Asset Protection Today with Bill Alexander
61 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★★ - 4 ratingsBill Alexander of W.G. Alexander and Associates provides expert advice to help ensure you keep and protect as much of the money you have earned and saved.
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Episodes
When To Convert A Retirement Account To An IRA
November 21, 2019 03:58 - 9 minutes - 9.04 MBBill goes through scenarios of when it makes sense to convert a retirement account to an IRA.
When To Retire
November 08, 2019 02:57 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBImportant concepts to consider before you retire and how to set yourself best for asset protection in retirement.
After Caregiving
October 31, 2019 18:33 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBBill continues his conversation with Diane Surgeon as the subject shifts to what you need to do once your caregiving journey has concluded.
Caregiving Respite
October 16, 2019 05:00 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBBill welcomes attorney Diane Surgeon to discuss how taking care of yourself when in a caregiving role is an essential part of life planning.
Minimum Required Distributions
October 09, 2019 05:00 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBBill breaks down what you need to know about taking money out of a retirement account, before and after retirement.
401K Mistakes
October 02, 2019 01:38 - 10 minutes - 9.74 MBBill describes how 401K retirement accounts work and how to avoid some common mistakes.
Long-term Care Options
September 19, 2019 16:55 - 13 minutes - 12 MBBill dives in to the options and costs of the various forms of long-term care that are available.
Umbrella Insurance
September 11, 2019 05:00 - 9 minutes - 8.79 MBBill explains what umbrella insurance is, how it should be used, how much you should have and why it's more important than you think.
The SECURE Act
August 28, 2019 05:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBBill explains how a potential new piece of legislation could create major changes for retirement accounts.
Asset Protection with Revocable Trusts
August 21, 2019 10:50 - 10 minutes - 14.2 MBBill goes into detail on how trusts work and how revocable trusts can be used in your asset protection plan to protect your assets from uncertain family dynamics.
Using Life Insurance as a Gift
August 14, 2019 05:00 - 10 minutes - 9.67 MBWhen thinking of gifts to leave for grandchildren, Bill shares why he believe life insurance is the way to go over college funds.
Medical Release
August 07, 2019 05:00 - 10 minutes - 9.53 MBBill explains why a medical release should included in your legal documents and the problems it could present for your family and loved ones if you don't have one.
Trust-Based Planning
July 31, 2019 05:00 - 10 minutes - 9.8 MBBill shares a story of how family dynamics and unravel your planning, and how that can be avoided with trust-based planning.
The Stretch IRA
July 26, 2019 02:14 - 8 minutes - 7.99 MBBill explains what a stretch IRA is and the two major benefits that it provides.
The Digital Release
July 18, 2019 02:54 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBBill explains the importance of the legal document known as the digital release. Not having one can create a nightmare when it comes to finding and managing a loved one's online assets.
Retirement Budget Busters
July 12, 2019 01:07 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBBill exposes pitfalls and unforeseen expenses that can bust your budget when you're on a fixed income in retirement.
What To Know About Writing Your Own Will
July 06, 2019 01:10 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBThe will is one of the most misunderstood legal documents. In this episode Bill explains why it's a bad idea to write your own will without professional help, but also addresses what needs to be done if you choose do it anyway.
Veterans Assistance - Special Episode Part 3
June 28, 2019 02:17 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBIn our final installment of our series on VA benefits, Bill walks us through the application process.
Veterans Assistance - Special Episode Part 2
June 20, 2019 01:06 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBIn the second episode of our three-part series, Bill explains what the VA Improved Pension Program is, how to qualify, and what the spousal benefit is.
Veterans Assistance - Special Episode Part 1
June 13, 2019 01:13 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBBill goes in-depth on potential veterans benefits, explaining why navigating the waters of the VA is so difficult and why it is nearly impossible (by design) to do without professional help.
Finding Unclaimed Money
June 06, 2019 00:50 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBWhile we normally focus on protecting the wealth and assets you have acquired, this episode focuses on acquiring money that you were not aware belongs to you.
Asset Protection for a Loved One with Disabilities (Part 2)
May 31, 2019 01:02 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MBThe second and final installment of our series exploring how asset protection and gifting changes with a special needs child or loved one. Bill explains what an ABLE account is and how best to use it.
Asset Protection for a Loved One with Disabilities (Part 1)
May 24, 2019 11:39 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBThe first half our two-part series exploring how asset protection and gifting changes with a special needs child or loved one.
Protecting Yourself From Scams
May 16, 2019 00:53 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBBill gives advice on how to protect yourself from scams involving tax returns and fraudsters posing as the IRS.
