Category: Wisdoms

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 adult cosigning the loan. Your natural inclination may be to help them out and sign the dotted line, but before you do, make sure you’re clear on the terms of the loan and what it may mean for your finances.

Cosign with your eyes wide open

Even though you may not consider it “your loan” if you cosign, lenders will identify you as one of the borrowers. That means you may be at risk if different circumstances arise. Keep in mind:

• If any of the balance remains unpaid by the borrower (in this scenario, your child), you as the cosigner will be required to repay it.
• If your child defaults or even misses one or two payments, it can damage your credit record.
• Even without a default, other lenders may look on the cosigned loan as an additional liability you will need to pay, which could also affect your credit record.
• In some states, the creditor has the right to collect payment from you, as the cosigner, without first trying to collect from your child.
• If you were to pass away, it could trigger “auto default” provisions in the loan contract. This would require your child to immediately pay the debt. Regulators discourage this practice, but it still exists in some loan agreements.

Steps to protect your position

Fortunately, there are often alternatives to cosigning a loan. For example, if your child is enrolled in college, he or she may be eligible for federal student loans or financial aid. Another option, if you can afford it, may be to lend your child money directly — thereby forgoing the paperwork and stipulations introduced by a third-party lender. If you decide to take this action, make sure you and your child have a clear and consistent understanding of the terms of the loan, including a repayment schedule that he or she will be accountable for sticking to. If you do decide to cosign a loan, take steps to help protect yourself:

• Read the fine print and understand the terms of the loan and the expectations of the lender.
• Avoid pledging property, such as a car, to secure the loan, as it could create additional risk.
• Arrange to receive duplicate copies of all paperwork and ensure you have complete online access to the account so you can stay on top of your child’s record of repayment.

In short, treat the situation with the same diligence that you would if you were borrowing money yourself. Do what you can to ensure your potential act of generosity doesn’t impair your ability to obtain credit in the future.

MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP,® CFS,® CLTC, CRPC®
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1100, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-952-1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com
ameripriseadvisors.com/michael.w.yee
Michael W. K. Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC, CRPC ®, is a Private Wealth Advisor, Certified Financial Planner ™ practitioner, with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Honolulu, HI. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 40 years. Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.
© 2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

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…
Dealing With Details While Grieving

With death comes grief, the natural emotional response to losing someone meaningful. With death comes a myriad of complexities that grievers face that can significantly interfere with the natural progression of grief and adaptation to a new life without the significant other person. These complexities, which we call “estate administration,” include:

1) making funeral and memorial service arrangements
2) inventorying the decedent’s assets and debts, and paying all last expenses and taxes
3) locating the decedent’s estate plan and following through on the decedent’s wishes regarding the disposition of assets

Estate Administration While Grieving

Estate administration happens during the grieving period when grief can be most pronounced, and the grievers must continue with their own lives. Grievers not only grieve on an individual level, but must collaborate and cooperate with other grievers during this estate administration. Conflict can easily arise due to differences of opinion among the grievers as to how to arrange the decedent’s affairs, and past relational wounds and differences tend to surface.

If the decedent’s family’s history in terms of conflict-resolution was one of collaboration, listening and fairness in coming to an agreement while preserving relationships, and when a decedent establishes an estate plan that clearly communicates intentions and instructions, the stress and anxiety that often accompany grief will be greatly minimized. Properly preparing one’s estate plan in this manner allows the survivors to experience the natural grieving process with reduced stress, guilt and conflict.

Hard feelings among survivors can result simply from the way each person processes grief. In G. Scott Budge’s article “Grief and Estate Settlement,” he introduces two main types of grieving styles — instrumental and intuitive. As more task-oriented, the instrumental griever will want to work on the estate administration paperwork and get things completed.

Hard-pressed to take action, the intuitive griever may not want to take any action, and instead spend time emotionally contemplating and feeling the loss of a loved one. The risk is that one may perceive the instrumental griever as cold-hearted and the intuitive griever as lazy. So for the benefit of all, prepare an estate plan that minimizes the potential for conflict.

