“Cybercriminals are opportunists and, sadly, events like Harvey and Irma are prime examples of their preying on humanity’s empathy and trust,’’ says Zack Allen, manager of threat operations at security consultant ZeroFox. “People all over the world quickly rushed to their social media accounts to find the best avenues to donate to victims, but these […]
Equifax is one of three major consumer credit-reporting agencies, with data on more than 820 million consumers and 81 million businesses worldwide. “Given the kind of data, the potential for financial fraud, and identity theft is quite high,’’ said cybersecurity expert Mark Nunnikhoven of security software firm Trend Micro. Equifax has created a website (equifaxsecurity2017.com) where consumers can […]
The company said it is taking steps to make amends and already has paid more than $3.7 million in refunds and credits to customers who’ve gone through the bank’s complaint and mediation process. Victims may receive additional compensation from a $142 million class-action settlement, which was approved by a judge in July. Over the next […]
After hearing too many stories of women who had ignored their finances until they became widows, a publicist and an insurance executive decided to get them talking about it. Source: NYTimes Helping Women Over 50 Face Their Financial Fears
Leave it Home. Never carry your Social Security card — what if your wallet or purse is stolen? The same goes for your Medicare card (which includes your Social), unless you’re seeing a health care provider for the first time. If you like the security of having an ID on you, carry a photocopy of […]
“It’s the most optimistic forecast I’ve had in a couple of years,” Jim Salge, who tracks annual autumn foliage for Yankee Magazine, told the Associated Press. “The biggest thing that can go wrong with foliage is a really wet couple of weeks leading up. We’ll really need that typical fall weather in New England — warm, […]
WalletHub also provided rankings on factors important to older Americans. Plano, Texas, for example, has the highest percentage of older people in its workforce, while Los Angeles offers the highest share of recreational and senior centers. Laredo, Texas, has the lowest cost for home health services. In its rankings, SmartAsset focused on a narrower range […]
Other foods that are now cheaper: avocados, kale, baby lettuce, tilapia, almond butter, organic eggs and rotisserie chicken. And the company announced that the cost of more items will be cut soon. Amazon plans to offer the Whole Foods Organic 365 line of generic brand products — along with Whole Paws pet products — through […]
The spread was significant: According to the study, $1 million will run out in less than a dozen years in Hawaii (which has extremely high food and housing costs) but will last more than 26 years in Mississippi (which, not unexpectedly, has exactly the opposite situation). The gap between Hawaii and the second-most-expensive state (California) […]
“This is just a scheme using the well-known names of Make-A-Wish and the FTC to rob thousands of dollars from people,” the FTC warns on its website. “Once you wire money or send banking information, you will never see your money again.” The agency provides these tips to protect yourself: “If someone asks you to […]
Avis & Budget Members save up to 25% off base rates, plus get a free upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability). Grand European Travel Members save $100 per person on guided vacations and river cruises, plus receive a free gift. Hilton Hotels Members save up to 10% off the best […]
A number of rental car companies have dropped some one-way East Coast rentals to as little as $5 per day. There are some additional fees and taxes, but it’s still a good deal. During a quick search, we found Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar all running specials for weeks in the fall. For example, a three-day rental from Portland, Maine, to […]
But there is a hitch: These attempts are likely to be challenged in court for allegedly violating federal pension laws. According to the Journal, Oregon and other states are hiring lawyers to declare that their plans don’t hold the employer liable if something goes wrong and employees sue. Some experts say the courts may ultimately […]
NIH does dispense grant money to researchers who apply for it to serve a public purpose. But Uncle Sam does not call people out of the blue to give them grants, and the money isn’t for personal use, officials say. “If you get a call like this from someone asking you to pay money to […]
In honor of its 82nd anniversary, here are 10 interesting facts about Social Security. (Sign a birthday card to help keep the program strong.) 1. When Social Security legislation was approved in 1935, the minimum monthly benefit was $10 and the maximum was $85. Average monthly benefit check in 2017: $1,323, or about $15,881 a year. For […]
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Doug Bend Doug Bend is the Managing Partner at Bend Law Group, PC, a law firm focused on advising small business owners. Shutterstock </div> </div> <p><span>When drafting an equity agreement, partners need to […]
