Category: Wisdoms

  • The Mom Who Ran Out of Time

    Having spent over 14 years handling elder issues, the one thing I have seen seniors do repeatedly is not plan for their passing because they think there will be time do it later. This naïve mindset causes so much frustration and anger that instead of leaving behind a legacy of love and fond memories, ill…

  • It’s Your Funeral

    You own your body after you die and you can say what happens to it. If you say nothing, it will be up to your next of kin, such as your spouse, your children and then more distant relatives. By planning your funeral in advance, you can spare your loved ones stress and conflict. Your…

  • Should I Downsize After Retirement?

    If you are approaching retirement or are already there, you may be considering downsizing your home. It’s a big decision, with ramifications for both your finances and your lifestyle. Here are some things to keep in mind:■ Decide if a move makes sense. Your needs and priorities may shift in retirement. Perhaps you won’t require…

  • Communication & Grief

    Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone special. The process of grieving allows the griever to adapt to a new world of existence without the loved one.

  • Hawai‘i Lawyers Helping Seniors

    Fifteen years ago, the Hawai‘i State Bar Association created the Senior Counsel Division (SCD). Its members are Hawai‘i attorneys who are 50 years of age or older (which is over half the Hawai‘i State Bar), and number in the thousands.

  • Covering Your Assets

    Think of asset protection planning as a game. Follow the rules and you may avoid detours through lawyers’ offices and courtrooms.

  • Insurance You May Not Realize You Need

    Insurance is a product for the what-ifs in life. A good insurance policy can reduce the financial impact of an adverse event, mitigate financial losses, provide stability and offer some peace of mind during difficult times. Some insurance coverage is deemed so important, it’s mandated by law. But there is also lesser-known insurance coverage worth…

  • Minimize Asset Distribution Drama

    Minimize Asset Distribution Drama

    Minimizing estate asset distribution conflicts among survivors proves to be a challenging consequence of death. Hard-to-divide assets such as a family heirloom or the family home can cause the fracturing of relationships.

  • What’s in YOUR Toolbox?

    Trusts are tools. Like screwdrivers, they come in a variety of sizes and shapes, each designed to accomplish a defined result. You need a screwdriver with a tip that looks like a straight line for a screw with a head that has a straight slot in it. You need a screwdriver with a tip shaped…

  • Before Cosigning Your Child’s Loan…

    As your child heads off to college or starts life as an independent young adult, he or she will likely face new financial responsibilities, such as a car purchase, rent or college tuition payments. Given their lack of credit history, it may be difficult for them to obtain a loan without a parent or another…