STEPHEN B. YIM, ATTORNEY AT LAW
2054 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96826
808-524-0251 | stephenyimestateplanning.com

With death comes grief, the natural emotional response to losing someone meaningful. With death comes a myriad of complexities that grievers face that can significantly interfere with the natural progression of grief and adaptation to a new life without the significant other person. These complexities, which we call “estate administration,” include: 1) making funeral and…
I’m a Trustee… Now What?

Inheriting property can be both a gift and challenge. As a trustee, you’re not just receiving real estate, you’re inheriting family responsibilities, property maintenance and tax implications. In Hawai‘i, the complexity increases given the unique real estate landscape. So what options can maximize the potential of your inheritance?

Consider the 1031 Exchange, which permits trustees to swap inherited investment properties for another “like-kind” property while deferring capital gains taxes in the process. This tool can be immensely advantageous for trustees, allowing them to diversify an inherited portfolio, enhance investment value, ensure a more consistent cash flow and increase recession resiliency.

The 1031 Exchange can be pivotal in real estate planning. While there are essential criteria to meet (the property, for instance, must be for investment and not a primary residence), the benefits can be significant. However, given the tight windows for property identification (45 days) and purchase completion (180 days), expert guidance is crucial. Working with an experienced real estate planning team can lead to informed and lucrative decisions. If you’re a trustee uncertain about your options, the 1031 Exchange can offer you solutions to reach your goals.

THE IHARA TEAM OF KELLER WILLIAMS HONOLULU
(RB-21303)
1347 Kapiolani Blvd. #300, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-427-3006 | ihara@iharateam.com
iharateam.com
Each office independently owned and operated.

Inheriting property can be both a gift and challenge. As a trustee, you’re not just receiving real estate, you’re inheriting family responsibilities, property maintenance and tax implications. In Hawai‘i, the complexity increases given the unique real estate landscape. So what options can maximize the potential of your inheritance? Consider the 1031 Exchange, which permits trustees…
What’s Wrong With Probate?

Probate can be a simple, painless process. Sometimes, however, it can be a nightmare, and that’s what gives it a bad name. Probate just means “to prove.” Your personal representative has to prove to the court that the document being offered for probate is your last will. Probate begins with your personal representative filing your will with the court, along with your death certificate and a petition asking the judge to recognize your will as your last will and testament. The petition also asks the court to give your personal representative the authority to carry out its terms.

Once the petition is filed, copies of it and your will must be sent to just about all of the people who could be affected by your will. Those people include not only the individuals named in your will, but also the people who, by law, would have gotten your stuff if you died without a will. So the first thing probate does is provide a venue (for larger estates, a colosseum) for a fight.
If that doesn’t sell you on the benefits of probate avoidance, consider this. Probate is a public proceeding. That means that anybody who wants to can go to the probate court, obtain copies of your will, and gather other sensitive and personal information about you, your stuff, and your family members, and then do who-knows-what with that information. If you and your loved ones value privacy — and you should — then probate is an awfully good thing to avoid. The public nature of probate all by itself should deter most people from subjecting their loved ones to it.

Some years ago, the Last Will and Testament of Michael Jackson appeared on the internet. Once the King of Pop’s will was filed in court, somebody downloaded a copy and posted it on the internet. Do you want your will to be the next online “Thriller” or would you prefer to tell the internet trolls to “Beat It?” So, probate can take a long time, be expensive and publicize things that are best kept private. Read my next article for more about avoiding probate.

EST8PLANNING COUNSEL LLLC
Scott Makuakane, Counselor at Law
808-587-8227 | maku@est8planning.com
Est8planning.com

Probate can be a simple, painless process. Sometimes, however, it can be a nightmare, and that’s what gives it a bad name. Probate just means “to prove.” Your personal representative has to prove to the court that the document being offered for probate is your last will. Probate begins with your personal representative filing your…
Do You Have Retirement Questions?

