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Free Report: Texas Estate Planning and Special Needs Trust

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  As the parent of a special needs child you are undoubtedly aware of the financial costs associated with caring for a special needs individual. Although no one likes to dwell in the financial impact of caring for a special needs child the real reality is that it costs much more to raise a special needs child than it does to raise a child without special needs. Moreover, a special needs child will continue to be dependent to some extent for the rest of his or her life. Topics covered … [Read more...] about Free Report: Texas Estate Planning and Special Needs Trust

Practical Applications of the Decision in U.S. v Windsor

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The news has been full of stories about the far reaching decision made by the Supreme Court of the United States, or SCOTUS, in U.S. v. Windsor. Now that the dust has begun to settle, members of the GLBT community should be considering the practical applications of the decision. For same-sex couples who are already married, as well as those who plan to marry, there are two very important areas of estate planning that are directly affected by the decision – estate and gift taxes and … [Read more...] about Practical Applications of the Decision in U.S. v Windsor

Texas History – Do You Know What Special Division of the Texas Rangers Was Formed in 1874?

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In 1874, a special division of the Texas Rangers, called the Frontier Battalion, was organized to bring stability to the western part of Texas.  The battalion consisted of six companies of 75 men each under the command of Major John B. Jones. This group played a major role in the control of ordinary lawbreakers as well as defense against hostile Indian tribes, which was particularly necessary in the period of lawlessness and social collapse of the Civil War Reconstruction period. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know What Special Division of the Texas Rangers Was Formed in 1874?

Charitable Gifting In Your Texas Estate Plan

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Charitable Gifting In Your Texas Estate Plan from Steve P. Mendel Charitable gifting in your estate plan can do more than just make you feel good – it can offer tax benefits as well. To understand the benefits, you need to understand a bit about some related taxes, such as the federal gift and estate tax and the lifetime exemption. Learn more about charitable gifting in your Texas estate plan in this presentation. … [Read more...] about Charitable Gifting In Your Texas Estate Plan

Dying Thoughts—What Do We Regret the Most?

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Not surprisingly, most people start to ponder and analyze their life as they approach death. People start to think about regrets and what they would change if they had the opportunity. Of course people’s regrets are as individual as they are; however, it appears that there are some common themes surrounding the concept of regrets. Those themes are explored in the book “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying” that was written by a palliative nurse from Australia. The author of the book was a nurse … [Read more...] about Dying Thoughts—What Do We Regret the Most?

Texas History – Do You Know Who Was the First Woman to Receive the Distinguished Service Medal?

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Houstonian Oveta Culp Hobby was the first woman to receive the distinguished service medal on December 31, 1944. During World War II Hobby headed the War Department’s Women’s Interest Section for a short time and then became the Director of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (later the Women’s Army Corps), which was created to fill gaps left by a shortage of men. The members of the WAC were the first women other than nurses to be in Army uniform. Hobby achieved the rank of colonel and received the … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know Who Was the First Woman to Receive the Distinguished Service Medal?

The Importance of a Trustee — The Sailors’ Snug Harbor Trust

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Few businesses manage to stay around for two centuries. Sometimes an entire government doesn’t even make it that long. It may surprise you then to learn that a charitable trust that was created over 200 years ago is still going strong today. Back in 1801 Captain Robert Richard Randall died leaving behind a Last Will and Testament that he had signed just four days prior to his death. In the Will, he left the proceeds of his estate assets to the creation of a charitable trust. That trust was to … [Read more...] about The Importance of a Trustee — The Sailors’ Snug Harbor Trust