Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Jan 26, 2017 | February - March 2017, Wisdoms
The usual response I receive when I ask, “What brings you here?” during an initial meeting with clients, is, “To avoid probate and minimize taxes.” Avoiding probate and taxes are good goals, and easy to resolve. The much more difficult — and much more meaningful work...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Jan 26, 2017 | February - March 2017, Wisdoms
Technology has made all of our lives easier. Just by using a smartphone, you can talk to people all over the world, check the weather forecast or reserve a seat on a plane. The true power of the smartphone is how it combines a myriad of tools into a single, sleek...
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Jan 26, 2017 | February - March 2017, Wisdoms
Kingdom Advisors founder Ron Blue takes an interesting approach to estate planning. He advocates lifetime giving as a way to assure that the objects of your bounty are worthy recipients of your wealth. This could play out a couple of different ways. As Blue points...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jan 26, 2017 | February - March 2017, Wisdoms
It’s no secret that healthcare becomes a bigger concern for most of us as we grow older. More ailments are likely to develop, which means more money is spent to visit health professionals and purchase medications. Even if you remain healthy through your later years,...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Dec 2, 2016 | December – January 2017, Wisdoms
When Terry discovered his home had been burglarized, the frustration of having to replace his valuables paled in comparison to the feelings of being violated. Then, several nights later, someone entered his garage and stole his car. What Terry didn’t realize was that...
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Dec 2, 2016 | December – January 2017, Wisdoms
If an estate plan is our final personal and intimate letter to our loved ones, why is it that we can’t understand it when we read it? This last intimate writing should be full of our unique, personal and emotional voice, yet, it reads like a sterile contract, devoid...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Dec 2, 2016 | December – January 2017, Wisdoms
There are ways you can help your children and grandchildren lower the price of higher education. One of the best ways is to establish and contribute to a qualified 529 plan. Contributions grow tax-free; distributions to the student for education expenses are also free...
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Dec 2, 2016 | December – January 2017, Wisdoms
In May of last year, Reuters reported that a Georgia judge had agreed to appoint a mediator to help the family of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. decide whether to sell Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize and his personal Bible. Dr. King carried the Bible during the...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 2, 2016 | December – January 2017, Wisdoms
Like most Americans, you’ve probably spent years working to achieve the retirement of your dreams. There comes a point when this milestone changes from a distant goal to an imminent reality. You can make your first year away from work more rewarding and less stressful...
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Oct 3, 2016 | October - November 2016, Wisdoms
The Hidden Costs of Probate Court by Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Oct 1, 2016 | October - November 2016, Wisdoms
Hiring Strangers as Caregivers by Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Oct 1, 2016 | October - November 2016, Wisdoms
Rollover Your IRA for Good by Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Oct 1, 2016 | October - November 2016, Wisdoms
Secret Money for Veterans by Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Oct 1, 2016 | October - November 2016, Wisdoms
Prepare for Retirement Milestones by Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Aug 1, 2016 | August - September 2016, Wisdoms
Medicare Facts You Need to Know by Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Aug 1, 2016 | August - September 2016, Wisdoms
Put Your Voice Into Your Estate Plan by Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Aug 1, 2016 | August - September 2016, Wisdoms
Drive-By Victims: Homeless Seniors by Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Aug 1, 2016 | August - September 2016, Wisdoms
Vacation With Your Important Papers by Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Aug 1, 2016 | August - September 2016, Wisdoms
Giving Retirement Assets by Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Malcolm Findley | Jun 24, 2016 | Articles, June - July 2011, Wisdoms
Medicare Identity Theft is a serious and growing problem that impacts the lives of millions of seniors every year. A variety of reasons, including the expansion of technology and the Internet, allow personal information to be stolen and sold worldwide. Furthermore,...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jun 1, 2016 | June - July 2016, Wisdoms
Paying Yourself in Retirement by Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Jun 1, 2016 | June - July 2016, Wisdoms
Will You Leave a Legacy by Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Jun 1, 2016 | June - July 2016, Wisdoms
Sycamore Row by Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Jun 1, 2016 | June - July 2016, Wisdoms
Endowment Gift Keeps on Giving by Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Jun 1, 2016 | June - July 2016, Wisdoms
Stop Being an Easy Victim by Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Apr 1, 2016 | April - May 2016, Articles, Wisdoms
A joint bank account with a child can be an efficient, effective, and simple estate planning tool. Either of the joint owners can write checks, and the survivor can continue to use the account after one owner dies. However, a joint account can be fraught with problems...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Apr 1, 2016 | April - May 2016, Articles, Wisdoms
You have the resources to turn your house into the dream home you’ve always wanted. Now, what? Here are some tips to help you plan your remodel. Compile your wish list. Prioritize your list by identifying what projects and features are important to you and your...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Apr 1, 2016 | April - May 2016, Articles, Wisdoms
Pope Francis recently said, “Be careful! Beware of someone who is sly or sneaky who tells you that you need to pay. Salvation cannot be bought.” He was warning us that scam artists use faith as a source of income. We must always be on guard against people that use...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Apr 1, 2016 | April - May 2016, Articles, Wisdoms
If you are like many people, you are looking for a way to create funds and security for your future. If you own low-interest CDs or underperforming stocks, one idea is to transfer these assets to a qualified nonprofit organization in exchange for a charitable gift...
