Dear Liz: I have a living trust. I’ve also got family who have become estranged and priorities that have changed in terms of charities I’d like to benefit. Is there any way to set up a trust that allows me to make these changes without having to pay an attorney? Answer: There are certainly do-it-yourself options for […]
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This week’s money news
This week’s top story: What the big relators settlement means for home buyers and sellers. In other news: The evolution of retirement and what it might mean for you, next target in Biden vs. junk fees, and dynamic pricing. What the Big Realtors Settlement Means for Home Buyers and Sellers The agreement could mean that home […]
Q&A: How capital gains boost Medicare premiums
Dear Liz: We are retired and living mainly on a pension, which covers our month-to-month needs. We own our house outright and are considering downsizing. When we do that, will the capital gain cause our Medicare premiums to go up two years later? If so, will it automatically go down again after one year? Answer: A big-enough […]
Q&A: Property transfers trigger tax problem
Dear Liz: I’m considering giving property (a condo) to my child through a quitclaim deed while I am still living. If she continues to live in the condo for two years after gaining possession, doesn’t she get a $250,000 capital gains exemption when she sells the property? Answer: Yes, if she owns and lives in the home […]
Q&A: Can 529 college savings plan fund be used to study abroad?
Dear Liz: Can my daughter use her 529 funds for summer study abroad in Costa Rica? She will be taking two Spanish classes for credit through her university. She has a minor in Spanish. Could she use the 529 for tuition, living expenses and airfare? What if it is all part of a package deal paid to her […]
Q&A: Update trusts after life changes
Dear Liz: My wife and I have a trust created in California to distribute our assets to our children after our deaths. In 2017, we moved to Texas and had the trust updated by a Texas attorney to reflect some changes and any differences between Texas and California rules. We moved back to California in 2020. […]