Complaints about the calls have been pouring into the FTC — so much so that they are the No. 1 complaint the agency receives. The FTC plans to process your complaint within one business day and immediately turn over information you gathered from the caller to phone carriers and other industry partners. As part of the partnership, the […]
Estate plans aren’t cheap. But exactly how much you’ll spend depends on a multitude of factors — the complexity of your overall needs, the experience of the attorney involved, and your geographic location, since costs can vary greatly across various regions. This article was written by Tracy Craig, columnist for Money, and was originally published on […]
Vacation Deals Members save up to $570 on vacation packages at the AARP® Travel Center Powered by Expedia®. Liberty Travel Members receive discounts on select vacation packages and assistance from travel agents. Hotel Discounts Members save at Best Western, Hilton Hotels, La Quinta, Wyndham and more. Source: AARP Travel Iceland Vacation Ideas – Destinations to […]
The festival, which runs this year from Sept. 8 to 17, is increasingly known as a must-do for foodies, yet it’s also an opportunity for any visitor to dive into local culture in a unique (and tasty) way. Events are spread out through eight islands and 33 towns and villages. They include walking tours and street […]
The retirement cost cuts came as employers shifted from defined benefit retirement plans to defined contribution plans such as 401(k)s. “Beyond the overall increase, there has been a seismic shift that can be characterized as a tale of two benefit programs,” John Bremen, managing director of human capital and benefits for Willis Towers Watson, said […]
This Kiplinger article was written by Ali Swofford, PhD, CLU, ChFC, President of Swofford Financial in May 2017. You can find Ali’s Kiplinger bio here. Read the full article here. Your ideas on what your life will be like in retirement, how you’ll pay for it, when it will come and how much you’ll spend once […]
“Today’s travelers are experiential,” says Erik Wolf, executive director of the World Food Travel Association, a nonprofit educational organization whose community of food-focused travel professionals numbers 48,000, according to Wolf — up from 18,000 in 2013. “People want to get out of the bus or the car and actively participate and learn and do.” Epitourean, a Colorado-based […]
It would be the largest increase since 2012, when the COLA rose 3.6 percent. Social Security recipients received no cost-of-living adjustment in 2016 and just 0.3 percent in 2017. If the trustees’ projections are correct, on average, beneficiaries would receive an additional $28 a month. The Medicare Part B standard monthly premium is expected to […]
Homestead National Monument, Neb. (eclipse: 1:02 Central Time) Bill Nye the Science Guy leads the cheers on eclipse day at Homestead, which is about 50 miles south of Lincoln. Visitors can make pinhole viewers to safely watch the partial phases of the eclipse. NASA scientists will talk about subjects like space exploration and astronaut training, and another […]
The top-ranked state is Nebraska, which scored A ratings in financial issues and community quality of life, though it pulled C’s in health care, employment and housing. Runner-up Michigan scored B’s in financial issues and health care, and C’s in the rest. The remainder of the top 10, in order: Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Tennessee, […]
Rich worked from 2013 to 2016 for the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. (PBGC), the federal agency that insures pension plans. He predicted problems in particular for multiemployer plans, in which employers in unionized industries contribute to a single plan. Rich said he expected that close to 8 percent of those plans will default over the […]
Point of View: Giving Too Much Money To Adult Children Christine Benz offers ways to deal with excessive giving to adult children, long-term care expenses, and cognitive decline. The Long Term Care Insurance starts in Video from 2:40 to 4:50. By Christine Benz and Jeremy Glaser of Morningstar.com | 07-05-2017 01:00 PM Read Full Article HERE […]
Our interactive guide helps you see into your financial future. If you stay on the green path as you move down the page, congratulations, your retirement plan is sound! If you find yourself on the red path, don’t worry — there’s still hope! Just follow the tips in the guide and at aarp.org/retirement to get you back […]
This article was published by AARP & New York Life | Original article available here. You may have heard stories about the complexities and confusions after someone passes away: unforeseen costs, delayed access to funds, legal battles with loved ones. But with proper planning and organization, you can ensure that your estate is well protected […]
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Doug Bend Doug is the founder of Bend Law Group, PC, a law firm focused on advising small businesses and startups. Shutterstock </div> </div> <p>If done correctly, selling your business, just like selling […]
