Author name: Emily Mansoor

Question 1: What is the difference between domicile and residence, and why does it matter for my estate plan? Residence simply means a place where you live, even part-time. You can have more than one residence. On the other hand, your domicile is the one place you consider your permanent, primary home—the place you intend […]

Retreating to a warmer climate for the winter may sound like an ideal way to spend a few months. To help make this dream a reality, some individuals choose to rent out their second homes when they are not in use. Before listing your property for rent, however, consider the financial, legal, tax, insurance, and

For many snowbirds, cooler weather means it is time to head south. If you are thinking about heading for warmer weather this winter, there are a few things you should consider before hitting the road. Which state do you consider your home? If you split your time between two states, it is important to understand

Legal documents can feel abstract when nobody immediately needs them or you have never used them, in much the same way that the risk of a wildfire, hurricane, or other emergency can feel remote until you experience one firsthand. Suddenly, the stakes are real, a plan is put to the test, and documents such as

The decision to place a parent in a nursing home or assisted living facility is rarely simple. It can feel even more fraught in hindsight when something goes wrong. Careful research and frequent check-ins can help keep a parent safe and secure in their new residence, as can preparing for a disaster that could trigger

National Preparedness Month is observed every September to encourage individuals, families, and communities to plan for disasters and emergencies. Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),1 this annual campaign emphasizes actionable steps such as understanding local risks, making a family emergency plan, building an emergency supply kit, and getting involved in community preparedness efforts.

According to the College Board, the average tuition and fees for the 2025–2026 academic year are $11,950 for a four-year in-state public institution; $31,880 for a four-year out-of-state public institution; $45,000 for a four-year nonprofit private institution; and $4,150 for a two-year public institution.1 If postsecondary education is in your family’s future, the following tools

Congratulations on your new home. Whether you are officially a first-time homeowner or are leveling up (or scaling back) to a space that better fits your life, buying property is a massive milestone. While you are busy picking paint swatches and unboxing the kitchen, do not forget that a new deed often means a new

As a schoolteacher, you do far more than teach lessons. You manage a classroom, mentor students, and juggle a busy schedule—often while balancing other responsibilities at home. But one important task is often too easy to postpone: estate planning. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. It is a practical way to protect your

According to a 2019 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 7 percent of surveyed adults were living with an unmarried partner, up from 3 percent in 1995.1 More people such as yourself are entering long-term committed relationships without getting married. Unfortunately, many state and federal laws do not protect unmarried couples as they do