Traveling in Germany last month, it was remarkable to see:  no plastic bags or water bottles, lots of wind turbines, and full employment. Perhaps this is what a 19% VAT (value added tax) on everything will supply, although I didn’t study up on Deutschland income taxes. Since returning, I’m seeing many articles on the impending […]

If someone you love has a disability, there are many needs to consider.  A disability may be the result of an injury or illness, starting at birth or happening later in life. Planning for the future care needs, such as for a disabled child, grandchild, brother or sister,  may be addressed comprehensively by creating a  “Special Needs” Trust.

At a recent meeting of the  Gold Country Estate Planning Council , medical social worker Erin Thomas-Rose shared a different perspective on Advance Health Care Directives.  By federal law, hospitals are “mandated educators” and must offer patients assistance in preparing this legal form.  At Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, Ms. Thomas-Rose counsels patients about the Advance […]