Most hardworking Americans dream about retirement, but the path to get there can be less than clear. For those relatively new to the workforce, the idea of retiring may feel distant and abstract. However, even people who are only a few years from retirement are often perplexed by the decisions they face. While everyone’s journey is different, I know from my years of experience as a financial advisor that there are common themes when it comes to questions about retirement.

For example, those who just started their careers and have decades before retirement may wonder:

■ “With all my current financial priorities, why should I worry about saving money for retirement?”

The sooner you start saving for retirement, the greater the opportunity for your money to grow. If you are in your twenties or thirties, you may not have as many assets as those who have been in the workforce for decades. What you do have is time, and that can be a powerful ally. Time allows you to take full advantage of the opportunity to compound growth in your investments. Even modest investment amounts that have years to potentially grow can make a significant difference in your retirement savings.

■ “How much should I save for retirement?”

A reasonable goal is to save 10% of your pre-tax income in retirement savings vehicles. If you have the option, strongly consider directing a portion from your paycheck to a 401(k) or another workplace savings plan. If your employer offers a matching contribution, even better. That’s essentially “free money” that you don’t want to miss out on. If you have additional discretionary income beyond that, you may want to save it in a Roth IRA, which could help you build retirement savings with after-tax dollars and create potentially tax-free income in the future.

On the other hand, if retirement is in your near future, you may be pondering these questions:

■ “Should I pay off my home mortgage early?”

Paying off your mortgage may seem like a great idea, and if you’re like a lot of near retirees, the prospect of eliminating debt and reducing your monthly expenses may be appealing. But there are a variety of factors to consider. One of the biggest is the cost and potential tax consequences of moving a large sum of money out of an existing investment in order to pay off your mortgage. If the interest rate you pay on your mortgage is low, you may want to keep that money invested and continue making mortgage payments.

Also, holding a mortgage is key to many Americans’ tax strategy because the interest paid could potentially be tax-deductible. If mortgage interest is part of your tax strategy, consult with your tax professional before making the decision to own your home outright.

■ “How will I know if I saved enough money?”

The answer to this question will depend on your retirement dreams and current financial situation. The variables that come into play include the amount of money you’ll need to cover your expenses each year and other sources of income you have (a pension or Social Security). Most people should be prepared to spend several decades in retirement. A financial plan can help you test different assumptions based on an appropriate retirement date.

■ “Will Medicare cover my healthcare costs in retirement?”

Healthcare is one of the largest expenses most retirees incur in their later years and Medicare only covers a portion of healthcare expenses. Medicare is broken up into different parts. Part A is offered at no cost, but mainly covers only expenses related to hospitalization. Part B requires a monthly premium, but makes medical services such as care from a doctor or tests more affordable. Part C is an alternative type of Medicare coverage provided through private insurers at a cost. Part D is a prescription program that helps reduce the price of drugs. Medicare Supplement coverage is another form of coverage that charges a premium, but helps reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.

■ “At what age should I begin to collect Social Security?”

This varies by person. The earliest you can qualify to begin collecting Social Security retirement benefits is age 62. The longer you wait, the larger your benefit will be. The highest monthly benefit you can earn occurs when you reach age 70. If you continue to work, it may make sense to delay taking Social Security. When you retire, you’ll need to weigh the value of delaying Social Security against the cost of taking money out of your personal savings to make up the difference.

Whether retirement is a year away or decades down the road, it’s important to craft a plan for how you will build your nest egg and fund your retirement dreams. If you have questions or want to discuss your personal situation, consult your financial advisor, estate planner and tax professional for expert guidance.

MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP,® CFS,® CLTC, CRPC®
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1100, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-952-1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com
ameripriseadvisors.com/michael.w.yee

Michael W. K. Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC, CRPC ®, is a Private Wealth Advisor, Certified Financial Planner ™ practitioner, with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Honolulu, HI. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 39 years. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation. Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved

Most hardworking Americans dream about retirement, but the path to get there can be less than clear. For those relatively new to the workforce, the idea of retiring may feel distant and abstract. However, even people who are only a few years from retirement are often perplexed by the decisions they face. While everyone’s journey…
Genius Tip: Designing Your Game Plan

Albert Einstein famously said that an intellectual solves problems, while a genius avoids them. Here is an example of how you should employ this mindset when you put your estate plan in place. One of the most important things you will do is name your substitute decision-makers. These are the people who will step in upon your incapacity or death to make decisions about things like your healthcare, your living arrangements, how your assets will be managed, and where your assets will eventually go.

