Category: Wisdoms

  • Options for Paying for Long-Term Care

    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…

  • A Legacy of Aloha

    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…

  • Five Money Myths You Should Ignore

    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…

  • Before Selling, Back Up & Purge

    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.

  • Please Take Your Car Keys!

    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…

  • Special Needs Planning

    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…

  • Don’t Be ‘Buried Alive’

    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…

  • Financial Planning for Non-parents

    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…

  • Where’s That Donation Going?

    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…

  • Recognizing Warning Signs of Abuse

    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…

  • What to Do Before a Loved One Passes

    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…

  • Smart Charitable Giving

    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…