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Apr 1, 2016 | April - May 2016, Articles, Wisdoms
An unpleasant fact of life is the prospect of needing long-term care someday. Statistics tell us that 70 percent of Americans will need long-term care for some period of time before death. So it is not just possible, but very likely that you or someone close to you...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Feb 1, 2016 | Articles, February - March 2016, Wisdoms
As a small-business owner, one of the greatest benefits you can provide to your employees is a retirement plan that helps them save for their financial future. Your contributions to a retirement plan are a deductible business expense, and a strong compensation package...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Feb 1, 2016 | Articles, February - March 2016, Wisdoms
We talk a lot about gifts and how to structure your gifts for maximum benefit. But one of the best gifts we can give ourselves is knowledge to stay healthy. Aging gracefully also preserves our savings and financial resources for our later years and for our heirs. Many...
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Feb 1, 2016 | Articles, February - March 2016, Wisdoms
If you were to collapse unexpectedly, how aggressively would you want emergency medical personnel to act in trying to keep you alive? If you were a typical, healthy, individual, you would probably say, “do whatever it takes to keep me going, even if you have break a...
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Feb 1, 2016 | Articles, February - March 2016, Wisdoms
During the winter break, I read a book called Difficult Conversations, how to discuss what matters most. The authors teach ways to engage in conversations, maintain good relationships and convey and receive meaning and intentions without blame and defensiveness. They...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Feb 1, 2016 | Articles, February - March 2016, Wisdoms
I It’s difficult to believe that anyone would take advantage of our aloha spirit. Unfortunately, the Prosecutor’s Office has seen an increase in cases of friendly strangers who turn out to be con artists preying on seniors. Edith (not her real name) was walking...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Dec 1, 2015 | Articles, December - January 2016, Wisdoms
Earlier, I wrote about a woman from Waianae, who added her daughter to her bank account. The daughter was to use the money to pay contractors to remodel the mother’s home. This money was solely the mother’s, but instead of helping the mother, the daughter helped...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Dec 1, 2015 | Articles, December - January 2016, Wisdoms
Are you looking for ways to reduce capital gains tax on the sale of your appreciated assets, save and plan for the future or save on your income taxes? A planned gift can help you achieve your goals. It’s possible to increase your income now or in the future and save...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 1, 2015 | Articles, December - January 2016, Wisdoms
One challenge to living a good life is learning how to balance the realities of today with what lies ahead — to live in the present while you wisely plan for the future. Since change is always around the corner, you owe it to your future self to consider what you’d...
Generations Magazine Staff | Dec 1, 2015 | Articles, December - January 2016, Wisdoms
Watching a running relay race is exciting. Running together at full speed and passing the baton to a teammate is thrilling to watch. I would ask you to consider that your estate plan is your relay. The definition of the word relay is “a series of persons relieving one...
