Absolute Trust Talk

Unfortunately, there comes the point in life when the family home becomes a burden, whether that is emotionally, physically, or financially. And, usually, downsizing might seem like the way to go, but it doesn’t come without complications. There is so much more to moving and downsizing in the aging journey. It’s not just about buying and selling a home, but rather finding the right solution for the older adults and their families to ensure that everyone involved is thriving.  In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk Live, we are thrilled to welcome Seniors Real Estate Specialist Dayna Wilson of Keller Williams. Dayna and her team have over a decade of experience providing comprehensive senior-friendly transition services, handling virtually every facet of the process. Today, she dives into what that process looks like, why and how to start planning now, tips on communicating with parents, and strategies for a successful move. If you or someone you know is in the midst of this process or planning ahead, this is

Proposition 19 is a ballot measure passed in the November 2020 election in the state of California that significantly changes the property taxes on real estate inherited by children from their parents. And not in a good way. Under this proposition, a parent can only transfer the primary residence (either by gift, by inheritance or by sale) without causing the property taxes to go up. That’s it! Not to mention, the law goes into effect on February 16, 2021, just a few short weeks away. This massive change has left many of our clients and California residents wondering how these negative impacts will affect their estate plan and what they can do in this short window of opportunity to save their families tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Join us as Kirsten Howe discusses the intricate details of this new proposition, the impact on estate plans, and the next steps you need to take now. Big Three from Episode #055: Prop 19 is a time-sensitive issue that may impact real estate inherited by your childr

In the past, reverse mortgages have had a negative connotation associated with them due to high fees and a lack of understanding of what they were and why they are being purchased. Nowadays, we see a rise in popularity among older adults and seniors who have equity in their homes and want to help supplement their income. In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk Live, Kirsten welcomes Home Equity Retirement Specialist Russell Doi to the studio. Russell has over 30 years of experience in the lending industry, ranging from private money, conventional lending, and reverse mortgage lending. He has seen firsthand how the incorporation of a reverse mortgage in retirement has had a dramatic positive impact on the lives of over a million senior homeowners. Today you will hear more about what a reverse mortgage is, how it can be used as a smart financial tool, how to determine how much is available to you, and more. Tune in now, and share this episode with your friends! Big Three from Episode #054: Many laws and regula

When it comes to planning for a young family, whether it is financial or estate planning, it’s never too early to get started. Typically, young families share the same concerns and characteristics. It can be hard to navigate all the tools, information, and strategies that are out there. Many may put planning off or choose a route, not knowing if it’s best for them. In today’s episode of Absolute Trust Talk, we sit down with Michael Strohl, CFP(R) from Open Advisors, who is an expert in working with young families. You don’t need to have a large investment portfolio to get started, but you do need smart financial advice and know-how when prioritizing. Spoiler alert: it may not be what you think. No matter what stage of planning you are in, Michael’s advice will help get you started down the right path or shift the focus of where it might need to be. Tune in now and share this episode with your friends. Big Three from Episode #053: Get life insurance. Make sure your money is going into as many different bucket

When it comes to life insurance, most of us think of it as a death benefit when someone dies too soon. However, when used strategically, it can do so much more. In estate and retirement planning, it can be used as a complementary financial tool to help you meet specific goals or help secure financial protection. In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk LIVE, Kirsten welcomes MassMutual Northern California Financial Planner, JP McDermott, MBA, ChFC, CLTC. With over 20 years of experience, JP is an expert Financial Planner helping clients plan for a comfortable retirement while leaving a legacy for their families. As we dive into this topic of estate planning, financial planning, and life insurance, we will discuss topics like how to pay estate taxes with life insurance, the value of life insurance in blended families, business, and how the election results may impact our planning. No matter where you are in the estate or financial planning process, this is an episode that everyone should listen to. Big Three fr

Taking over control of finances and your financial future can be overwhelming, especially for women who may be experiencing divorce, a spouse's death, or another major life event. However, it can be done smoothly and with peace of mind. In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk LIVE, Kirsten welcomes guest Mary Ballin. Mary is a Certified Financial Planner™ as well as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) with more than 20 years of experience helping women navigate substantial life transitions. Mary is an endless resource as she shares what exactly it is a CDFA® does, provides some interesting statistics on the confidence gap between women and men, and highlights some of the most common challenges and concerns that women face on their journey. Kirsten and Mary also discuss the value of financial planning in a typical divorce scenario. If you or someone you know is going through a big life transition and is in need of some guidance, we hope you will listen in and share this episode with them. Big Three