Remember this about the successor trustees and other fiduciaries you name in your estate planning documents: Up until they take office, they are nominees, not appointees. Until you become incapacitated or die, your nominees are like the bench on a sports team. Players sitting on the bench are there to step into the game if called upon, but they do not actually participate in the game until the coach calls their numbers. The coaches on your estate planning team are your trusted advisors. They are on your sideline to advise you and your loved ones, but generally, your coaches will not enter the game themselves.

When you become incapacitated or die, your nominees must decide whether to accept their nominations or not, and they have no legal obligation to “get off the bench.” For that reason, you should talk with your intended nominees before you nominate them, to make sure they are willing to “play ball,” and you should check in with them from time to time to confirm they are still on board with being integral members of the team who will advance your estate planning when you are no longer able to “be in the game.”

Throughout the process of designing your estate plan, you should constantly ask yourself, “what can I do, and how should I plan to avoid the problems that will someday smack me and my ‘ohana in the face unless I provide a solution beforehand?” Only this way can you avoid the problems that the intellectuals in your family will have to solve upon your death or incapacity.

SCOTT MAKUAKANE, COUNSELOR AT LAW
Author of Est8Planning for Geniuses
808-587-8227 | maku@est8planning.com
est8planning.com

Albert Einstein famously said that an intellectual solves problems, while a genius avoids them. Here is an example of how you should employ this mindset when you put your estate plan in place.
Grief & Bereavement — Part IX

In the last article we introduced and discussed the process of the virtuous circle of communication. In this article we will discuss how to communicate in a family meeting. Often conversations with family are well-intended, however the conversation can become caustic if approached with accusation and blame. Family members will tend to shut down and/or become defensive, thereby losing the opportunity to express themselves. This can further damage family relationships.

Before beginning a family meeting, ground rules must be established. If at any time the meeting is not safe or productive, then the meeting should pause so that family members can take a time out. Once everyone is willing to adhere to the ground rules, the discussion can be resumed. Communicating is not an easy task, especially when discussing a highly emotional topic with family.

In Marshall Rosenberg’s book, Nonviolent Communication, he offers a process where families engage in family meetings using four components: observation, feelings, needs, and requests.

1) OBSERVATION. Rosenberg writes with respect to observation: “First, we observe what is actually happening in a situation: What are we observing others saying or doing that is either enriching or not enriching our lives? The trick is to be able to articulate the observation without introducing any judgment or evaluation.”

2) FEELINGS. The second component is to express how one is feeling. At first glance, this may appear to be simple. However, most people can express only a limited number of feelings. The book’s author provides a helpful list of words that express feelings that can be used instead of comparable words that do not express feelings.

3) NEEDS. Once we can clearly express our feelings, we want to express our needs. Rosenberg explains that, when we are expressing feelings such as hurt, sadness and anger, what it really means is that our needs are not being met. And, if we want to communicate clearly and deeply, we will want to determine what the unmet need is that is causing these feelings.

4) REQUESTS. The final component of nonviolent communication is to make positive requests, meaning we ask for actions that might fulfill our needs. Rosenberg suggests making requests in a positive manner. Rather than saying “I don’t want you to … ,” say “I would like you to … .” Request specific actions rather than asking for a change in others’ general behavior.

STEPHEN B. YIM, ATTORNEY AT LAW
2054 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96826
808-524-0251 | stephenyimestateplanning.com

In the last article we introduced and discussed the process of the virtuous circle of communication. In this article we will discuss how to communicate in a family meeting.
No Kids? 5 Tips for Your Retirement

Many people build their retirement and estate plans around their children and grandchildren. Everything from where they live, to how they spend their time and money, to the legacy they want to leave behind is considered through the prism of their role as parents and grandparents. For those without kids and grandkids, a different formula may apply as these individuals may have more financial freedom and flexibility as they enter retirement and beyond. But they still need to be as vigilant — if not more — about planning for their later years.

