain how unique each individual trust can be, and why one size definitely doesn't fit all when it comes to trusts. 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Dementia, you may be overwhelmed with this new reality and have questions pertaining to future care. Learn what action steps are necessary to avoid becoming paralyzed by this mind-erasing disease. In this episode, an audio recording of a virtual seminar originally presented in August 2021, Attorney Brittany Smith, Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske and Specialized Care Planner Holly Reigh reveal answers to top questions about legal, tax, financial and care concerns; how to maintain control of your life, assets and decision-making; emotional and support services; ways to prevent caregiver stress; and valuable connections to make a difficult time more manageable. Here is the link to the Alzheimer's Support group that was referenced during the presentation: https://alz-org.zoom.us/j/97660015247?pwd=UUhBTytrNGg0OUE3R1dpbW1jRmkvZz09#successTo schedule a free strategy session, visit ChatwithSGY.com or call 1-800-351-8334. To view a video of this presentation, complete with PowerPoint slides, visit our YouTube channel. 

Don't let financial frets frazzle your thoughts and prevent you from getting a restful night's sleep! If you are concerned about how you will make ends meet should you or a loved one need care in a nursing home or assisted living community, then it might be time to tackle the elephant in the room. Stop wasting time worrying and start putting a written plan into place! In this episode, an audio recording of a virtual seminar originally presented in August 2021, Attorney Brittany Smith and Long-Term Care Planner Tammy Zilske discuss the value of pre-planning before a health crisis strikes, gifting guidelines under the five-year look back period, reviewing options for Medicaid eligibility, how to prevent the nursing home from confiscating everything that you own and ways a trust can be beneficial in protecting a lifetime of hard work. To view a video of this presentation, complete with PowerPoint slides, visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Dementia, you may be overwhelmed with this new reality and have questions pertaining to the future. Learn what action steps are necessary to avoid becoming paralyzed by this mind-erasing disease. It's a race against time! In this episode, a recording of a virtual seminar originally presented on July 14, 2021, Attorney Jenna Franks, Long-Term Care Planner Kristin Daugherty and Specialized Care Planner Holly Reigh provide answers to top questions about legal, tax, financial, and care concerns. They also talk about how to maintain control of your life, assets, and decision-making, provide connections to emotional and psychological support services, give tips on ways to prevent caregiver stress and much more. To view a video of this presentation, complete with PowerPoint slides, visit our YouTube channel. The strategy sessions referenced at the end of the presentation are always free and are always available to anyone interested. To schedule one, visit ChatwithSGY.com, call 1-800-351-8334 or email info@paeldercounsel.com. 

The only things certain in life are death and taxes. End-of-life decisions are inevitable. Sooner or later, we all will be faced with this troublesome task. In this episode, a recording or a virtual seminar originally presented on July 8, 2021, Attorney Brittany Smith helps you discover how a comprehensive team approach to estate planning can make a difficult time much more manageable for your family, and allow you to have you say even after you pass away. Among the items discussed are how to ensure your wishes are followed, what happens to your "stuff" if you don't have a will (you should!), is there really a reading of the will at the attorney's office, why it's not uncommon for an estate to take two years to settle, and why you may need to probate, and why this is NOT a terrible thing. To view a video of this presentation, complete with PowerPoint slides, visit our YouTube channel (and why not also subscribe while you're there).