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Dec 1, 2015 | Articles, December - January 2016, Wisdoms
You may have heard the old joke, “where there’s a will… I want to be in it.” That may be true, but effective estate planning covers much more than just “who gets my stuff.” When you sift through your own reasons for doing estate planning, you may find that naming who...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Oct 1, 2015 | Articles, October - November 2015, Wisdoms
With Thanksgiving approaching, we are reminded to be appreciative of what we have; oftentimes, this leads to opening up our hearts (and wallets) to those in need. Unfortunately, there are those who would use dishonesty to profit from a giving heart. Earlier this year...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Oct 1, 2015 | Articles, October - November 2015, Wisdoms
With Thanksgiving approaching, we are reminded to be appreciative of what we have; oftentimes, this leads to opening up our hearts (and wallets) to those in need. Unfortunately, there are those who would use dishonesty to profit from a giving heart. Earlier this year...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Oct 1, 2015 | Articles, October - November 2015, Wisdoms
If you’re like most people, you periodically set aside time to clean out your home, garage or closets. It’s equally important to organize your finances. This checklist can help you get started: Cancel unused credit cards: Don’t throw away money on annual fees for...
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Oct 1, 2015 | Articles, October - November 2015, Wisdoms
The one estate planning document that everyone 18 and older should have is an Advance Health-Care Directive. It is not the sexiest tool in the estate planning toolbox, but it can head off family strife, heartache, and needless attorney’s fees as no other document can....
Generations Magazine Staff | Oct 1, 2015 | Articles, October - November 2015, Wisdoms
The Honolulu Police Department recently rolled out Smart911™, a free 9-1-1 service available to residents of O‘ahu. Registration is free at www.Smart911.com. Smart911 allows you to file information with 911 — about your disability, medications you take or how to gain...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Oct 1, 2015 | Articles, October - November 2015, Wisdoms
With the end of the year just around the corner, you may want to review your financial situation. Make a list to ensure that you take full advantage of all available tax-saving deductions. Here are some ideas for year-end planning that can benefit you and help support...
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Oct 1, 2015 | Articles, October - November 2015, Wisdoms
Lately, I’ve had questions from beneficiaries of trusts asking “why did the decedent make the trust distribution a certain way?” The trust clearly identified who the beneficiaries were, and what they were to receive and how they were to receive it. Unfortunately the...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Aug 1, 2015 | Articles, August - September 2015, Wisdoms
Summer vacations are perfect for hitting the road for adventure or staying close to home to simply recharge. The slower pace and rest a vacation offers are priceless, but you can still practice financial vigilance. Here’s how to get the most for your money as you...
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Aug 1, 2015 | Articles, August - September 2015, Wisdoms
On May 27, 2015, Reuters reported that a Georgia judge had appointed a mediator to help the family of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. decide whether to sell Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize and his personal Bible. Dr. King carried this Bible during the historic...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Aug 1, 2015 | Articles, August - September 2015, Wisdoms
In the movie Ghostbusters, when someone needed help with anything paranormal (ghosts, demons … or maybe even night marchers), there was only one number to call — Ghostbusters! Unfortunately, when a person suspects fraud or financial scams going on, there are a...
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Aug 1, 2015 | Articles, August - September 2015, Wisdoms
This past year, our office established the Heartfelt Legacy Foundation™, which in turn, purchased the right to associate with Honoring Choices®. This national group is raising awareness about making end-of-life choices, encouraging family discussions so that loved...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Aug 1, 2015 | Articles, August - September 2015, Wisdoms
You may be surprised to learn that an estimated 70 percent of American adults have not yet made a will or trust, even though these documents are vitally important to all individuals and families. For those who never complete their estate plans, the government will...
Fusao Fusao Nishibun, Tax Relief Supervisor, City and County of Honolulu | Aug 1, 2015 | Articles, August - September 2015, Wisdoms
Property owners who meet certain eligibility requirements may apply to the City and County of Honolulu for a real property tax credit to reduce their property taxes. Depending on your age, you may qualify for a tax credit equal to the amount of taxes owed for the 2015...
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Jun 1, 2015 | Articles, June - July 2015, Wisdoms
I recently received a call from a client who has a daughter attending college on the Mainland. Her daughter had been in a ski-accident and was in the hospital. When the mother called the hospital to find out her daughter’s status, they would not release any...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Jun 1, 2015 | Articles, June - July 2015, Wisdoms
Sometimes I am asked by people how they can help our cause without disturbing their finances. Surprisingly, there are ways to accomplish that goal. Each situation is different, so consulting your tax advisor is a good idea. You may wish to consider these ideas: •...
Percy Ihara, Publisher, Generations Magazine | Jun 1, 2015 | Articles, June - July 2015, Wisdoms
Many families worry about the financial future of their retired parents. For peace of mind and the well-being of your parents, it’s important to talk with them about the kind of financial help they may need to “age in place.” Most people want to live out their years...
