Author Archives: vthompson@lutheranscp.org

Leaving Your Money to Your Uncle Sam

      Even though most people don’t currently have to worry about federal estate taxes, most Pennsylvania residents will pay STATE estate taxes.  In Pennsylvania, only spouses are exempt from paying taxes on inheritances.  Children and parents must pay 4.5% tax, … Continue reading


Posted in End -of-life decisions, Estate Planning, Estate taxes, Last Will and Testament, Wills | Tagged | Leave a comment

If Something Happens to Me, Who Will Make the Decisions?

Only about one in three people in the US have prepared the legal documents that will ensure their family knows who should make important decisions about their care and what should happen to their possessions after they are gone.  Many … Continue reading


Posted in Advance Directives, End -of-life decisions, Estate Planning, Healthcare Decisions, Last Will and Testament, Living Will, Wills | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Do I Need a Living Trust?

A Living Trust may be beneficial to seniors with substantial assets, but they aren’t for everyone. Continue reading


Posted in Durable Power of Attorney, End -of-life decisions, Estate Planning, Last Will and Testament, Living Trust, Wills | Tagged | Leave a comment

IRA Rollover: An Easy, Tax-wise Way to Make Charitable Gifts

If you’re one of the many people who must take mandatory distributions from your retirement account, here’s an easy way to turn those withdrawals into charitable gifts and avoid having to pay income taxes on the withdrawal. The Federal Government … Continue reading


Posted in IRA Rollover, Tax Deductions | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Is Your Will Up To Date?

If you are one of the 50% of Americans who have made a will, Congratulations!  You have taken an important step in planning for the future.   If you are like most people, however, you put your will in a safe … Continue reading


Posted in End -of-life decisions, Estate Planning, Last Will and Testament, Wills | Tagged , , | Leave a comment