Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Apr 4, 2021 | April - May 2021, Wisdoms
Two emotions are likely to strike those who are nearing retirement — excitement and fear. Leaving the world of alarm clocks and offices and having time to pursue your own passions on a daily basis is liberating — but the apprehension of entering a new life stage can easily creep in. Although work-related stress will disappear, the responsibility of filling each week in a satisfying way can be a challenge. Top that off with the ever-present concern about long-term financial security in retirement and the nerves can grow even greater.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Apr 4, 2021 | April - May 2021, Wisdoms
In a sympathy scam, a con artist plays on the victims’ emotions in order to extract money from them. Typically, you see a lot of these scams stemming from a tragedy that is highly publicized.
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Apr 4, 2021 | April - May 2021, Wisdoms
I have noticed a troubling emerging trend in estate planning. More families are owning property with different generations. This could be because real estate in Hawai‘i is expensive to purchase and even harder to maintain and keep. It is further exacerbated in situations where there are multiple children beneficiaries and/or where the parents need to leverage the equity in the home for their care, and are unable to access the equity due to a lack of income.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Apr 4, 2021 | April - May 2021, Wisdoms
Problems with your estate plan may not become apparent until it is too late to fix them. Here are some common pitfalls:
• Failing to plan for large expenses, such as long-term care. • Failing to update your estate plan, including beneficiary designations on bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts and insurance policies. • Failing to take steps to avoid family strife. • Putting your kids on the title to your stuff during your lifetime.
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Feb 2, 2021 | February - March 2021, Wisdoms
Trust beneficiaries are sometimes left to wonder why a decedent instructed that a trust distribution be made in a particular way. The trust clearly identified who the beneficiaries were, what they were to receive and how they were to receive. But unfortunately, the trust was silent as to the “why” of the distribution — the underlying reason and purpose for creating the trust in the first place.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Feb 1, 2021 | February - March 2021, Wisdoms
Recently, I received a call from a woman who wanted to report that her father had been the victim of theft. The culprit was her niece, who had taken over $100,000 over a three-year period. The caller had the evidence and her father now wanted to hold the niece accountable for what she had done. However, the only problem was that the crime was outside the statute of limitations.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Feb 1, 2021 | February - March 2021, Wisdoms
Only about 25 percent of family businesses survive 15 years or more. Only about 25 percent of those will survive the transition to the founders’ descendants. Many factors contribute to these statistics. Here are two critical factors.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Feb 1, 2021 | February - March 2021, Wisdoms
As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the country, parents saw a wave of adult children move back home. Pew Research recently found that 52 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds now live in a parent’s house. Some children may have moved back simply due to safety during the virus response or because universities switched to e-learning. Others may have returned because of financial reasons.
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Dec 4, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Wisdoms
It’s natural to experience grief when we lose a loved one. While we often associate grief with the death of a loved one, we can also experience it when we get divorced or when ties with a friend become severed. Everyone experiences grief differently. Some are able to move on, while others are unable to process their loss.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Dec 4, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Wisdoms
When there are secrets within a family, it has been my experience that no good has ever come from them. Now, I am not talking about secrets that a family might keep from non-family members, such as, grandma is a witch and Uncle Joe has 12 toes, but secrets family members keep from each other.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Dec 3, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Wisdoms
A trust is created when a person transfers “stuff” to a trustee who will manage the stuff for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries. “Stuff” includes real property — such as land and buildings — and personal property — such as bank accounts, stocks and bonds, and personal effects. The person who transfers the stuff to the trustee is called the trustmaker.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 3, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Wisdoms
Interest rates recently hit all-time lows as the Federal Reserve made cuts to mitigate the financial impacts of COVID-19. If you’re a homeowner with a monthly mortgage payment, you might be wondering if now is a good time to refinance. While a lower interest rate may yield a more affordable monthly payment, there are other factors to consider. Here are seven questions to ask yourself before making the decision to refinance…
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Oct 9, 2020 | October - November 2020, Wisdoms
I recently received a call from a concerned parent of an adult special needs child. Her son was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia, refuses to take his medication and has been living on the street. Unable to physically care for her child and experiencing a health scare of her own, she decided it was time to get “her ducks in order” and contacted our office. Her main wish is to continue to provide financially for her son’s present and future care without disrupting his governmental disability benefits.
