Personal Identity Theft Cybersecurity can have many implications on consumers and ranking among the top is Identity Theft.  The news covers the big hacks, involving ransomware, millions in damages, and huge numbers of affected records and systems.  What isn’t talked about as much, is Personal Identity Theft.  According to the FTC Consumer Sentinel Network, there…

Have you ever thought about the investment value of your Social Security benefits?  In a previous blog about having enough money in retirement, Associate Wealth Planner Danielle Parmenter discussed a relatively simple method to estimate how large an investment portfolio must be to support retirement expenses not covered by regular income sources.  The outcome was…

We missed meeting with many of you in person, whether as clients or advisors of families we serve during this pandemic.  When the weather was warmer, we were able to hold some outdoor in person meetings but alas, the Michigan winter has limited those opportunities.  For those of you with whom we were able to…

Looking back to this time last year, we were in the office preparing for in-person meetings, events and presentations. Little did we know what was ahead for us in 2020. What a year! The last 12 months have been full of surprises and opportunities. Through the trials, sadness and loss, we’ve also been able to…

For our purposes, Capital Adequacy is a very simple concept to understand: will I have enough money to meet my lifestyle expenses?  On a smaller scale, you have been doing this math your entire working career.  It is maybe what had stopped you from a lavish Caribbean vacation when you were a young family, living…

At Legacy Trust, we have been contemplating the retirement planning advice that we have provided clients over the years.  This reflection has made us proud to have helped so many of our clients plan for their financial future, but it also left us believing the old adage “there is always room for improvement”.  We have…

Planning Implications of the SECURE Act On December 20th, 2019, President Trump signed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (SECURE Act) into law, creating sweeping changes to how you will manage your IRA and retirement accounts throughout your lifetime.  You may have already heard that the law gives a nod…

Being a new parent is overwhelming. While you’re biologically wired to focus on keeping your baby happy and healthy in the current moment, it’s important to start thinking ahead. Saving for college or secondary education can be daunting. The cost can feel impossible and if you’re in my situation – the father of twin baby…

CAN WE TALK? A smart and simple way to address the details in estate planning   Is there any better way to spend the holidays than with family? For some, it may be the only time of the year when you see each other face to face. At these rare gatherings, you are presented with…