Recent content by Stephen1

We were thinking about the safe deposit box method, but, as mentioned, the designated executor has to get the Will before (s)he can be appointed as executor. I didn't have a problem getting the Will when I was an executor, but I did have trouble getting into the safe deposit boxes. Multiple...

Washington State. Where do people store a Will so it will be accessible to the heirs (especially the proposed Executor)?

And this is an example of why one should get any and all easements in writing at the beginning.

Thank you all.

Federal income taxes - We make monetary donations during the year to a couple 501(c)(3) organizations. The donations are processed electronically through a service. That service charges a fee which it deducts from the amount that it transmits to the 501(c)(3) organizations. My question has to...

Guess I shouldn't have stopped Googling things. Or perhaps that fact that I did pause allowed me to change how I Googled after I posted this. Seems I found an answer. She will receive "Z" as it is larger than "X".

What is the name of your state? Social Security survivor’s benefit. Does anyone understand how this works? I'm trying to do some financial planning. My spouse is over 65 and currently receives amount “X” based upon her earnings. I also am over 65 and receive amount “Y” based upon my...

Let jump in here as a former landlord (sold in September) and spouse of a nitpicky bookkeeper. And no, my experience was not in Florida. Rental businesses usually are run as “cash” not accrual. Therefore, your income is what you actually received not what should have been paid. Tenant didn’t...

A couple thoughts regarding what might be in the lawyer written contract. Some years ago we bought a duplex where the seller provided financing. The payments were amortized over 30 years but the contract required a balloon payment a lot earlier than that (I think it was 10 years). Also, the...

It is not unique to my bank. I have encounter this at more than one bank (not different branches of the same brand). The only answer I have gotten is that it is bank policy. Perhaps it is a regional thing.

My reference to 'cash' being loosely defined was an attempt to take a swipe at how the definition has changed from solely coins and currency to now include cashier’s checks (sometimes called a treasurer’s check or bank check), bank drafts, traveler’s checks, or money orders. When someone says...

What would a non-customer be making a deposit into? Do you mean that if someone tries to deposit cash into my account, and that person doesn't have an account with my bank, that the bank charges (either the depositor or me) a fee? Or do you mean if someone wants to cash a check at a bank at...

What is the name of your state? WA Can anyone explain why banks require photo ID when a person makes a deposit that includes cash? I’m aware of the federal requirement for identifying anyone who deposits cash (loosely defined) in an amount greater than $10,000. I’m referring to needing photo...

What is the name of your state? Washington State Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) and claiming of medical expenses on Federal tax return. Through my employer we signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan that includes a reimbursement to us of $200/month. There are other Medicare Advantage...

What is the name of your state? WA An organization to which I belong has published a guide to help us organize our personal and financial info into one place for our survivors. In the info for real estate I own it asks "Provide location of lien if mortgage is paid off". I don't understand the...