Littlejohn Law - June/July 2024

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As your fledglings spread their wings and fly off into the world, it's time to feather your own nest with some extra cash. From selling stuff in your closet to starting your own business, you have many ways to make money at this stage of your life. Let’s get started and rake in some extra dough this month with these three tips. INNOVATIVE WAYS TO MAKE EXTRA MONEY EMPTY NEST, FULL WALLET

Living Trusts Explained HOW A LIVING TRUST CAN EASE THE TRANSFER OF YOUR ASSETS A living trust should be considered when planning for the future and managing your assets. Many people believe a will is enough to handle their affairs after they're gone, but that’s not always true. Let’s explore the world of living trusts and why you might consider one as part of your estate planning strategy. What Exactly Is a Living Trust? A living trust is more than just a legal document; it's a proactive way to manage your assets while you're alive and ensure a smooth transition after your passing — without the headaches of probate. Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person's assets. It can be lengthy, costly, and, because it’s a public process, it lacks privacy. Here’s where a living trust shines. By setting up a living trust, you essentially place your assets — such as your home, bank accounts, and investments — into a trust you manage during your lifetime. You can continue to use and control these assets just as you would if they were in your name. The big difference? Upon your death, the control of these assets transfers to a trustee you’ve designated, who then distributes them according to your wishes — all without probate. This means your loved ones could receive their inheritance directly without waiting months (or sometimes even years) for the probate process to conclude. Additionally, the details of the trust remain private, keeping your financial affairs away from public eyes. What About Long-Term Care? It’s important to note that while a living trust covers many bases, it might not protect against nursing home or long-term care costs. A different type of trust, like a Medicaid trust, may be necessary for those specific concerns. These trusts are designed to help manage how assets are counted when determining Medicaid eligibility. For anyone intrigued by the idea of a living trust, it’s crucial to consult a knowledgeable attorney who can guide you through the process and help determine if it’s the right choice. Remember, each estate plan is as unique as the person it represents. If you’re looking to bypass the complications of probate and maintain privacy, consider calling us at 740-346-2899. Remember, where there's a will, there’s a way; where there’s no will, there’s probate, but the best plan is a trust plan. Let’s ensure your estate planning is as smooth and efficient as possible.

Sell your stuff. You likely have clothes hanging in your closet you haven't worn in years or electronics sitting around the house you don’t need anymore. Do a big cleaning excursion in your home and gather everything you no longer use. You can resell clothing and other items online or at resale stores like Play Again Sports or Plato’s Closet. If you opt to sell online, many websites offer extra ease by providing pre-paid shipping and packaging for your deliveries.

Trade in gift cards. If you have old, unused, or partially spent gift cards, those are gifts that can keep on giving! Various websites, like CardCash and ClipKard, will trade or buy gift cards from you. You can earn 80%–92% of the card’s value or choose another card you would use. You can gain greater value if you trade for another card at a retailer you use often for household items, like Amazon or Target. Start a side hustle. Do you have a passion, unique skill set, and time? Creating your own business or side hustle can be an excellent way to generate additional income. If you have a hobby where you make things, you can set up a structure to sell those items online. Additionally, if you have a specific skill to share, you can earn income by teaching online or writing and selling an e-book. A side hustle can grow into your primary source of income, or you can keep the scale small. From turning clutter into cash or unleashing your entrepreneurial spirit with a side hustle, the opportunities to generate additional income are as boundless as the sky. So, fly high with these excellent money-earning tips and watch your bank account soar.

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