The study, by Washington, D.C.-based real estate research firm CoStar Group, looked at data from 17 major real estate markets. CoStar found that over the past seven years, 80 percent of people 55 and older who’ve moved to another home stayed within their county or state. As a result, a rising number of boomer retirees […]
“Retirement planning can sometimes leave people anxious, confused or even paralyzed,” said Debra Whitman, AARP executive vice president and chief public policy officer. “This campaign will break down retirement savings into easy, actionable steps for all Americans.” AceYourRetirement.org features a digital retirement coach named Avo, a chatbot that will ask the user questions about their […]
Chair of Stevens & Lee’s Energy, Communications and Public Utility Group and creator of The Connection College. Shutterstock </div> </div> <p>Attorneys are now using SMS (short message service) to communicate with clients and prospects. Before you start thinking that lawyers are on the cusp of a cutting-edge communications style, let me remind you that SMS is […]
Shutterstock Despite some misconceptions, using bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies for asset protection in connection with offshore planning may be an effective strategy. A crucial facet to using foreign trusts to protect wealth is ensuring that the trustee and trust assets remain outside of any jurisdiction where the grantor might be sued. Some U.S. states may […]
This Kiplinger article was written in May 2017 byBarbara Shapiro, President of HMS Financial Group. You can find Barbara’s Kiplinger bio here. Read the full article here. Forget finances, you’ll never be ready to retire unless you’ve thought through exactly what you want your next chapter to be like. Historically, people retired when they reached […]
Some children don’t want to hear about it, and others want to know more than their parents would like to divulge. Source: NYTimes How the Wealthy Talk to Their Children About Money
Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance on Morningstar.com discusses how choosing an attorney, designating helpful individuals, and drafting documents now can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. By Christine Benz of Morningstar.com | 05-17-2017 04:00 PM Read Full Article HERE Video Transcript: Christine Benz: Hi, I’m Christine Benz for Morningstar.com. Estate planning […]
Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance on Morningstar.com discusses how job loss, the death of a spouse, and divorce can derail retirement, but a sound financial plan can help, says Baird’s Tim Steffen. By Christine Benz on Morningstar.com | 05-04-2017 11:00 AM Video Transcript: Christine Benz: Hi, I’m Christine Benz for Morningstar.com. As retirement approaches, even the […]
Without a clear, updated estate plan, there can be chaos after an accident or a death. Here’s how to avoid common problems. Source: NYTimes Wills Can Avert Family Warfare, but Have Their Own Hidden Traps
The Great Recession of the mid-2000s forced us to view economics, banking, wealth and security in new ways. The concept of asset protection, already a growing area, saw an explosion in popularity, which has given rise to an ever-evolving cat and mouse game between creditors and debtors and their respective advisors. Meanwhile, distrust in banks […]
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Forbes Legal Council Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: Doug Bend, Joshua Lenon, Lawrence Buckfire, Linda […]
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Forbes Legal Council Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: Matthew Digesti, Peter Minton, James Goodnow, Anthony […]
As a business owner, it’s easy to want to sign off on every last document that comes across your desk. But scanning through contracts and agreements that affect your own business could cause you to have a narrow view — focusing too much on the little details and not enough on the important details. Below, […]
Bringing his expertise to the practice of residential, church and commercial insurance law in the Houston area. The Voss Law Firm, P.C. <p><strong>2. They’ll be your guide through the process. </strong>When you hire an attorney to help you with your claim, he or she should be there to answer all of your questions, provide you with […]
Doug Bend is the founder of Bend Law Group, a law firm focused on advising small businesses and startups. <p><strong>3. Research the company’s financial history. </strong></p> <p>Have a CPA "kick the financial tires" of the business to make sure the purchase price is supported by the company’s revenue and expenses. A solid CPA can not only help you determine […]
Many Americans don’t have wills, but should. You can do it yourself online, but consulting a lawyer is often a safer bet. Source: NYTimes Why You Should Get Around to Drawing Up a Will
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Forbes Legal Council Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: David Nied, Brian Igel, Victor Cardona, Doug […]
Preparing for the death of a spouse or partner and its ramifications may be an unhappy task, but doing so can ease some avoidable financial sorrows. Source: NYTimes Death Is Inevitable. Financial Turmoil Afterward Isn’t.
