Things To Consider For The New Year: Updating Wills, Medical Directives & Financial Planning

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Certain times of the year just seem to inspire change. For some people, springtime is the time for renewal. For others, it is the back to school season. For most people, no time to satisfy her revealed quite like the beginning of a new year.

For many people, a New Year means New Year’s resolutions. The chances are that you have made resolutions yourself. Maybe you have resolved to do things like lose weight, exercise more, finish that novel or get that promotion. Most New Year’s resolutions have one thing in common; however positive and well intentioned they may be, most people will regrettably fail at their New Year’s resolutions. Many people make impractical resolutions, knowing that they are unlikely to keep them.

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How Will The Changing Interest Rates Affect You?

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Do you use credit? If you do not, you are the exception to the rule. These days, most Americans use credit regularly. Statistically speaking, more than 80% of American households owe some kind of debt. This debt comes in various forms, ranging from high-interest debts like credit cards and payday loans to lower interest debt such as auto loans, mortgages and student loans.

When you add it all up, the total debt owed by American households is a staggering $12.35 Trillion.

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5 Reasons Why a Prenuptial is a Good Thing

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The gossip columns and news headlines are filled with stories about the seemingly unfair distribution of assets after celebrities divorce. In a typical scenario, one ex-spouse gets the raw end of the deal, while the other is awarded a windfall – which could be in the millions when you consider a star’s sizeable salary. What many people don’t realize is that divorce courts are simply applying valid legal principles, even if the arrangement doesn’t seem equitable.

However, it is possible to avoid the application of divorce law by executing a “prenuptial” agreement that lays out relevant financial and other legal matters after the marriage ends. Rather than allowing a divorce court to make the determination, the parties use a prenuptial agreement to identify their preferences regarding the distribution of assets and debts. While many presume that these arrangements are intended to protect the richer spouse from losing everything in a divorce, the truth is that there are multiple reasons for both parties to execute a prenuptial agreement. Here are five of them.

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10 Things to Consider Before Buying a Used Car

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According to Edmund’s most recent Used Vehicle Market Report, there were 38.3 million transactions involving used vehicles during 2015 – not surprising considering the benefits of buying a pre-owned car. Compared to purchasing a new one, the price tag is lower and you can take advantage of reduced insurance rates. Plus, a used vehicle can last for many miles, and several years, with proper care and maintenance.

However, while buying a used car makes financial sense, you can actually lose in the long run if you act on impulse in making the purchase. Whether you’re looking at private sellers or working with a dealership, it’s necessary to do your homework before taking the leap. You need to arm yourself with knowledge about the vehicle and the process, including executing the proper paperwork to transfer ownership. Here are ten factors to consider before you buy a used car.

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Handling Certified Copies of Public Records and Other Unusual Notary Requests

Posted by in General, Notary Tips

The majority of the time when you’re asked to provide notary services, the circumstances will be clear-cut and you have no concerns either notarizing a document – or declining to because it would be a violation of jurisdictional rules. However, there are times when a notary public may face unusual requests, such as asking for a copy certification of a record or identification paperwork. You should always contact the official agency that issues and maintains your notary credentials, but some background can help you understand what to do when a customer presents a document that you’re unsure about.

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A Guide to Notarizing for Physically Impaired Signers

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The majority of the time, your job as a notary public is straightforward and there are few issues with checking for signatory identification, reviewing the documents and assessing willingness to sign. However, many notary professionals will be faced with a person who is unable to sign due to some physical impairment. You may have doubts about whether you can go forward with the notarial act under the circumstances, but the law in most states does make concessions for such a situation. There are multiple ways to notarize a signature and still stay within the confines of your jurisdiction’s law. Here is a look at a few options.

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Using Credible Witnesses

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As a notary professional, you know your job is a critical one intended to help prevent fraud in certain transactions. You are an impartial witness to the execution of documents in situations where wrongdoing may otherwise occur, such as by the signatories misrepresenting their identity for personal gain. This is why part of the notary process is to verify identity by checking identification, according to the acceptable ID list under the laws of each state.

However, situations often arise where one or more of the signers of a document doesn’t have ID, and it’s either impossible or impractical to obtain it. You can’t expect an elderly or disabled person to go get a driver’s license or state-issued ID, especially when the individual’s physical condition results in immobility. So what do you do as a notary professional? The answer is using credible witnesses to verify the identity of the signatory, and here’s how you do it.

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How Do You Become a Notary Public?

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If you’ve ever retained the services of a notary public in connection with a mortgage, real estate transaction, estate plan, structured settlement or other transaction, you know the importance of this role. The position of a notary public in society dates back centuries; it’s such an honored, respected profession that notaries were instrumental in our early days as American colonies, and then later as a new nation seeking to cement itself as an international trade resource. Today, the job is rewarding and will keep you busy as you act as an impartial witness to execution of important documents. Fortunately, the requirements to become a notary public are straightforward.

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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Notary?

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A notary public is a professional granted credentials by state government to act as a witness to the execution of important documents, to reduce the risk of fraud in certain transactions. Typically, paperwork related to transfers of real estate, estate planning documents, powers of attorney and some loan documentation will require a notary public seal. If you require notary services often, you probably have questions about the cost of a notary public, especially if your needs are ongoing. There are a few factors to consider when looking at how much it costs to retain a notary professional.

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Tips for Adult Caregivers

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As an adult caregiver for a loved one, you take on many responsibilities that generally fall into two categories: Health and medical care, and financial matters. While you may focus time and effort on physical well-being, you must also handle appropriate arrangements for money and property. If the person in your charge has difficulty getting around, it can be very difficult to execute necessary documents. Mobile notary services can solve typical problems with transportation, so it’s important to understand how they work.

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