Fraudulent schemes aren’t uncommon, especially among our senior populations. Since COVID began, we’ve seen a few interesting twists pop up. Scammers have become even more creative at seizing opportunities as they arise. That’s why it is vital to take the necessary steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your assets. In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk LIVE, Kirsten will review some of the latest scams that have made their way onto the scene and highlight some important things you can do to protect yourself and your family. It’s more difficult now, but more important than ever to stay connected – especially to our senior family members. We hope you will take the time to listen and share this episode with your friends, family, and loved ones.  Big Three from Episode #050: This pandemic or new environment that we’re in has opened a new market for a twist on scams. If anyone is calling you from the government asking for personal financial information – don’t give it to them. The best defense for olde

It's easy to say, "when disaster strikes, be prepared," but how easy is it to move hundreds or thousands of long-term care residents when a fire or flood is bearing down on a facility? How do you know a family member will be safe and taken care of? The good news is that facilities are required to have an emergency plan in place, but we also need to be sure we understand what will happen to our senior family member in case of disaster and how we can help prepare. In this new episode of Absolute Trust Talk LIVE, Kirsten takes a look at part three of the elder care journey, which dives into the details of disaster and emergency preparedness. Kirsten will review the basics of how a facility plans and provide a short checklist of what questions you should consider asking when it comes to your loved one's safety. These days, disasters can happen at any place and at any time. Share this episode with your friends and family, and let's keep our loved ones safe. Big Three from Episode #049: Long-term care facilities a

Estate planning is an interesting topic, usually because most people immediately think we're talking about planning for their death. But what happens if you are unable to make decisions for yourself? Incapacity planning is one of the most critical planning strategies you can implement because things can be challenging for your family without it. In this new episode of Absolute Trust Talk LIVE, Kirsten takes a look at part two of the elder care journey. She discusses some real-life scenarios in which incapacity planning has been vital to take proper care of a loved one who can no longer make decisions for themselves legally. No matter what type of plan you have in place, incapacity is something that everyone should address because you just don't know when something could happen. We hope you will take some time to listen in and share this episode with your friends, family, and loved ones. Big Three from Episode #048: A written estate plan is critical when it comes to making decisions and acting on behalf of an

The elder care journey is called a journey for a reason. It’s not linear, and many times people won’t know what will happen to them as they age. And while it is hard to predict, it’s not impossible to plan for, but it is essential to recognize that the type of care needed and how that care is paid for is a large part of the journey to help an older adult thrive. In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk LIVE, Kirsten discusses part one of the elder care journey that organizes and breaks down the different types of care available. We will discuss different scenarios, how each level of care applies, and, most importantly, how to pay for the different types of care needed. No matter where you or someone you know is in the journey, it’s important to address these topics should the need for care arise, so we hope you will take some time to listen in and share this with your loved ones. Big Three from Episode #047: The elder care journey is when a loved one starts to need more advanced help and medical care. Family

For any business owner who’s taken a PPP Loan, you know exactly how challenging the application process was. Now that you may be looking to get that loan forgiven, unfortunately, the forgiveness application isn’t any less challenging or confusing. On top of that, if you don’t apply correctly, you will have to pay all the money back. In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk LIVE, we are happy to welcome guest Ed Gines, PPP Loan expert, and founder of Strategic CFOs. As the top resource supporting small business leader clients with high-level accounting supports and insights, Ed brings a wealth of information on each step of the PPP Loan forgiveness process like specific time limits, forgiveness percentage calculations, income caps, and more. If you feel like you’re lost in the process, unsure whether a PPP Loan is right for you or need help with the forgiveness application, this episode is for you. Ed’s expertise will ensure your loan is forgiven in full. Listen In! Big Three from Episode #046: Look out for th

Reasons to move out of California, or if you’re thinking more local, out of the Bay Area, may range from a lower cost of living, lower taxes, less crowding, retirement, following family, or simply a change of pace. But it’s no secret that the extensive list of things that need to be done for moving can be overwhelming. How do you start? Where do you start? And when planning ahead, how far in advance should you start? In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk LIVE, we are happy to welcome guest Scott Fuller, relocation expert and founder of LeavingTheBayArea.com. As the top resource for helping clients navigate the moving process systematically, Scott brings a wealth of information on the type of moving trends in the Bay Area and across the state. Scott and Kirsten will also examine how COVID-19 has impacted the market and the relocation process. Moving is a big job, but when you have the right plan and thought process in place, you will be able to smoothly check off all the “to-dos” on your list and move like a

Being named as the executor or trustee of an estate is a big job. There are many tasks and responsibilities to take care of. And on top of that, it’s hard to imagine being able to make these important financial and legal decisions while grieving. A lot of times, people have no idea where to start or what to do. Without basic knowledge of the trust and estate administration process, the whole experience can be overwhelming. In this new episode of Absolute Trust Talk LIVE, Kirsten dives into some of the most common mistakes that trustees and executors typically make that can also have serious consequences. With a little education and extra guidance, these mistakes can be avoided. Listen in to learn more about how you can navigate the estate and trust administration process like a pro. Big Three from Episode #044: It’s essential to understand your fiduciary duty event if you too are a beneficiary Record keeping is of utmost importance - you must be thorough and organized Being an executor or a trustee of an est