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Jeffrey Unger Jeff Unger is the founder and CEO of eMinutes, a law firm. He is a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree and a graduate of Babson College. <p><span style=”font-weight: 400″>Here are some ideas […]
Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: Jeff Coppaken, Linda R. Evers, Dan Hussain, Anthony Johnson, Victor Cardona, David Nied. All photos courtesy of the individual member. </div> </div> <p><strong>1. Not All Attorneys Are Created Equal </strong></p> <p><span>Attorneys are a […]
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Forbes Legal Council Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: David Nied, Victor Cardona, Doug Bend, Anthony […]
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Jeffrey Unger Founder and CEO of eMinutes, a law firm. Jeffrey is a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree and a graduate of Babson College. <p>I had no idea that I would end up spending that […]
An introduction to the industrial certainty complex, a reminder to stay the course on investments and thoughts on retirement savings. Source: NYTimes Plans for Uncertain Times
From automation to concierge-level support of clients, the legal industry is changing, and changing fast. In the last several years, employment opportunities have fluctuated, with the number of legal jobs pre-recession still down by 55,000. We asked three prominent leaders in the field to comment on where they see the legal industry going. Peter Prestley, […]
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by James Goodnow Attorney James Goodnow, a Harvard Law graduate, is a shareholder at Fennemore Craig, P.C., and a member of the firm’s management committee. <li><strong>Scope of intellectual property rights</strong>. Regardless of the nature […]
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Forbes Legal Council Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: Linda R. Evers, Doug Bend, Lawrence Buckfire, […]
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Doug Bend Doug Bend is the founder of Bend Law Group, a law firm focused on advising small businesses and startups. Our firm has counseled hundreds of business owners. But the ones who sleep […]
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Forbes Legal Council Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: Jeff Coppaken, Linda R. Evers, Tracy Gray, […]
After their mother’s death, two siblings found that an agent they hired to conduct a sale of belongings did not keep up her end of the bargain. Source: NYTimes It Pays to Be Wary When Hiring an Estate Sales Agent
Whether it’s about your cybersecurity plan or your business entity, you probably hear a lot of advice when it comes to running your business. But from a legal standpoint, what you hear isn’t always true (or at least not anymore). Laws change, and what was once a sensible solution for your business may not do […]
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by James Goodnow Attorney James Goodnow, a Harvard Law graduate, is a shareholder at Fennemore Craig, P.C. and a member of the firm’s management committee. ” readability=”49.615682895304″> Millennials, like myself, have gotten a bad […]
Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: Doug Bend, Lawrence Buckfire, Victor Cardona, Anthony Johnson, Fatima Khan, Matthew Digesti, Peter Minton. All photos courtesy of the individual member. </div> </div> <p><strong>1. Give Before You Take</strong><span> </span></p> <p><span>The best way to […]
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Post written by Forbes Legal Council Experienced chief legal officers & law firm partners from Forbes Legal Council offer firsthand insights on legal issues. From top left to right: Doug Bend, Victor Cardona, Lawrence Buckfire, Anthony […]
Dividing an estate unevenly is likely to result in hurt feelings at the least. But honest discussions ahead of time can solve many problems. Source: NYTimes How a Will Treating Children Differently Can Still Be Fair
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. From top left to right: Matthew Digesti, Fatima Khan, Lawrence Buckfire, Doug Bend, Kelsie Ackman, Steven Heath. Photos courtesy of the individual member. </div> </div> <p><strong>1. Distinguishing Contractors Versus Employees</strong><span> </span></p> <p><span>In today’s environment, businesses need to […]
Successful chief legal execs & law firm partners share legal insights Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. From top left to right: Victor Cardona, Lawrence Buckfire, Brian Draves, Kelsie Ackman, Tracy Gray. Photos courtesy of the individual member. </div> </div> 1. Not Starting With An Intellectual Property Agreement If your outsourced project is a […]
Wealthy people with complicated estates need much more than a simple will. But many Americans don’t need a will at all. Source: NYTimes Prince Needed a Will, but Maybe You Don’t
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Close You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Got it! Please don’t show me this again for 90 days. Source: AARP Retirement Retirement and Social Security Benefit Resources
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