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Jun 1, 2015 | Articles, June - July 2015, Wisdoms
According to an article published in the Wall Street Journal on May 14, 2012, if you are married and you and your spouse both reach the age of 65, there is a 70 percent probability that one of you is going to need long-term care. As if that is not troubling enough, a...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Jun 1, 2015 | Articles, June - July 2015, Wisdoms
Wanda (not her real name) took out a home equity loan on her Waianae house. She intended to renovate her home so that her adult daughter could move in, care for Wanda and help repay the loan. Once the $290,000 was in their joint checking account, however, her daughter...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jun 1, 2015 | Articles, June - July 2015, Wisdoms
For most people, it isn’t a question of whether to own life insurance, but what kind of coverage is most appropriate for their circumstances. There is no “one-size-fits-all” policy. You need to determine what works best for you. Choosing life insurance involves...
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Apr 1, 2015 | April - May 2015, Articles, Wisdoms
Kingdom Advisors founder Ron Blue takes an interesting approach to estate planning. He advocates lifetime giving as a way to assure that the objects of your bounty are worthy recipients of your wealth. This could play out a couple of different ways. As Blue points...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Apr 1, 2015 | April - May 2015, Articles, Wisdoms
What do you know about kidney disease? Are you sure that what you heard is correct? Here are 4 common errors: Myth 1: Kidney disease is rare One in seven adults in Hawai‘i has kidney disease and one in two are at risk for the disease. High blood pressure, diabetes, a...
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Apr 1, 2015 | April - May 2015, Articles, Wisdoms
Did you play the game “grape vine” as a child? You whisper something to someone who whispers it to another, until the last person gets the message. The last person says the message out loud. At best, it is a very garbled version of the original message. Think about...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Apr 1, 2015 | April - May 2015, Articles, Wisdoms
When it comes to love and relationships, we are particularly protective of our elders. We scrutinize new companions who come into their lives; when our kupuna decide to marry, we get concerned about the new partner’s intentions. Stephanie (not her real name) called my...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Apr 1, 2015 | April - May 2015, Articles, Wisdoms
You finally feel ready to make that dream purchase. Before you put an offer in for a getaway on a neighbor island or a city lights apartment, consider the realities of owning a second property. Can you afford it? Owning a second home entails additional expenses such...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Feb 1, 2015 | Articles, February - March 2015, Wisdoms
While many people are forced to stop working earlier than they’d planned due to health or employer issues, others dream of early retirement. The upside of early retirement is easy to understand – more time to pursue your interests, while you are still healthy. The...
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Feb 1, 2015 | Articles, February - March 2015, Wisdoms
One Sunday morning, a few years back, I was out driving on the North Shore, headed to Starbucks for my morning cup of coffee. The traffic wasn’t light, as it was surf season, which means it was pretty crowded with only one lane going in each direction. I noticed in my...
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Feb 1, 2015 | Articles, February - March 2015, Wisdoms
Receiving an inheritance can certainly be like winning the lottery. What could be wrong with that? Callie Rogers, age 16, won $3.1 million in a British lottery. By the age of 22, the unwed mother of two had attempted suicide twice, and spent over $400,000 on cocaine...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Feb 1, 2015 | Articles, February - March 2015, Wisdoms
For hours, Elaine (not her real name), age 69, sat on the lanai of her Pearl City townhouse waiting. She was told that at any moment, the governor was going to arrive and present her with a new car and a check for $2 million. During this time, her adult son was...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Dec 1, 2014 | Articles, December - January 2015, Wisdoms
Recently, I appeared on the Generations Radio Show (Saturdays from 5 to 6 pm on AM 690) aired November 22 and can be heard at www.Generations808.com) with Lt. John McCarthy of the Financial Crimes Unit of the Honolulu Police Department. With 39 years of police...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Dec 1, 2014 | Articles, December - January 2015, Wisdoms
The holidays remind us of two things: gift giving and year-end tax planning. A charitable gift can help you support your favorite cause, benefit your family and reduce your taxes. In addition to cash gifts, consider these other two charitable gift strategies:...