Christopher Duque, Online Security Advisor | Oct 9, 2020 | October - November 2020, Wisdoms
One of the most common problem I encounter investigating a cybercrime is that the reporting person and/or victim fail to provide any records and/or documentation to support their claim that they had been victimized — more so in cases involving online fraud. One of the simplest and quickest methods of documentation is printing out the webpage offer, sale or service.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Oct 9, 2020 | October - November 2020, Wisdoms
You may be tempted to treat a caregiver as a “private contractor” in order to avoid the humbug of tax withholding and buying the right insurance policies. You would do so at your peril. The IRS and the state will take the position that the caregiver is an employee, that you are an employer and that all of the legal obligations that attach to those labels apply to your situation.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Oct 9, 2020 | October - November 2020, Wisdoms
In the last couple of months, I have had two people come to my office because they were not millionaires yet. You see, they each had won the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes (PCH) and had not received their monies yet.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Oct 8, 2020 | October - November 2020, Wisdoms
Investors are understandably wondering — and maybe even anxious — about how the US presidential election will affect the stock market. Election years often come with increased market uncertainty. And this year, COVID-19 and a fragile economy have added new dimensions to what may be a landmark US election cycle.
Christopher Duque, Online Security Advisor | Aug 5, 2020 | August - September 2020, Wisdoms
It may be hard to believe, but even during the coronavirus pandemic, criminals are targeting and preying upon the public via phony websites, bogus emails and text messaging, and by phone.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Aug 5, 2020 | August - September 2020, Wisdoms
As I indicated in the last issue, under Hawaii Revised Statute §514E-9, timeshare companies are required to give clients all information regarding the unit for purchase, including all the fees attributed to that unit that are due immediately and the “hidden” fees that require seemingly endless future payments — the monthly mortgage, property tax, maintenance fees and interest.
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Aug 5, 2020 | August - September 2020, Wisdoms
As a member of ACTEC, I am privileged to learn from and exchange ideas with some of the most skilled and dedicated trust and estate lawyers in Hawai‘i. I often wonder why most of our discussions focus on probate and litigation issues rather than on how we can help plan to mitigate family conflict and avoid probate.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Aug 5, 2020 | August - September 2020, Wisdoms
When I was in elementary school in the 1960s, my family’s set of encyclopedias claimed that I could expect to live to the ripe old age of 70. That seemed incredibly old to me. Fast-forward to 2020, and the current consensus is that I will live into my 80s, barring a catastrophic illness or an accident.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Aug 5, 2020 | August - September 2020, Wisdoms
In these challenging economic times, many worthwhile charitable organizations find themselves in a precarious financial position. Meanwhile, they are experiencing unprecedented demand, especially those charities that provide basic needs like food and shelter. Thankfully, new, unique provisions in the tax code have been implemented in response to the COVID-19 crisis, creating more incentives for giving.
Carole R. Richelieu, Senior Condo Specialist, Hawai‘i DCCA, Real Estate Branch | Aug 4, 2020 | August - September 2020, Wisdoms
By virtue of buying a condominium, each unit owner becomes a member of an association and agrees to share the costs of operating that association. For example, owners share the cost of community lighting, water and grounds-keeping, usually via a set monthly maintenance fee.
Bonnie Horibata | Jul 17, 2020 | March 2011, Wisdoms
Hawai‘i’s residences are often targeted by door-to-door solicitors asking for donations. Here in Hawai‘i, we are a generous people. We take pride in living the Aloha Spirit, but we must exercise caution as well. We must know the basic things about charitable giving in the event that anyone tries to take advantage of our good nature.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jul 17, 2020 | March 2011, Wisdoms
What are you leaving behind? This is a question that all too many of us fail to address before it’s too late. It’s not just a question about money, but about the entire heritage that you want to pass on to future generations—to those in your family and even to society as a whole.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Jul 17, 2020 | March 2011, Wisdoms
If you want to, you can devise your own estate plan without the benefit of lawyers or other trained advisors. All you need is a credit card, a computer, a printer, and access to the Internet. With those tools, you can come up with a set of documents that may or may not accomplish your goal. The problem is that you will never know.