Choosing the Right Business Entity
May 09, 2019 01:10 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBNot having your business setup as the right asset protection entity is a risky proposition. In this episode, Bill explains how to make that choice, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the different entity types.
Should You Payoff Your Mortgage Before Retirement?
May 02, 2019 02:02 - 9 minutes - 8.38 MBBill explores the pitfalls of gifting real estate and answers the question if you should payoff your mortgage before retirement.
Why Gifting Incorrectly Can Cost You
April 25, 2019 00:52 - 9 minutes - 8.94 MBSeniors often wish to make large gifts to loved ones prior to death. Unfortunately, seniors can lose control by gifting property in advance. With good advice, you can ensure that your property is protected for yourself and future generations while preserving full or partial control. Sometimes, seniors create capital gains taxes for their children by gifting them appreciated property during their lifetime. Parents often don’t realize that a gift of appreciated property results in their chil...
How to Choose a Long-Term Care Insurance Policy
April 16, 2019 01:42 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBLong-term care insurance is important for anyone who wants to have their needs satisfied at home or worst case in an assisted living facility, as no one dreams of spending their final years in a nursing home facility. Bill explains what you want to look for in a long-term care insurance policy, and equally important, what to avoid.
Key Times for Estate Planning
April 11, 2019 01:52 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBThe key to any effective asset protection plan is planning. As we progress through various life phases, our asset protection plan needs to evolve as well. In this episode, Bill details the life milestones that require you to review your estate planning.
How to Protect Your Rental Property
April 02, 2019 01:54 - 6 minutes - 5.79 MBEveryone wants a plan that is going to work the way that they want. Unfortunately, there are many ways that a plan can fall apart. How you own and manage your rental property makes a huge difference to whether your overarching estate plan will work. It’s important to remember that planning involves more than just having the right documents in place. Often, people are not really protected the way that they think they are, as they have not received proper advice about how to get their pl...
Preparing for Surprises in Retirement
March 28, 2019 01:03 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBSometimes our clients completely overlook one important financial issue when planning for retirement. Your health risks and the cost of a long-term care crisis, as well as the importance of maintaining financial liquidity are all factors that you must analyze when planning. The biggest things that most people fail to consider is that their future wealth and ability to maintain a reasonable lifestyle directly corresponds with their health. Many financial planners will tell you how much in...
Breaking Down the 199A Tax Deduction for Business Owners
March 19, 2019 01:13 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBIn this episode, Bill goes over the 199A tax deduction. It's a new tax deduction for business owners and Bill explains how it works and who it works for.
The Need for Long-Term Care Insurance
March 12, 2019 00:54 - 8 minutes - 7.6 MBBill goes in-depth on why it is so important to have long-term care insurance and how not having a policy can put your assets and wealth at risk.
Understanding Social Security COLA
March 07, 2019 02:09 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBMany people count on Social Security as their main source of retirement income. They also rely on Medicare as the health insurance they will carry for the rest of their life. The two go hand-in-hand and sadly, too many people fail to understand how potential annual increases to Medicare, can drastically affect how much money is actually left after the insurance premium is deducted from the monthly benefit. In this episode, Bill explains why that is the case and what you can do to protect ...
Understanding Levels of Care
February 26, 2019 21:05 - 9 minutes - 8.58 MBWhen you are thrust into a long term care crisis, it can be difficult to understand the differences between independent living, assisted living and nursing care. In this episode, Bill explains the difference between the different levels of care and how to protect yourself and your assets in each situation.
Preparing For The Death Of A Loved One - Part 2
February 19, 2019 02:07 - 10 minutes - 9.35 MBIn the second and final episode of our two-part series, Bill discusses in what ways he was prepared for his brother's death and in what ways he wasn't. Bill offers some critical tips for organizing your important documents.
Preparing For The Death Of A Loved One - Part 1
February 12, 2019 02:20 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBIn the first episode of a two-part series, Bill discusses what it was like to lose his brother, who dealt with a long life of health struggles. He offers tips to help those who may be going through a similar experience, and provides insight on what to expect during the process of losing a loved one.
What is the PACE Program?
January 31, 2019 01:41 - 8 minutes - 7.62 MBBill explains what the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) program is and how it can benefit seniors who have serious disabling conditions that would normally require nursing care. Who qualifies and what benefits does the program provide? Listen to the episode below for those answers.
How to Protect Yourself in a Healthcare Crisis
January 22, 2019 01:50 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBBill has a loved one dealing with a healthcare crisis. In this episode, he explains the steps to take to ensure your assets are protected when in a healthcare crisis.
