Lake Norman Wealth Counsel

10/20/2026

Designating a trusted contact person on your financial accounts creates an emergency safeguard against financial exploitation and health crises. Unlike a power of attorney, a trusted contact cannot make transactions or view balances.

https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-bulletins-trusted-contact

10/15/2026

The SECURE 2.0 Act pushed the RMD starting age to 73 and eliminated required distributions for Roth 401(k) accounts. Understanding updated federal tax rules helps retirees optimize withdrawals and avoid costly penalties.

The SECURE 2.0 Act made major changes to rules for required minimum distributions (RMDs) — are you up to speed?

10/13/2026

A legal power of attorney allows a trusted agent to manage financial or medical decisions if you become incapacitated. Establishing durable powers of attorney early protects your assets and relieves family burden.

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-power-of-attorney-poa-en-1149/?

A power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone else to act on your behalf.

10/08/2026

Did you know delaying your first Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) could force you to take two taxable withdrawals in the same year? Understand the 2026 updates to RMD rules and how they affect your retirement accounts and beneficiaries. Read more.

Understanding distribution rules can help retirees and IRA heirs avoid costly penalties and take advantage of new limits.

10/06/2026

Without an updated estate plan, court proceedings like probate can result in unnecessary delays, public record disclosures, and higher administrative costs. Taking action now helps secure your family's financial future.

https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/personal-finance/do-you-need-an-estate-plan?

Do you need an estate plan? Among the key issues to consider are children, the size of your estate, and privacy. Fidelity Viewpoints Key takeaways Anyone can benefit from having a basic estate plan including a will, financial durable power of attorney, and health care proxy. You may or may not need....

10/01/2026

A standard will doesn't cover your digital life. To protect everything from online bank accounts to family photos, you need a digital estate plan that aligns with state laws and platform tools (like Apple Legacy Contact). Secure your digital footprint.

You've probably got a will, or you're planning to get one. Maybe you've already had the harder conversations about health directives and who gets

09/29/2026

Is your estate plan up to date? Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy—it's essential for ensuring your assets, healthcare decisions, and loved ones are protected. From wills to power of attorney, review key steps in building a comprehensive plan.

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/retirement/10/estate-planning-checklist.asp

09/24/2026

When you inherit property encumbered by a mortgage, you also assume responsibility for managing that debt. Understanding mortgage assumption rights, reverse mortgage deadlines, and tax basis step-ups helps protect your estate.

In many situations when a family member passes away, beneficiaries inherit both a home and the mortgage that goes with it.

09/22/2026

What is a revocable living trust, and how does it fit into your estate plan? A trust can help keep your assets organized, avoid probate, and ensure seamless management if you become unable to handle your finances.

A revocable living trust is an arrangement set up through a legal document. The document gives someone the power to make decisions about another person’s money or property that’s held in the trust.

09/17/2026

A last will and testament is a legal document that ensures your personal property, money, and assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. It also allows you to name legal guardians for your minor children and choose an executor to manage your affairs. Without a valid will, state laws determine who inherits your belongings, which may not align with what you intended.

Learn what a last will and testament does, who needs one, how to make a legally valid will, and how it differs from a trust or living will.