Sandra J. Yorong, author | Jul 13, 2020 | February 2011, Wisdoms
If a parent suddenly fell unconscious or required emergency medical attention, would you know what do? Would you know what paperwork, insurance cards and medical records to bring with you to the hospital? Once a medical crisis occurs, it’s too late to prepare for the large amount of information that is needed by doctors, hospital staff, family and relatives. The solution? A medical organizer.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Jul 13, 2020 | February 2011, Wisdoms
Nobody likes to pay taxes, but most of us like to take baths. Unless the bath is the kind where money flows out of your pocket and down the drain. If you feel like paying taxes is a lot like seeing your money go down the drain, you will be glad to know about an exciting estate planning opportunity that can help make the IRS take a bath after your death instead of your loved ones.
Bonnie Horibata | Jul 13, 2020 | February 2011, Wisdoms
The New Year is here and, because of the rough economy, it’s more important than ever to become a savvy shopper to both save money and prevent identity theft in 2011.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jul 13, 2020 | February 2011, Wisdoms
A financial advisor can offer valuable strategies and guidance to help you grow your savings and meet your financial goals and dreams. It’s important to select a qualified individual who is also a good match—personally and professionally.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Jul 11, 2020 | December 2010, Wisdoms
The good news is that the federal estate tax took a vacation in 2010. The bad news is that it spent the whole year lifting weights and taking steroids. The estate tax is coming back in 2011, as big and bad as it has been in a long time. Now is the time to review your estate plan and make changes that could drastically affect how much of your estate goes to your loved ones, and how much goes to the IRS.
Bonnie Horibata | Jul 11, 2020 | December 2010, Wisdoms
The holiday season is a happy time celebrated with food, family and friends. Unfortunately, it’s also a time for fraud at the hands of identity thieves, computer hackers and deceptive sellers. Hawai‘i’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers advice on how to recognize and avoid common holiday scams.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jul 11, 2020 | December 2010, Wisdoms
As we enter the third holiday season after the onset of the “Great Recession,” American consumers may be battling penny-pinching fatigue. We’ve scrimped. We’ve saved. When do we get to reward ourselves? Sure, it would be fun to celebrate the holidays with a big spending binge, but if there’s one lesson to be learned from the recession, it’s the importance of fiscal prudence.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Jul 11, 2020 | November 2010, Wisdoms
You were named as successor Trustee of a trust created by a family member or friend, and that person just died. What now? Before you rush in, think about what awaits. Until you sign on the dotted line, the fact that you have been named as a trustee does not obligate you to accept that position. Decide carefully, because once you accept the job, you accept all that goes with it. It is a position of great honor, and it involves great responsibility.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jul 11, 2020 | November 2010, Wisdoms
One of the rites of fall for most employees is the opportunity to review and revise their benefit options for the next year (the next benefits year could start in January or sooner). This is often referred to as the “open enrollment” period. Typically, all employees of a company or organization can make adjustments to their benefit options at this time.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Jul 10, 2020 | October 2010, Wisdoms
You may have heard the old joke, “where there’s a will … I want to be in it.” That may be true, but is estate planning really all about “who gets my stuff?” Who gets your stuff is important, but when you sift through the reasons for doing estate planning, you may find that identifying who gets your stuff takes a distant back seat to far more important considerations.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jul 10, 2020 | October 2010, Wisdoms
As you enter retirement, a lot of changes may occur. You need to determine how to generate current income from your existing savings while still trying to keep your money growing to meet your needs well into the future, when the cost of living is likely to be higher. You want to protect your assets from market volatility, but still be an active investor.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jul 6, 2020 | April - May 2011, Wisdoms
It’s safe to say that your retirement will bear little resemblance to that of your grandparents—and even your parents. The world has changed so much in the past 20 years that even the savviest prognosticators couldn’t have predicted all changes in society and technology that have transformed our daily lives. We now know there is no turning back from the life we’ve become accustomed to, but it begs the question: What’s next?
Bonnie Horibata | Jul 6, 2020 | April - May 2011, Wisdoms
Work-at-home and make $500 dollars a day, lose 30 lbs. in one week, and the secrets of becoming financially secure for the price of shipping and handling all “risk free.” Hawai‘i’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns against offers that claim a “risk free” trial but takes your payment information up front. Many consumers allege that after providing credit card or banking information that they are bombarded with fees and other charges before the free trial is over.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Jul 6, 2020 | April - May 2011, Wisdoms
The attorney’s ad tells you that you can get a “comprehensive estate plan” for $800. Does that sound too good to be true? It may be. Before you rush in, here are some questions to ask. If you get positive answers to every question, then maybe you have a real bargain on your hands.
