It should be easy to see why you need to change your estate plan after a divorce. Most married people's spouses play important roles in their estate plans, and a large portion of the estate is usually left to the spouse. After divorcing that spouse, most people obviously want to change their estate plans to exclude the ex-spouse or significantly reduce his or her inheritance. However, many people do not think about changing their estate plans during their divorce. Getting a divorce in the … [Read more...] about Getting Divorced?
Texas History – Who Received the First U.S. Mail Contract in Texas?
In 1851, Henry Skillman received a contract from the U.S. postmaster general to establish a mail route from San Antonio, Texas, to Santa Fe, New Mexico, through El Paso, Texas. The bimonthly service soon became a monthly service with passenger service. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Who Received the First U.S. Mail Contract in Texas?
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) - Essayist & Poet Ralph Waldo Emerson gradually moved away from the religious and social beliefs of his contemporaries and began formulating and expressing the philosophy of Transcendentalism in his 1836 essay, Nature. Following this groundbreaking work, he gave a speech entitled The American Scholar in 1837, which Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. considered to be America’s "Intellectual Declaration of Independence." His works not only inspired his contemporaries … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Thought for the Day:
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. Helen Keller … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Health Care and Your Estate Plan
Now that the Supreme Court has cleared the way for the Affordable Care Act to go into effect, it is time for Americans to consider how the new health care laws will affect them. Beyond the potential changes to the affordability and availability of health insurance, there are ways that the Affordable Care Act might affect your estate plan. The Act creates a new investment income surtax that goes into effect on January 1, 2013. The tax applies not only to individuals, but also to Trusts and … [Read more...] about Health Care and Your Estate Plan
Texas History – When did the First German Settlement Occur in Texas?
1831. Among the Europeans seeking homes in Texas, the greatest number came from Germany. The initial settlement in 1831 was at Industry in Austin County. In 1844, the Adelsverein, also known as the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas, acquired controlling interest in the Fisher-Miller Grant in the Texas Hill Country. The company established communities at New Braunfels and Fredericksburg and further west. … [Read more...] about Texas History – When did the First German Settlement Occur in Texas?
Steve Mendel – Texas Ironman — The Journey.
To Family, Friends & Clients: For those of you who saw my post this past Saturday, I promised you a second installment on my fitness journey in the world of endurance events. This is that second installment, and I hope it inspires you to join me on the swims, bike rides, and jogging trails of a triathlon event. You won't regret it. My true journey began in the Fall of 2012, when I made the decision that I was going to complete what is called a full Ironman (IM) triathlon. I chose an … [Read more...] about Steve Mendel – Texas Ironman — The Journey.
Steve Mendel Completes an Ironman 70.3 (Half-Ironman) – The Beginning of a Greater Journey.
To Family, Friends & Clients: Many of you have privately followed my developing interest in endurance events. You know, jogging half-marathons (13.1 miles), jogging full marathons (26.2 miles), and MS-150 cycling rides, which are really closer to 175 miles. How I came to start doing these events is a story in and of itself, and beyond the scope of today's blog. Suffice it to say, however, that I never knew how much fun fitness could be, and so at the urging of several folks, I thought … [Read more...] about Steve Mendel Completes an Ironman 70.3 (Half-Ironman) – The Beginning of a Greater Journey.
Thought for the Day:
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. Helen Keller … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Your Digital Assets
How many things do you now do digitally that you used to do otherwise? If you think about it, probably a lot of things. Many of us no longer physically balance a checkbook or keep written bank statements. All of that information is online at our bank's website. We no longer pay our cable bill by writing a check and sending it in. We have automatic payments set up. This new way of handling our finances digitally creates new problems for your estate plan and how your assets will be handled after … [Read more...] about Your Digital Assets
