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Father Wants Apple to Unlock Son's iPhone

Law enforcement agents in the U.S. are not the only people who would like Apple to create a way to bypass the iPhone's security features. The dispute between the FBI and Apple over the iPhone of the San Bernardino shooter appears to have been re… Read More
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Upcoming Changes to Gun Trusts

Gun trusts are a great way to keep firearms in a family. They have offered a cheaper and easier way to pass certain firearms between generations. However, new rules will make them somewhat less beneficial. Certain firearms, such as machine guns and s… Read More
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When to Start Social Security

One of the toughest decisions that seniors face is when they should start taking Social Security benefits. Thinking about a few possibilities makes the decision easier for most people. It is common knowledge that monthly Social Security benefits incr… Read More
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Social Security Benefits and Inflation

Annual adjustments to Social Security benefits should allow those benefits to keep up with inflation. In reality, the system does not always work well. Since 1972 Social Security benefits have received annual cost-of-living adjustments. Using informa… Read More
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Should You Be Confident about Your Retirement Plans?

Many Americans who are confident about their plans for retirement might want to reconsider, especially if those plans rely on Social Security or part-time employment. Recent survey results indicate that almost two-thirds of Americans are at least som… Read More
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It Is Important to Designate a Contingent Beneficiary for Your IRA

A recent IRS private letter ruling highlights why it is important to designate a contingent beneficiary for your IRA in case the primary beneficiary predeceases you. Individual retirement accounts are an important part of many estate plans. By design… Read More
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Taxes on Social Security Benefits

Many people are surprised to learn that their Social Security retirement benefits might be subject to federal income taxes. Many Americans are surprised to learn that they can be taxed on their Social Security retirement benefits as explained in My S… Read More
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Same-Sex Couples May Still Have Special Estate Planning Needs

Despite the Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage in the U.S., many older same-sex couples still face challenges and need special estate planning. The decision by the Supreme Court to legalize same-sex marriage throughout the U.… Read More
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Splitting a Farm to Keep It in the Family

Farmers who have more than one child have an estate planning dilemma. The most valuable property that they have is almost always the land and the farm equipment. If all of the children are not interested in farming, it can be difficult to give them a… Read More
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How to Apply for Social Security

When to apply for Social Security benefits is an important decision that requires careful consideration, but it is also important to know how to apply. It is very easy to find advice about when you should apply for Social Security benefits. Informati… Read More
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