Mahlon Moore | Jun 4, 2020 | June-July 2020, Wisdoms
It may be hard to believe, but during natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes — and even the current COVID-19 pandemic — unscrupulous scammers set up fraudulent fundraising operations to take advantage of Good Samaritans who want to help.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Jun 4, 2020 | June-July 2020, Wisdoms
It’s not uncommon to see advertisements promoting timeshares, as well as promotions for timeshare cancellation programs. The contradictory nature of these ads begs certain questions:..
Mahlon Moore | Jun 4, 2020 | June-July 2020, Wisdoms
In medicine, there is cure and care; in finance, there is worth and value. In estate planning, there is wealth and meaning. Most people see the estate planner’s role as writing a document that transfers wealth at death. Just as significant is our role to communicate our client’s meaning clearly. This meaning is the foundation for estate planning.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Jun 4, 2020 | June-July 2020, Wisdoms
If nothing else, recent events have brought us face-to-face with mortality. Although none of us knows when death will overtake us or a loved one, we know that someday it is going to do exactly that. We can deny the inevitable, or we can prepare for it. By preparing for death, we can make that transition much easier on ourselves and our loved ones.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jun 4, 2020 | June-July 2020, Wisdoms
Historic market volatility has washed over the globe in recent weeks. The spread of COVID-19 (the disease caused by coronavirus) has precipitated a record drop in the stock market and a sharp plunge in bond yields, sending the U.S. into its first bear market in over a decade. People around the world are facing a health crisis that’s driving an economic crisis, which are leading to high levels of anxiety for families and individuals regarding their well-being and financial situation.
Christopher Duque, Online Security Advisor | Mar 28, 2020 | April - May 2020, Wisdoms
How do you know that you are the target of a scam? Here are some red flags that you should be aware of…
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Mar 28, 2020 | April - May 2020, Wisdoms
My wife loves free things. When we go to any expo at the Hawaii Convention Center or the Blaisdell, she’ll be the one hoarding free pens and reusable bags. So, I should not have been surprised when she stopped at a table run by a hotel chain that was offering a free dinner, six hours of validated parking in Waikīkī and a two-night stay at a hotel. According to the salesman, all we had to do was review a hotel from pictures they would show us. The whole process would take only 120 minutes (not two hours?).
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Mar 28, 2020 | April - May 2020, Wisdoms
Siblingship is the state of being related or interrelated, or a state of affairs existing between one of two or more individuals having one common parent. The term describes the unique, dynamic relationship existing between siblings. Siblings begin their relationship at a very young age. They experience joys and setbacks together — laugh and cry together. And through fighting, they can learn conflict resolution together. No other relationship is like siblingship.
Garrett Wheeler, District Sales Manager, Financial Advisor – Mutual of Omaha | Mar 28, 2020 | April - May 2020, Wisdoms
In life, we always have options. And when it comes to covering the costs of long-term care, it is no different. In this article, I’ll share a few viable strategies you can use to help cover the future costs of care in our Aloha State. It is by no means all-encompassing and exhaustive, but meant to get you thinking on this critically important topic.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Mar 28, 2020 | April - May 2020, Wisdoms
Estate planning is the process of protecting that which is important and then passing those important things on to our loved ones and future generations. Many concepts that are central to Hawaiian culture are particularly applicable to estate planning. Starting with the concept of ‘ohana (a very inclusive notion of family), all the way through lokahi (a sense of unity — especially appropriate at the passing of a loved one), estate planning and the culture of our islands interweave to form a rich tapestry of aloha.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Mar 28, 2020 | April - May 2020, Wisdoms
When it comes to personal finance, what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. That’s why money misconceptions can be so d dangerous. Here are four common money myths you may have heard — and perhaps even believe — that need to be put to rest once and for all…
Christopher Duque, Online Security Advisor | Feb 4, 2020 | February - March 2020, Wisdoms
Before trading in or selling your mobile devices, cellphones or tablets, be sure no sensitive data is left behind that may put you in jeopardy. Here are a few basic steps to reduce the risk of being victimized.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Feb 4, 2020 | February - March 2020, Wisdoms
You would not place a welcome mat outside your car for criminals or hire someone to waive around a sign by your vehicle saying “steal this,” but that is exactly what many drivers do when they leave their keys in their vehicles. As a prosecutor, no crime gets me more upset than one that could have been easily prevented.