Everything You Need to Know About Power of Attorney
January 15, 2019 02:57 - 8 minutes - 7.51 MBAt W.G. Alexander & Associates, we know that the power of attorney is the most important document that a client can have. In terms of doing estate planning, asset protection planning, and looking into Medicaid and VA benefits (Aid and Attendance) options available to a client, the power of attorney can either help or hinder a family from seeking help for their loved one A power of attorney is a written document in which one person (the principal) appoints another person to act as an agent ...
How to Use Life Insurance as a Savings and Asset Protection Tool
January 08, 2019 02:49 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBIn this episode, Bill explains that life insurance can be both a savings and asset protection tool. He goes over the difference between term life and whole life policies, gives his take on which of the two types of policies he prefers.
What You Need to Know About Financial Advisers
December 20, 2018 02:38 - 12 minutes - 17.4 MBMaking investments and understanding risk can be overwhelming. This is why many people choose to rely on a financial adviser to help manage their investments. However, it's important to know that your financial adviser is only as good as the tools that he or she has at their disposal. In this episode Bill explains why certain investments are recommended by financial advisers and goes into detail on bonds, exchange traded funds, mutual funds and other investment tools. Want to learn mor...
Dynamics of Having No Family
December 11, 2018 12:46 - 7 minutes - 6.76 MBIn our previous episode, we told you how all families should implement an overarching plan to protect their assets. But what should you do if you have no family? You will still need the right kind of legal documents and you will need to make some choices when it comes to trusted individuals. For these reasons and many more, you need an experienced planning attorney who will advise you regarding all the various options and strategies for your unique situation. In this episode, Bill expla...
Family Dynamics Can Make or Break Your Asset Protection Plan
December 06, 2018 03:34 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBAll families should implement an overarching plan to protect their assets. Unfortunately, most families fail to first consult an experienced attorney for good legal advice regarding how their estate plan and legal documents interconnects with their insurance and financial needs. As a result, most families end up with a hodge-podge of assets with various title holdings that sometimes conflict and often fail to work as anticipated. Basic asset protection requires the right kind of legal docu...
Why Legal Documents Are Essential to Asset Protection (Part 2)
November 30, 2018 02:01 - 6 minutes - 6.22 MBWe conclude the story of a client who had an asset protection plan undone by incorrect legal documents.
Why Legal Documents Are Essential to Asset Protection (Part 1)
November 26, 2018 02:15 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBLegal documents, such as wills and powers of attorney, can help you control and protect your property. However, most fail to use their legal documents to their advantage. Many fail to realize that their legal documents don’t work the way that they expect or intend with their overarching estate plan. If done correctly along with proper planning, your legal documents can keep your family in harmony after your death. In this episode, Bill tells the story of a client who had an asset protectio...
What is a real estate exchange?
November 16, 2018 02:30 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBReal estate can be an excellent investment under the right circumstances. When it comes to owning an investment property, what are your options when you're interested in moving on? In this episode, Bill explains the concept of the real estate exchange, a method of replacing one investment property with another, without having to foot a major tax bill. There are risks involved with any type of real estate purchase. The most important thing is to get advice from professionals before pur...
The Truth About Annuities
November 14, 2018 02:07 - 12 minutes - 17.2 MBIt seems that everyone wants to sell you an annuity for every situation. While annuities sound like safe investment options, they aren’t nearly as good as they sound. Annuities are often complicated legal contracts that consumers do not fully understand. People just don’t know what they’re purchasing. In essence, you are giving up control of your money for many years, in exchange for a guarantee that you will get all your money back with some interest. The good part is that you are not taxed...
The Cost of Long Term Care
November 09, 2018 02:20 - 8 minutes - 7.82 MBFamilies frequently come to our law office seeking help for a long-term care crisis. Long-term care needs cause the loss of independence and the depletion of assets and they know we can help. In one instance, a couple saved enough cash and retirement assets to support them for their lifetime. However, one spouse’s chronic illness required daily assistance that ultimately led to nursing care. Even though the nursing care was expensive, the spouse was confident their assets would hold out ...
An Auto Insurance Horror Story
November 02, 2018 20:23 - 10 minutes - 9.74 MBBasic asset protection planning consists of four main components to make sure you are well protected. The first and most important component is a good liability insurance policy—and that normally means an umbrella policy to give you adequate coverage. You need to take care of this component first, which makes the other components work. Secure the policy before the fact and before it is too late. Also in this component is auto insurance. In this episode, Bill tells the story of one client...