When an older parent has sold a home or is preparing to move, who do you call to change services in the DC metropolitan area? Here is a list of a few numbers to have on hand so you can call and make the necessary changes to the accounts. Electricity: PEPCO 202-833-7550 or BGE 800-685-0123Gas: Washington Gas 800-752-7520Water: WSSC 301-206-4001Verizon:…
Maximizing Your Social Security Payout
You can start drawing Social Security benefits any time between the ages of 62 and 70. The longer you wait to start, the greater your monthly benefit. If you start at age 62, you get about 75% of your retirement benefits; and if you wait until age 66, you get 100%. But if defer for the maximum period, until age…
Why you shouldn’t be concerned about the Federal Estate Tax
The federal estate tax is also sometimes known as the “death tax”. This is a federal tax imposed upon estates in which the assets total greater than $5.43 million for individuals who are single at the time of their death. No death taxes are imposed on estates where a person leaves all assets to a surviving spouse. Surprisingly, the federal…
What happens if you die before you sign your will. Who gets what?
People frequently wonder what will happen if they die intestate – that is, without a will. Don’t worry, the state has written a will for you, but it just may not be the one you want. The following is a summary of that state-authored will: • If you are married and have children under the age of 18, your…