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Feb 4, 2020 | February - March 2020, Wisdoms
Over 54 million adults and children in the U.S. have a disability. The concerns of parents of disabled children are the same for most any parent — ensuring that their children are safe, happy and live a meaningful life. Some children may be unable to earn a living. Both the federal and state governments understand this and provide benefits so that they receive food, shelter and medical care.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Feb 3, 2020 | February - March 2020, Wisdoms
Protecting personal privacy is generally a good thing, but can also have unexpected results. Consider the plight of a 90-year-old lady (“Nancy”) who was the life of her weekly exercise classes. Nancy was very well known for youthful outlook and zest for life.
So when Nancy missed class one day, her friends tried to contact her. All they were able to learn was that she had been moved to a nursing home.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Feb 3, 2020 | February - March 2020, Wisdoms
Those who do not have children tend to have more financial flexibility to pursue their goals throughout life and retirement. This makes sense when you consider that the cost of raising a child from birth to adulthood is currently estimated at $233,610 (before you factor in college). However, childless singles and couples still need to manage their future financial needs.
Christopher Duque, Online Security Advisor | Dec 7, 2019 | Dec 2019 - Jan 2020, Wisdoms
If you want to make a donation, first go online and research the charity. Check the Better Business Bureau or the Federal Trade Commission for any scams or complaints connected to the organization. Scammers attempt to fool you into thinking they are a legitimate, so before donating, verify that the URL and email address are correct.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Dec 7, 2019 | Dec 2019 - Jan 2020, Wisdoms
I was a guest on “Generations Radio,” AM 690, on Nov. 22, 2019 with Lt. John McCarthy of the Financial Crimes Unit of the Honolulu Police Department. The 39-year department veteran is nationally recognized as an expert in financial crimes and elder abuse. On the show, we discussed how scams go undetected because victims don’t recognize the warning signs of abuse. What follows are danger signals that should prompt further investigation…
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Dec 7, 2019 | Dec 2019 - Jan 2020, Wisdoms
We have been receiving an increased number of phone calls from our clients’ children, notifying us about the imminent death of one of their parents. The children usually call in a panic, asking if anything needs to be done before their parent passes. We do our best to assist them; however, sometimes it is just too late.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Dec 7, 2019 | Dec 2019 - Jan 2020, Wisdoms
The people of Hawai‘i are generous with public charities. On the other hand, most of us do not have money to burn. Here are some good ideas about choosing where and how to give…
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 7, 2019 | Dec 2019 - Jan 2020, Wisdoms
The Federal Reserve, our nation’s central bank, has a fair degree of independence, but it is directly accountable to Congress. Among its primary duties, is to oversee U.S. banking and financial services industries and establish U.S. monetary policy. Here are five ways the Fed impacts us…
Christopher Duque, Online Security Advisor | Oct 4, 2019 | October - November 2019, Wisdoms
When purchasing items with a credit or debit card online or over the counter, there are precautions you need to take.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Oct 4, 2019 | October - November 2019, Wisdoms
In the last year, Americans received about 5 billion robocalls per month, up from the 2 billion a month just two years ago. Robocalls are automated calls made by a computer program, enabling the telemarketer or scammer on the other end to call multitudes of phone numbers in a short span of time. It took me under five minutes of “Googling” to find a website and fill out a form to order robocalling software that I could use to dial hundreds of telephone numbers an hour.