Prioritize saving for retirement

Since you’re not facing the costs for childcare and educational institutions, consider doubling-down on saving for retirement. Calculate what it will take for you to live the lifestyle you want in retirement and compare it to your current savings. Contribute as much as you can to your workplace savings plan and consider building up Roth IRA savings to help create a source of income that is potentially tax-free in retirement.

Recognize your long-term care challenges

Long-term care can be a challenge for anyone as they age, and there’s added complexity in situations where you may not be able to rely on family members to step in. Medical expenses continue to rise, so it’s important to have adequate savings and insurance coverage. Make it a priority to explore your options through Medicare and your current or former employer and consider if long-term care insurance would benefit you. Also research caregiving options and long-term care facilities in your area so you are familiar with the choices if you need them down the road.

Prepare for medical care

A significant medical event can happen at any time, so make sure to have an advanced directive, also known as a living will, in place. This document lets your spouse, extended family and friends know your preferences for treatment and gives you the opportunity to designate a healthcare power of attorney, who will be empowered
to make decisions on your behalf if necessary. Have your financial decision-makers in place It’s also important to designate a spouse, friend, extended family member or professional to look out for your financial interests if you become incapacitated. Draw up documents to name a durable power of attorney to oversee your financial matters if you are unable to, including legal and tax matters. You do not have to share your full financial situation and account numbers; a common approach is to share enough information so that the contact can step in, if and where you need help making financial decisions.

Plan your legacy

With no direct heirs in line to inherit your estate, you will want to consider what you’d like your legacy to be. You may choose to leave your estate to any combination of family members, friends, charities, education institutions, or other causes that are important to you. Creating or updating your will is one of the best ways to articulate your wishes.

Also consider using trusts, which sometimes allow more flexibility than a will, to help you meet specific legacy goals. Consult with a financial advisor, attorney and tax legal professional to develop a comprehensive legacy strategy that suits your ultimate goals.

MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP,® CFS,® CLTC, CRPC®
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1100, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-952-1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com
ameripriseadvisors.com/michael.w.yee

Michael W. K. Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC, CRPC ®, is a Private Wealth Advisor, Certified Financial Planner ™ practitioner, with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Honolulu, HI. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 39 years. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.

Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Many people build their retirement and estate plans around their children and grandchildren. Everything from where they live, to how they spend their time and money, to the legacy they want to leave behind is considered through the prism of their role as parents and grandparents. For those without kids and grandkids, a different formula…
Nurturing Your Financial Freedom

As we all get older, our needs in life change. That can happen in both large and small ways. But one thing we all need to consider is the journey of long-term financial planning. While that can seem like a huge task, by breaking it down into manageable steps, we can all work towards financial security in retirement. Here are some thought starters to consider.

1. Craft a Thoughtful Spending Plan

Continually reassess your budget. Prioritize necessities over luxuries, earmarking funds for essentials like healthcare, housing and day-to-day living expenses. A well-structured spending plan provides a roadmap for financial stability.

2. Invest Strategically

Diversify your investments to minimize risk and maintain a steady income throughout retirement. Explore options like stocks, bonds and retirement accounts, including IRAs and 401(k)s. A diversified portfolio is a financial safety net.

3. Preserve Your Health and Wealth

Healthcare expenses can significantly impact your finances during retirement. Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance coverage and consider long-term care insurance to safeguard your savings.

4. Secure Your Legacy

Protect your assets and legacy by establishing or updating your will and estate documents. This can help reduce estate taxes and guarantee your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

5. Optimize Social Security

Exploring strategies to maximize your Social Security benefits is essential. Delaying your benefits can lead to larger monthly payments, enhancing your financial security in the long term.

6. Trim High-Interest Debts

Prioritize paying off high-interest debts before retiring Reducing your debt load will free up more of your retirement income for daily expenses and leisure activities.

