Attorney John F. Koenig - Anchor Law, Life & Legacy Planning, LLC

  2025.01.30 National Unclaimed Property Day: Why Estate Planning is More Than Just Documents Every year on February 1st, we observe National Unclaimed Property Day - a reminder of the staggering $60 billion in forgotten and abandoned assets currently held by state governments across America. And this isn't just spare change we're talking about. These are life insurance policies, forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, retirement funds, and other valuable assets that have lost their connection to their rightful owners. In our Personal Family Lawyer® Firm, we regularly see the consequences of overlooked assets and inadequate estate planning. Let's explore how assets are lost and become "unclaimed," how to prevent your assets from ending up in this $60 billion pool, and, most importantly, how to ensure your hard-earned assets reach your loved ones the way you want. How Assets Become "Lost" You might wonder how billions of dollars in assets coul...

  To make sure your child is always cared for by the people you love and never taken into the care of strangers, even for a minute, it’s crucial to have a full Kids Protection Plan®. Read more… 2025.01.27 Got Minor Kids? - 3 Instances When Your Estate Plan Must Include A Kids Protection Plan®   As a parent, you have probably thought about the importance of naming permanent legal guardians for your child in case something happens to you, and maybe you have already done it. If you haven’t yet, take this as the sign that now’s the time to do it, in case the unthinkable happens to you. Here’s a free website where you can name legal guardians for your littles, right now:   https://myanchorlaw.kidsprotectionplan.com .  But in some cases, naming permanent legal guardians for your child may not be enough to guarantee your kids will always be cared for in the way you want by the people you want. And, there may even be a risk of your kids being taken into the care ...

  2025.01.20 As your parents navigate their golden years, ensuring their peace of mind (and yours!) becomes a top priority.  To make sure your parents can always get the help they need, make sure they have these 3 documents in place right now. Read more… 3 Estate Planning Documents Your Parents Need Right Now Today, we're diving into a topic that is absolutely crucial: estate planning for your parents. As they gracefully navigate their golden years, ensuring their peace of mind (and yours!) becomes a top priority. Whether they raised you the way you want, or showed you how you want to do it differently, as your parents' age, one of the very best things you can do for your own best future, and that of your entire future lineage - your children, grandchildren, and beyond - is to take great care of the people you were born to or raised by. The questions you need to start asking now are: How will you help them if they become ill or injured? Who will take care of their bill...

  1-17-24 From Preparation to Recovery: When Disaster Strikes When disaster strikes, time is your most precious resource. Whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, or flood, being ready to act can make all the difference for you and your loved ones. Having a clear plan helps you stay calm and focused during emergencies. In this article, I will walk you through how to prepare for evacuation, manage an emergency, and recover afterward. I’ll also explain how estate planning can safeguard your loved ones’ future, even in the most challenging times. Let’s get started so you can learn how to protect what matters most. Packing Smart When Time Is Tight Imagine the type of emergency in which you have just 15 minutes to leave your home. What would you grab? It’s a scenario no one wants to face, but planning ahead can turn chaos into action. And, as we’re seeing with the hurricane that hit Asheville unexpectedly and the wildfires in Los Angeles, this is a scenario we all need to be ready fo...

  You might think estate planning is only for the wealthy or too complicated and expensive. These are just a few myths surrounding estate planning.   Read more… Common Estate Planning Myths Debunked You might think estate planning is only for the wealthy or too complicated and expensive. These are just a few myths surrounding estate planning that I hear often. In reality, estate planning is critical for everyone, including you, regardless of age or financial status.  Many people don’t really understand what estate planning is - even attorneys sometimes don’t really understand it. So, I’ll take this opportunity to set the record straight and debunk some common myths, then explore why you need an estate plan, and how to get the right one, at the right price. Myth 1: Estate Planning is Only for the Wealthy One of the most persistent myths about estate planning is that it's only necessary if you have significant wealth or valuable assets. This couldn't be further fr...

  Charitable Giving Options: Not Just For the Holiday Season The desire to make a difference doesn't end when we die. For many people, incorporating charitable giving into their estate plans allows them to support causes they care about while creating a lasting legacy. Whether you want to establish a scholarship fund, support medical research, or help your local community, thoughtful charitable planning can maximize your impact while potentially providing tax benefits for your heirs.  Let's explore how you can include charitable giving in your Life & Legacy Plan. Understanding Your Charitable Giving Options You have several options to consider regarding charitable giving through your estate plan. The key is finding the approach that best aligns with your values, goals, and overall estate planning strategy. Some standard methods include: Direct Bequests: The most straightforward way to include a charity in your estate plan is through a direct bequest in your will ...

  Recent surveys reveal a troubling trend: only 32% of Americans have a will, down 6% from 2023. This decline points to four dangerous myths about estate planning that could put your loved ones at risk. Read more… 2025.01.10 4 Estate Planning Myths That Put Your Loved Ones at Risk ​​ Surveys conducted in 2024 by Caring.com and Ameriprise Financial revealed a troubling trend: Americans are falling behind on estate planning. The Caring.com survey revealed that only 32% of Americans have a will - a 6% decline from 2023. The Ameriprise survey found that 52% of couples lack estate plans. These statistics highlight a dangerous disconnect between understanding the importance of estate planning and taking action. Let's examine these misconceptions and their potentially devastating consequences. Myth 1: "I don't have enough assets to need an estate plan."  This dangerously narrow thinking ignores that estate planning isn't just about financial wealth. It's ...

  Estate planning can seem overwhelming but understanding a few key concepts can make a world of difference for your family's future. Read more… Common Estate Planning Questions Part 2 of 2 When it comes to planning for your family's future, the options can feel overwhelming. Should you get a will? Create a trust? And what happens if you do nothing at all? These aren't just academic questions - your choices today will impact your loved ones tomorrow. In this second installment of a two-part Q & A series, we’ll break down the key differences between your primary estate planning options and explore practical ways to ensure your family is protected, no matter what the future holds. So, let’s dive in, beginning with a question about the basic estate planning documents. Q: What is the difference between a will, living trust, and dying intestate? And what does that mean, practically speaking? A: If you die without an estate plan, you do have a plan - it’s just the plan chose...