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Oct 4, 2019 | October - November 2019, Wisdoms
A frantic mother once called me after her daughter was injured in a ski accident. When she called the hospital to find out the status of her daughter, hospital personnel would’t release any information and didn’t allow her make decisions on her child’s behalf. Just imagine the stress this caused! This situation is all too common. When a child leave for college, for example, in the eyes of the law, he or she is now an adult and parental rights cease. This fact is often overlooked.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Oct 4, 2019 | October - November 2019, Wisdoms
The people of Hawai‘i are generous with public charities. On the other hand, most of us do not have money to burn. The following are some good ideas about choosing where and how to give.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Oct 1, 2019 | October - November 2019, Wisdoms
Making financial decisions takes time, attention and energy at any age. In the case of elderly adults, it can become increasingly difficult to manage daily finances, particularly if their health is declining or they’re experiencing cognitive issues. If you’re providing support to aging parents — or plan to in the future — here is some advice on how to handle the situation and prepare for what’s to come.
Christopher Duque, Online Security Advisor | Aug 2, 2019 | August - September 2019, Wisdoms
How often do we get and answer calls from telephone numbers of people who we think we know, only to discover it’s a telemarketer or scammer? Here are some prevention tips that may help…
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Aug 2, 2019 | August - September 2019, Wisdoms
My office has received an increase in calls from parents, siblings or other relatives trying to kick an adult child out of their house. Often, the caller has already requested that the child leave, only to receive an adamant “no” from the unwelcome person. In one instance, a mother was selling the home that she loved to move into a small, one-bedroom apartment, hoping her son would not be allowed to live there.
Terry Lee, President and CEO, Lee Financial Group Hawaii, Inc. | Aug 2, 2019 | August - September 2019, Wisdoms
For many years, we have heard our federal and state politicians talk about “unfunded liabilities” of the government. An unfunded liability is any liability or expense that does not have sufficient savings or investments set aside to pay for it. The party responsible for paying the unfunded liability pays for it out of current income or savings or by borrowing the funds.
The risk of an unfunded liability is two-fold:
Mahlon Moore | Aug 2, 2019 | August - September 2019, Wisdoms
With rising health care costs, many Medicare participants use Medicare supplement insurance to help cover expenses that Medicare does not. However, many still struggle to pay the premiums for their Medicare supplement insurance. Surprisingly, another insurance product — one that can guarantee a monthly income stream — might be the solution.
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Aug 2, 2019 | August - September 2019, Wisdoms
How nice would it be if your child was born with an operating manual? There are many parenting books out there, but none that are specifically made for your child. The obvious reason for this is because the only person who can write an operating manual for a child, is the person who is raising the child.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Aug 2, 2019 | August - September 2019, Wisdoms
A POLST is a special document in which you say what measures should be used to keep you alive. The acronym stands for — Provider Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment. It’s different from an Advance Directive in that it will be followed by emergency personnel before you reach the hospital, provided that they are aware of its existence.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Aug 2, 2019 | August - September 2019, Wisdoms
Many couples are choosing to start families later in life compared to their parents and grandparents. And, increasingly, mothers are waiting to have their first child at age 35 or older. This trend has financial implications. On one hand, parents may be more financially secure and have clear priorities for the future. On the other hand, these parents are closer to retirement, so balancing kids’ expenses with saving can be a juggle.
Christopher Duque, Online Security Advisor | May 27, 2019 | June - July 2019, Wisdoms
There’s been a marked increase in text messages with a spoofed Caller ID that ask the recipient to click on a hyperlink — that’s always the objective of this type of scam. It is their methodology to hijack your device. Two Major Risks include: The recipient does not know who really sent the message; and the hyperlink may redirect the message recipient to a website where malicious software may compromise the recipient’s cellphone.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | May 27, 2019 | June - July 2019, Wisdoms
The term “stealing home” is associated with baseball. It occurs when a runner is on third base and uses guile, speed and luck to make a dash for home plate to score a run. This usually happens when the runner takes advantage of the pitcher being distracted. In the Elder Abuse Unit, however, my team has come to know the term in a different context. We have seen situations when a homeowner literally has had their residence stolen.
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | May 27, 2019 | June - July 2019, Wisdoms
A few years ago, I created the Heartfelt Advance Care Plan booklet to provide my clients with a tool to improve their end-of-life care, to honor their choices and to reduce conflict and guilt among surviving family members. Those who do fill it out usually comment about how difficult yet rewarding it was to complete. Asking and answering detailed questions about end-of-life wishes, regardless of how difficult it may be, is tremendously helpful to both the dying and their survivors.