Individuals with special needs and their families face unique challenges when it comes to living, working, and even participating in their community, but it doesn’t mean that they can’t find independence. In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk Live, Executive Director of East Bay Innovations, Tom Heinz joins Kirsten to discuss his organization and the variety of programs they run designed to enable and empower persons with disabilities to live their most productive, independent and satisfying lives. While there are so many ways that EBI serves the special needs community, Tom and Kirsten will focus on services that include things like daily money management, disability benefits planning, and affordable housing. If you or someone you know is a person with special needs or a trustee of a special needs trust, this episode is a valuable resource. Big Three from Episode #043: Special needs persons can find affordable housing through HUD that provides rental subsidies to people who are low income. Yes, getting a

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Dementia, a spouse, partner, or family member is thrust into the caregiver role. They are just expected to know what to do and how to do it. There is no conversation about it. The caregiver's journey is lonely and challenging, taking on more and more responsibility as their loved fades away. You may feel angry, afraid, frustrated, and guilty for feeling these things all at the same time. And who is there to talk to when friends and family don't truly understand what you're going through?  In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk Live, guest Cheri Bailly-Jacob joins Kirsten to discuss the challenges and emotions that caregivers face, as written in her memoir, "Caregiver Confidential: Stories of Living with My Husband's Alzheimer's Disease." Whether your loved one was just diagnosed, or you've been caregiving for a while now, we hope this conversation with Cheri and her book will encourage and support you on your journey.  Big Three from Episode #042: Don't feel

Most parents of children with special needs understand how important it is to plan ahead. While there are many vital parts to this planning, a special needs trust should be at the top of the list. Utilizing a special needs trust will ensure that after the parents pass away, the child will not lose any government benefits due to inheritance. But what happens if a special needs person gets an inheritance from someone other than a parent who did not set up a special needs trust? Could that impact their government benefits too? What many people don’t realize is that there are two different kinds of special needs trust available and how they are set up mainly depends on one, who is setting them up, and two where the money is coming from. Tune in to a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk to take a closer look at special needs trusts and how to ensure that inheritance doesn’t impact government benefits for the special needs person in your life. With the right guidance and planning in place, you can rest assured your l

Now that we've settled into somewhat of a new normal for the time being, people are thinking about getting things in order. There is still a sense of urgency, but many are taking the time to review their estate plans to make sure everything is in place, or are taking steps to put a new plan in place. In California, one of the key tools we use is a trust. We want to keep things simple, keep the cost down, and keep the family out of court, so we use a trust to avoid probate. But problems arise when an asset doesn't make it into the trust before the grantor dies. When that happens, probate happens - not always, but most of the time. And surprisingly, this is a very common mistake. “It’s rare for us to do trust administration for a client and not have this mistake show up. I would say 95 out of 100 times we find an asset outside of a trust that should have gotten in.” -Kirsten Howe In a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk, I'm going to share the tips and information you need to know to avoid this kind of mistake a

Are you looking for a solution to keep the stay at home senior in your life safe during the COVID-19 pandemic? In-home caregivers are considered frontline, essential personnel, and have been prepared to care for seniors in place since long before the worst of Coronavirus.    "Our caregivers, that are working in these communities are staying in those communities. They are not going anywhere else except working one on one with that one client. And they do not go anywhere else."   -Francesca Vogel  Home Care Assistance   Francesca Vogel of Home Care Assistance joins a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk to discuss the specialized COVID-19 response efforts that home care providers are taking and have been taking to provide the vital care and support seniors need to remain safe. 

It’s no secret that our most vulnerable population during this COVID-19 pandemic has been our seniors and older adults. They need extra protection and closer oversight because of the isolation they have been put in. The questions that remain include things like, “Who is there to make sure necessary care doesn’t fall through the cracks?” “How can I stay in touch with my loved one?” “Who can I reach out to if I don’t feel like my loved one is properly cared for?” To help answer these questions and more, Executive Director Nicole Howell, from Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda joins us for a new episode of Absolute Trust Talk.  She has been on the frontlines of COVID-19 safety efforts among seniors and elderly in long-term care across the Bay Area, and we’re excited to have her join us to share the latest on all things elder care. 

Are you a health care worker, or do you have a loved one who is? Then this episode is for you.    Health care workers are very special, and we all owe them our gratitude for the work they do, but it's important, especially now, that they do not allow their instinct to help others get in the way of supporting themselves.    Statistics are showing that there is an alarmingly high rate of COVID-19 cases among health care workers in some locations. We just don't have enough data to know why that is. But, it's clear that health care workers are getting sick, and they need to be prepared.    Join me as I triage your estate plan - breaking down the components needed to keep you and your family safe during this mega-crisis and beyond.