7. Build an Emergency Fund

Maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. A financial cushion will prevent you from tapping into your retirement savings prematurely.

At its core, the aloha spirit is all about helping each other. As we care for each other, we make our community stronger. Just remember, we never need be alone in making decisions to last a lifetime.

GATHER FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
(Lihue, Kapa’a, Koloa, ‘Ele‘ele and Waimea, Kaua’i)
808-245-6791 | info@gatherfcu.org | gatherfcu.org

As we all get older, our needs in life change. That can happen in both large and small ways. But one thing we all need to consider is the journey of long-term financial planning. While that can seem like a huge task, by breaking it down into manageable steps, we can all work towards financial…
Grief & Bereavement — Part VIII

In Sherry Turkle’s book, Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk In A Digital Age, she writes about the process of the virtuous circle of communication by discussing the poet, Henry David Thoreau’s moving to Waldon Pond to live more deliberately. Thoreau furnished his cabin with three chairs. One chair to represent solitude, where he could self-reflect on matters most important for him. Two chairs to engage in conversation where he could express his thoughts to another. During these conversations, he could process information and gain new insights that better prepared him for self-reflection. All three chairs were set for a conversation with the larger community to allow for a broader awareness heading back to self-reflection. Thus, the virtuous circle that allows us to define and redefine our thoughts.

Estate planners can provide guides for each client to sit in self-reflection and consider for themselves what is most important with respect to healthcare and quality-of-life choices, as well as how to plan their financial estate. Once the plan is established, the attorney can facilitate a family meeting where the client expresses feelings and introduces the plan to family members, who can express their thoughts. The client then can self-reflect in solitude with this additional information preparing them for a better, more meaningful family meeting. Eventually, the attorney will engage the client and family with professional advisors, including the accountant and financial advisor, so that everyone understands the client’s intentions. It is vital to include and involve the client’s trusted advisors in the conversation with family. My observation is that, while families disagree, they usually can come to mutual understanding and decision. If trusted advisors come to different conclusions without consulting with one another, clients do not know how to proceed, causing the client to doubt the entire plan. It is essential that the client’s professional trusted advisors communicate with one another and come to a settled unanimous path for the client to pursue.

This virtuous circle of communication continues until the client can no longer communicate their intentions. By that time, the client’s family members and trusted advisors know, understand and will honor the client’s wishes. This process is not only important for the client in gaining perspective over personal choices, it is equally as important for participating family members and trusted advisors because they get to know the client on a much deeper level. By using this approach, family members and professionals will be on the same page in honoring the client’s intentions.

STEPHEN B. YIM, ATTORNEY AT LAW
2054 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96826
808-524-0251 | stephenyimestateplanning.com

In Sherry Turkle’s book, Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk In A Digital Age, she writes about the process of the virtuous circle of communication by discussing the poet, Henry David Thoreau’s moving to Waldon Pond to live more deliberately. Thoreau furnished his cabin with three chairs. One chair to represent solitude, where he could…
Estate Planning 101

The first step in the estate planning process is learning. What do you need to learn? I suggest this as your starting point: You need to discover how to stay in control of your stuff while you are able to be in control, as well as how to be sure that that your wishes will be carried out when incapacity or the grim reaper catch up with you. Sorry to rub it in, but at least one of those things is going to happen to you. Odds are that both of them will.

Certainly, you have views about the kind of healthcare you want to receive throughout your lifetime, and you have views about who should enjoy your stuff when you are done with it. The only way to make effective choices about those things is to know what your choices are. Learning about your choices is a lifelong process because your choices will change as your circumstances change. Your health is going to change. Your assets are going to change. Your comfort with your list of designated decision-makers is going to change. The laws that affect your estate plan are going to change. As those things change, you will need to stay on top of the choices you can make in order to be confident that your wishes will be followed at every phase of your life — and perhaps beyond your lifetime.