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Dec 1, 2014 | Articles, December - January 2015, Wisdoms
I like to call our meeting room where we meet to discuss estate planning “the pause room.” When we enter and close the door, and leave outside all the busy-ness in our lives — we put only the matters relating to estate planning on the table. We pause for about an...
Generations Magazine Staff | Dec 1, 2014 | Articles, December - January 2015, Wisdoms
The giving season is upon us as 2014 comes to a close. Charitable donations are an important way of giving back to our community. If you are eager to give back or help out, just how do you decide how much to give and through whom? For those wishing to exercise wise...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 1, 2014 | Articles, December - January 2015, Wisdoms
With all the uncertainties of the future, it’s difficult for people to know exactly how much to save for retirement. While it may be relatively easy to gauge just how much you’ll need for everyday living expenses like food and housing, other expenses, such as the...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Oct 1, 2014 | Articles, October - November 2014, Wisdoms
You love your family and you are good at your job. This does not mean, however, you will make a good caregiver for a loved one. Being an accomplished professional, expert or an akamai homemaker does not prepare you for the sudden responsibility of a full time...
Craig Watanabe, Captain Cook Coins | Oct 1, 2014 | Articles, October - November 2014, Wisdoms
My hobby started in 1958 with heart and a willingness to gather and share as much information as possible. As a professional coin dealer, I still have deep excitement for numismatics, (Greek for ‘a love of the study of coins’.) Coins and other collectibles, such as...
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Oct 1, 2014 | Articles, October - November 2014, Wisdoms
As we all waited in long lines for gas and supplies in the face of oncoming Hurricane Iselle, we were reminded of the importance of planning ahead for inevitable catastrophic events. Here are some things NOT to do with your estate plan, according to Casey Dowd in his...
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Oct 1, 2014 | Articles, October - November 2014, Wisdoms
When we go to the eye doctor to get a new prescription, the doctor will have us look through many different lenses, constantly asking us which lens provides us with the clearest vision. Much like the eye doctor, I believe that the role of the estate planning attorney...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Oct 1, 2014 | Articles, October - November 2014, Wisdoms
Did you know there is a way to support your favorite charitable cause and receive cash back? It’s called a charitable gift annuity and many, but not all, charities offer this form of giving. In Hawai‘i, there are some legal requirements that must be met by a charity...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Oct 1, 2014 | Articles, October - November 2014, Wisdoms
Money is a powerful influence on our lifestyle, emotions and behaviors. If you’re serious about improving your financial life, examine your money mindset Acknowledge your personal history. If you grew up in poverty, you may have an underlying sense of...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Aug 1, 2014 | Articles, August - September 2014, Wisdoms
Hawaii has the largest number of Homeowner’s Associations (HOA) per capita than other state. In these structured communities, residents agree when purchasing their homes to follow certain rules to ensure a certain quality of life is maintained for residents. They pay...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Aug 1, 2014 | Articles, August - September 2014, Wisdoms
The state of the economy can make a big difference in our lives. It affects opportunities in the job market, drives stock market, determine prices and influences buyer behavior. When economy is robust, there’s optimism in the air. Companies’ hire, investors invest and...
Jeffrey B. Sisemoore, JD, National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii | Aug 1, 2014 | Articles, August - September 2014, Wisdoms
If you are like many people; you may desire to make a charitable gift as part of your estate plan, a way to give back, when your need for assets is done. This kind of planning is done when retirement is also on our minds. Most of us hold retirement savings in an IRA,...
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Aug 1, 2014 | Articles, August - September 2014, Wisdoms
I have had the great fortune to be able to go on a cruise this summer with my family and visited many different places in Europe. We barely heard any English spoken on this trip and while the languages are varied, I’ve noticed more commonalities than differences among...
Generations Magazine Staff | Aug 1, 2014 | Articles, August - September 2014, Wisdoms
In Clark v. Rameker, decided on June 12, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court boldly went where it has seldom gone before. It waded into the estate planning world and decided that the creditor protection rules that generally apply to IRAs do not apply to inherited IRAs. The...
