Another St. Patrick’s Day is upon us. St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the feast of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. This is a religious and cultural celebration which celebrates all Irish heritage and all things Irish.

This year circumstances dictate that we modify  our celebrations and festivities.  But what can we do to be joyful today, and to find a greater measure of peace.  Read on to learn more.

The 54^th Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning concluded a week ago yesterday.  For those not in the know, “Heckerling” is (to quote their literature) “the nation’s premier conference for estate planning professionals, offering unparalleled educational and professional development opportunities for all members of the estate planning team. [Their] program covers topics of timely interest to attorneys, trust officers, accountants, charitable giving professionals, insurance advisors, elder law specialists, wealth management professionals, and nonprofit advisors.”

One of the knotty issues addressed at Heckerling this year was The SECURE Act of 2019 (which went into effect on January 1^st) and how estate planning professionals can assist consumers in wrestling with accelerated Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) for most beneficiaries of retirement plans and IRA assets under the SECURE Act.

Strategies discussed at Heckerling are certainly only the beginning of many discussions and analyses about the SECURE Act, but Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M., the Director of Education for the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, (of which my firm is a Member) has posted his take on what he heard at Heckerling this year.  Read on to see what Mr. Hartnett has to say.

Estate Planning Conference Discusses SECURE Act and More

In my home, New Year’s Day is a day of Rose Parade floats, football, chips and dip, ham with scalloped potatoes, and quality time with family.  But, however you might or might not celebrate New Year’s Day it is, notwithstanding, also the day when many new laws become effective.

This year a new law went into effect that will impact almost all Americans, their Individual Retirement Accounts, their 401(k) accounts, and other retirement accounts.

The “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement” known more simply as the SECURE Act is the first major retirement legislation since the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

Among the changes that went into effect on January 1^st are some affecting people who are already in “minimum-withdrawal” age, while other changes affect people named as beneficiary of a retirement account. Read on to learn more.

The Secure Act and What It Means for You

It’s hard to believe we are on the cusp of a new decade.  Most can still vividly remember the turn of the century from 1999 to 2000.  My recollection is of hysteria regarding disasters that were certain to occur with the new century: computers and telephone systems being corrupted worldwide, banks collapsing, and power grids failing.  And yet, in spite of all the doomsday scenarios, I also remember watching the broadcast from Times Square where I saw nothing but joy, excitement, and love.  Such seems to always be the case as we approach a new year: many fears but also hope and anticipation of good things to come.

As 2020 approaches, it is inevitable that we consider some of the things hoped for in 2019 or in other years past that, for one reason or another, were never accomplished.  What are you looking to do with this new decade?

Many will set goals to eat better, to exercise more, and to be more active.  Others may look at personal characteristics or professional skills they’d like to acquire or develop.  Still, others will set goals to earn more, to save more, or to take steps to prepare for their financial future. Whatever your goals or resolutions might be, may 2020 be your greatest year yet.  Happy New Year!