Let’s say you are thinking about going on an adventure. Where do you want to go? How do you want to get there? Are there any better destinations you might want to consider? Is there a better means of getting you there than the one you originally chose? The only way to know the answers to these questions is to do some research, talk with people who have taken similar trips and, better yet, talk with folks who have helped lots of people take all kinds of journeys. It’s kind of like asking for directions. While I have never regretted asking for them, I have regretted waiting too long to do so. Don’t make that mistake.

Your life is a journey. If you do not make your own choices about the path of your journey, someone else will make those choices for you, and you might not like where you end up. So, learning about estate planning is your key to ending your journey well. The sooner you learn about your estate planning options, the sooner you can implement ways to mitigate or head off problems that are headed your way, even though you don’t know exactly what they are or when they will arrive. Read what you can, talk with your trusted advisors, and put what you learn to work in building the estate plan that will take you to your chosen destination.

SCOTT MAKUAKANE, COUNSELOR AT LAW
Author of Est8Planning for Geniuses
808-587-8227 | maku@est8planning.com
est8planning.com

The first step in the estate planning process is learning. What do you need to learn? I suggest this as your starting point: You need to discover how to stay in control of your stuff while you are able to be in control, as well as how to be sure that that your wishes will…
Tips for Entering Retirement Solo

Approximately 23 million Americans ages 65 and older are single, divorced or widowed, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Census Bureau (1). That means there are many people in this country who are planning their retirement on their own, without the help of a spouse or partner.

If you are a part of this group, there are unique considerations you may need to keep in mind as you navigate your path to retirement on your own.

■ Align your lifestyle with your savings: Whether it’s traveling, volunteering, visiting family, or working part-time, think about how you want to fill your days — then consider how you’ll fund your new lifestyle.
■ Plan for healthcare expenses: Decide how expenses are handled, including possibly needing long-term care. Depending on your situation, insurance coverage (including Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care insurance), health savings accounts and investment savings may be part of the solution.
■ Update your estate plan: Review and make any necessary adjustments to your estate plan and beneficiaries on key accounts to ensure they align with your wishes. Pick a trusted family member or friend to serve as your financial and healthcare proxy. An attorney can help you assign someone to make decisions for you in the event you can no longer act on your own.
■ Consider your mortgage: Think about whether you’d like to pay it off before or during retirement. Consider your tax strategy, cash flow needs today and down the road, and whether you intend to downsize or move.
■ For those who are divorced: If you were previously married, additional considerations apply as you think about your retirement plans:
• If you receive alimony payments, be aware that the amount you receive may be modified — or even end — once your ex-spouse reaches retirement age. On the other hand, if you are the one who makes alimony payments, make sure you understand how much you’re obligated to continue paying in retirement.
• You may also consider claiming Social Security benefits based on the earnings of your ex-spouse; as early as age 62. However, the longer you delay claiming benefits (up to your full retirement age), the larger your monthly benefit will be. Your claim has no impact on the amount of your ex-spouse’s benefits.
■ For widows and widowers: The following tips can help you as you reframe your retirement years:
• If you were not closely involved in managing household finances, enlist a trusted family member or financial professional to review your current situation. Track down passwords to all your accounts and make an updated plan to address your current needs and retirement goals.
• If you collected an insurance settlement following the passing of your spouse, focus on investing that money effectively to help generate income during your retirement.

You can also claim Social Security survivor benefits if you are at least age 60. How you decide to spend your retirement days is personal — so your retirement plan should be too. Turn to a tax professional and financial advisor for guidance on what steps to take next.

MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP,® CFS,® CLTC, CRPC®
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1100, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-952-1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com
ameripriseadvisors.com/michael.w.yee
Michael W. K. Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC, CRPC ®, is a Private Wealth Advisor, Certified Financial Planner ™ practitioner, with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Honolulu, HI. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 39 years.

(1) “America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2022 – Table A1,” United States Census Bureau. Last Revised – November 21, 2022. census.gov/data/tables/2022/demo/families/cps-2022.html.

Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation. Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Approximately 23 million Americans ages 65 and older are single, divorced or widowed, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Census Bureau. That means there are many people in this country who are planning their retirement on their own, without the help of a spouse or partner.