Percy Ihara, Reverse Mortgage Specialist, A Division of Mutual of Omaha Bank, NMLS #582944 | May 27, 2019 | June - July 2019, Wisdoms
In recent years, financial planners have shown the effectiveness of using a reverse mortgage line of credit to supplement a retirement portfolio. But while a line of credit can be a strategic part of a retirement income plan, there are often misconceptions related to how the credit line grows. In yet another Forbes article focused on reverse mortgages, Wade Pfau, Ph.D., CFA, professor of retirement income at The American College, sets the record straight with an in-depth analysis of how a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) works, grows and stands to benefit borrowers.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | May 26, 2019 | June - July 2019, Wisdoms
Unless you keep up with critical changes, your estate plan will become ineffective and maybe even become harmful to you and your ‘ohana. What kinds of changes are we talking about?
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | May 26, 2019 | June - July 2019, Wisdoms
Professionals in many industries tout their education and professional experience as a way to demonstrate their expertise and set themselves apart. The financial industry is a prime example. With almost 200 professional credentials available, advisors can sharpen their ability to serve clients well. If you are searching for a financial advisor and seeking clarity on what the acronyms after each professional’s name means, here is a primer on eight of the most commonly used designations.
Christopher Duque, Online Security Advisor | Apr 5, 2019 | April - May 2019, Wisdoms
To create secure passwords, you generally want to set the minimum password length to at least eight characters, but a minimum length of 14 characters is better.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Apr 5, 2019 | April - May 2019, Wisdoms
It’s expensive living in paradise. It’s really expensive aging in paradise. Many seniors have had to resort to relying on the “cash economy” to help them out. “Cash economy” is the term used to refer to hiring or purchasing things“ under the table” or with cash so that there is no paper trail and therefore no taxes have to be paid.
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Mar 29, 2019 | April - May 2019, Wisdoms
We often struggle with the concepts of equal, equitable, fair, and adequate when it comes to the distribution of our assets among our children. Understanding the meaning of each term helps us make the decision that most closely reflects our intention.
Terry Lee, President and CEO, Lee Financial Group Hawaii, Inc. | Mar 29, 2019 | April - May 2019, Wisdoms
We encounter risk in all facets of our life. Why do we take risk if we have a choice? Simply put: We take on risk in exchange for some kind of return. Generally, the potential for higher returns from investments comes with greater risks.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Mar 29, 2019 | April - May 2019, Wisdoms
Receiving an inheritance is like winning the lottery. What could possibly be wrong with that? Callie Rogers, age 16, won $3.1 million in a British lottery. By the age of 22 she was broke, living with her mother, and working three cleaning jobs. William Post won $16.2 million in the Pennsylvania Lottery in 1988…
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Mar 29, 2019 | April - May 2019, Wisdoms
Searching for warmer weather, moving closer to adult children and grandkids or pursuing a change in scenery are just a few reasons why many Americans choose to move in retirement. These retirees often relocate for emotional reasons, but it’s important to consider the financial impacts, too.
Christopher Duque, Online Security Advisor | Feb 2, 2019 | February - March 2019, Wisdoms
At the start of a new year, many of us make a New Year’s resolution to get healthy. Did you make a resolution to start the year with a “healthy” computer, too? Here are some computer health tips…
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Feb 2, 2019 | February - March 2019, Wisdoms
It is only by knowing what is going on in our parents’ and grandparents’ lives that we can prevent certain abuses from occurring. Get involved and find out your loved one’s routine. Talk to them. Any deviation from their norm may be a warning sign to you that they are being targeted for a possible scam.