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Jun 1, 2014 | Articles, June - July 2014, Wisdoms
Some people question whether Medicaid planning might be unpatriotic. After all, Medicaid is a “welfare” benefit funded by our tax dollars. Is it “wrong” to put yourself in the position to have the taxpayers pay for your long-term care? Let us begin by considering what...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Jun 1, 2014 | Articles, June - July 2014, Wisdoms
The Fourth of July is the cornerstone of summer. It is a date where families will get together; BBQ’s will occur; and fireworks will be watched. Memories of our youth will resurface, and stories of our nation’s birth will be told. Independence Day being on Friday this...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jun 1, 2014 | Articles, June - July 2014, Wisdoms
Americans in general have strong work ethic, so a life of extended leisure doesn’t appeal to everyone. With the average U.S. life expectancy estimated at 80.1 years, there’s no reason why you can’t pursue meaningful work in retirement especially if your health is good...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Apr 1, 2014 | April - May 2014, Articles, Wisdoms
Financial abuse of seniors oftentimes goes unreported. Studies have estimated that as few as 1 in 30 cases are brought to the attention of authorities. There are many reasons why these matters don’t get reported. The two main reasons for none reporting are: the abuser...
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Apr 1, 2014 | April - May 2014, Articles, Wisdoms
In my 19 years as an estate planning attorney, I’ve noticed that many of the things we do as attorneys seem backward. The consequence of backward estate planning is dire, causing failed estate plans and fractured family relationships. To ensure a successful estate...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Apr 1, 2014 | April - May 2014, Articles, Wisdoms
Two emotions are likely to strike those who are nearing retirement — excitement and fear. Leaving the world of alarm clocks and cubicles is liberating, but feelings of apprehension about entering a new life stage can easily creep in. The responsibility of pursuing...
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Apr 1, 2014 | April - May 2014, Articles, Wisdoms
You have seen the commercials. You have heard the radio ads. But before you go to a website to have your estate plan constructed by a computer program, be sure to ask yourself this: You may not have as large an estate as Mr. Fancyshmancylawyer or Mr. Radiobucks, but...
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Feb 1, 2014 | Articles, February - March 2014, Wisdoms
While I was growing up, we almost always had a dog (or two) in the house, and they always became treasured family members. You may have had the same experience, and you would not be alone if you have pets today that you consider to be your “children.” I know people...
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Feb 1, 2014 | Articles, February - March 2014, Wisdoms
Clients often ask me, “Do you do like they do in the movies, where the attorney sits with the family and reads the will after someone dies?” I tell them that I never do that after someone dies. Most clients then respond, looking puzzled, “You don’t?” I then explain...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Feb 1, 2014 | Articles, February - March 2014, Wisdoms
When it comes to planning for retirement, women feel less prepared than men. That’s according to the New Retirement Mindscape® 2013 City Pulse index survey, commissioned by Ameriprise Financial. Only 38 percent of women surveyed say that they feel on track for...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Feb 1, 2014 | Articles, February - March 2014, Wisdoms
Fear has always been a tool criminals use to get money from others. Whether it is created by holding a weapon to a cashier to get their compliance, or simply using a verbal threat against someone on the street to make him/her surrender their wealth, a robber wants his...
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Dec 1, 2013 | Articles, December - January 2014, Wisdoms
When Betty Lau (victim’s name changed) of Kaimuki opened her mail, she could not believe how lucky she was to find out that she won the $3-million Australian Lottery. The official looking letter explained that an unnamed company bought her a ticket as a promotional...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 1, 2013 | Articles, December - January 2014, Wisdoms
The long-struggling housing market is finally showing signs of recovery, giving many homeowners more equity in their properties. This is prompting more pre-retirees to consider if, and how, home equity can be turned into a source of cash to help fund their retirement....
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Dec 1, 2013 | Articles, December - January 2014, Wisdoms
A large, well-funded national organization has been taking out print ads and airing TV commercials that claim that doctors in Hawai‘i are providing lethal doses of medication to individuals who desire “aid in dying.” According to the ads and commercials, this is...
Mary Steiner, Campaign Manager for Compassion & Choices Hawai‘i | Dec 1, 2013 | Articles, December - January 2014, Wisdoms
We all know death is a natural part of life and something we will all experience. But have you thought about how you want to be treated during your final days? How you would like to die? Though it’s not an easy topic, and most of us avoid thinking about it, consider...
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Dec 1, 2013 | Articles, December - January 2014, Wisdoms
siblingship [sib-ling-ship] noun (November 9, 2013): 1. The state of being related or interrelated 2. A state of affairs existing between one of two or more individuals having one common parent. You will not find this word in the dictionary — it is a new word as of...