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Feb 2, 2019 | February - March 2019, Wisdoms
Making an estate plan that clearly documents intention helps surviving family members avoid fighting; especially in court. Yet lawyers will write the estate plan for exactly that purpose — writing as if it were going to be fought over in court. I call this legalese legal dis-ease. Write your intentions down in your own hand-writing for inclusion in your estate plan so that you don’t risk miscommunication or misunderstanding among surviving family members.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Feb 2, 2019 | February - March 2019, Wisdoms
We have a right to say “enough is enough” when it comes to medical care, including the use of respirators and tube feeding. We also have the right to name who will speak for us when we cannot speak for ourselves. Having a clear and comprehensive advance health care directive is only way to be sure that your wishes will be known and carried out.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Feb 2, 2019 | February - March 2019, Wisdoms
The most important goal for many of my clients is to retire on their terms – which often means planning a long, secure retirement that enables them to check off items on their ultimate bucket list. Retirement requires careful planning in addition to avoiding financial missteps along the way. Here are five common mistakes, and strategies to avoid them…
Christopher Duque, Online Security Advisor | Dec 2, 2018 | Dec 2018 Jan 2019, Wisdoms
With all the natural disasters happening throughout the world, unscrupulous scammers are looking to take advantage of our empathy and generosity as we seek ways to help the victims of those disasters. These scammers will be soliciting donations using telephone messages, emails, and even social networking services like Facebook.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Dec 2, 2018 | Dec 2018 Jan 2019, Wisdoms
When my father-in-law “Gramps” had a stroke, he spent time at the hospital, rehab, and then a nursing home, before finally being able to return to his house. During those months of recovery away from home, my family made every effort to visit him daily. Between my wife, brother-in-law, mother-in-law and myself, we were pretty successful in making sure he would have the company of a loved one every day.
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Dec 2, 2018 | Dec 2018 Jan 2019, Wisdoms
There is no “good grief” or “bad grief”— there is only grief. Drs. Kenneth Doka and Terry Martin* suggest that there are two types of grievers: “instrumental” and “intuitive.” Neither type is deficient; only different. Understanding the difference can allow family members to empathize with, rather than attribute bad motives to, another family member.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 2, 2018 | Dec 2018 Jan 2019, Wisdoms
Setting New Year’s resolutions is a tradition for millions of Americans who see January 1 as a fresh start. However, we all know how easy it is to have resolutions fall to the wayside as the year progresses.
Fortunately, if the goal you have in mind is a financial one, there are ways you can break it down into steps that will keep you motivated and on track to achieve it.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Dec 2, 2018 | Dec 2018 Jan 2019, Wisdoms
Is estate planning really all about “who gets my stuff”? Your assets may be important, but when you sift through the reasons for doing estate planning, you may find that identifying who gets your stuff takes a distant back seat to far more important considerations.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Sep 27, 2018 | October - November 2018, Wisdoms
If I were to open a crime college, a place to learn the fine art of thievery, one class that would assuredly be on the curriculum would be Advance Fee Frauds, commonly known as sweepstakes and lottery frauds. This con involves the victim being told the lie that money is coming their way (usually from lottery winnings, insurance refunds or inheritance) but a fee/tax/processing charge has to be paid first to receive it. This one scheme is responsible for more money being stolen in Hawai‘i than any other crime.
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Sep 27, 2018 | October - November 2018, Wisdoms
It is not just families who disagree about the interpretation of legal documents. There seems to be tension among estate planning attorneys in regard to recommending that clients write down their heartfelt intentions to accompany those documents. Many lawyers believe that it is the form that is most important — that the written legal language will communicate their client’s heartfelt wishes. Others believe that, no matter how carefully written, the form alone cannot transfer intention.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Sep 27, 2018 | October - November 2018, Wisdoms
Many parents, in addition to planning for their own future, care deeply about helping their children find their financial footing as they enter adulthood. Having spent decades building up their nest eggs for retirement, they recognize the power of long-term financial planning and hope their children will capture the same benefits by starting to invest while they are young. Convincing someone just starting off in their careers to set aside money for retirement — which to them, may seem like light years away — can be a tough sell.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Sep 27, 2018 | October - November 2018, Wisdoms
When hiring a caregiver, you may be tempted to try to make the process as simple as possible by treating the caregiver as a “private contractor.” You tell the person “I will pay you so much an hour, and you deal with the IRS and the State when it comes time to pay taxes.” After all, taking on the responsibilities of withholding taxes (and then paying the taxing authorities), buying Workers’ Compensation insurance, paying Social Security and Medicare tax, and all the rest, can be a real pain. However, the IRS and the State will take the position that the caregiver is an “employee,” that you are an “employer,” and that all the legal obligations that attach to those labels are applicable to your situation.
Staff of Clay Chapman Iwamura Pulice & Nervell, Attorneys at Law | Jul 29, 2018 | August - September 2018, Wisdoms
Only one out of every 44 cases of financial abuse among the elderly ever gets reported and even fewer make it to trial. This is the true story of one of those cases.
