Blog

What Can a POA Do and Not Do? Power of Attorney Rights and Limitations
Read more
Pennsylvania Special Needs Trusts Explained: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Read more
Family Estate Planning: A Worthy New Year's Resolution and Step-by-Step Guide
Read more
What is Succession Planning and Why is It Vital for your Personal Business?
Read more
What is a Beneficiary - A Complete Guide
Read more
Estate Tax Exemption Amount Goes Up for 2023
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Aug 04, 2023

As the estate tax exemption amount increases, fewer estates are subject to the federal tax.

10 Reasons You Should Claim Social Security Early
Read more

Your retirement planning likely includes getting income from the Social Security Administration, but when you start collecting

Record Number of Lawsuits Filed Over Accessibility for People with Disabilities
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. FicheraApr 02, 2023

New Justice Department guidance explains businesses' role in making sure websites can be used by everyone.

Last year saw an upswing in people filing lawsuits under Title III …

What to Do When Someone Dies: A Checklist
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Mar 15, 2023

It's easy to overlook an important task after a loved one passes away. Follow this checklist to help make a challenging time less confusing.

Filing a Deceased Person's Final Income Tax Return
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Mar 15, 2023

Unfortunately, death doesn't relieve one's obligation to file a final federal income tax return.

6 Ways to Use Your Tax Refund
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Mar 02, 2023

You've just received your tax refund, and you're wondering how to best spend it. You might be tempted to treat yourself to a shopping spree, but there …

What Assets Should You Put (or Not Put) in Your Trust?
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Feb 20, 2023

A Revocable Living Trust is a great tool to help your assets pass smoothly to your beneficiaries. While some assets belong in a trust, what assets cannot be placed in a …

Do Retirement Accounts Go Through Probate?
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Feb 12, 2023

They can—unless you designate your beneficiaries properly

What's My Social Security Full Retirement Age?
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Feb 05, 2023

Waiting until your full retirement age to collect Social Security can have a big financial payoff.

What's the Standard Deduction for 2022 vs. 2023?
Read more
11 Best Things to Keep in a Safe Deposit Box
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Dec 29, 2022

These valuables and documents, along with some items you hold dear, should be stored securely at your bank.

What Happens to Your Crypto Assets When You Die?
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Dec 29, 2022

Bitcoin, NFTs, Dogecoin – all forms of cryptocurrencies have gained buzz with investors. But unless you have a specific plan for them in your will, your crypto assets could …

3 Mistakes Business Owners Can't Afford to Make When Planning Their Exit Strategy
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Dec 10, 2022

Getting an early start on laying the groundwork for your exit is imperative. Empowering others to make decisions and delegating responsibilities also play key roles.

8 Ways to Help Seniors in Your Community
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Sep 01, 2022

With age, it is common for seniors to experience reduced mobility, lower stamina, and some level of cognitive impairment. Additionally, seniors who live …

Keeping Your Estate Plan from Jeopardizing a Disabled Heir’s Benefits
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Aug 19, 2022
Estate planning is not a requirement. No one can force you to make your will, create a power of attorney or to own your property in a way to avoid probate. As a result, people too …

IRAs vs. 401(k)s: Exceptions to 10% Penalty for Withdrawals Under Age 59½ Differ
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Aug 04, 2022

Before pulling money out of retirement accounts early, check the rules. The exceptions to penalties can differ depending on which type of account you've got.

Capital Gains Tax 101: Basic Rules Investors and Others Need to Know
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. FicheraJul 29, 2022

Learn the ins and outs of the capital gains tax, which you may owe if you sell stocks, your home, cryptocurrency, a stamp collection, and much more.

What Are the Duties for Financial Powers of Attorney?
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Jul 16, 2022

I just got appointed agent under a financial power of attorney. What do I need to do next?

Can You Save Too Much in Your 401(k)?
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Jul 16, 2022

When people meet a doctor at a party, they ask about a pain or a rash.

Avoiding the IRA Beneficiary Tax Trap
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. FicheraJul 16, 2022

Be careful who inherits your IRA, and be smart about how they are allowed to do it. It could save them a potentially 40% tax hit.

5 Financial Challenges Your Kids Will Face With Your Estate
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. FicheraJul 16, 2022 

Many parents fail to get their financial affairs in order, neglecting to take care of such things as wills, living wills and powers of attorney.

Updating Your Estate Plan? Don’t Make These Top Mistakes
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Jul 16, 2022

You're making the effort to stay on top of your estate plan. That's great! Now don't mess it up. Here is how to avoid five of the biggest blunders people often make.

Estate Planning for Pets: How to Protect Your Furry Friends
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Mar 06, 2022

Where would your pets go if something happened to you? Who would take care of them, and how would their costs be covered? A pet trust could be the answer.

2021 Wills and Estate Planning Study
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Mar 05, 2022


For the First Time, Caring.com's Wills Survey Finds that Younger Adults Are More Likely to Have a Will than Middle-Aged Adults

13 Financial Moves to Make After Losing a Spouse
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Mar 05, 2022

Nothing upends your world like the death of a spouse, leaving you at a loss for what to do next.

What to Do When a Family Member Needs a Guardian
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Feb 24, 2022

Seeking a guardianship for a loved one is a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. Here's how the process works.

FALL PREVENTION FACTS & TIPS FOR PREVENTING FALLS
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Feb 24, 2022

On This Page

Fall Statistics Risk Factors Fear of Falling How to Prevent Falls What To Do If You Fall

Family-Owned Businesses - Inc.
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Feb 17, 2022

A family-owned business may be defined as any business in which two or more family members are involved and the majority of ownership or control lies within a family. Family-owned …

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN... TAX TIME.
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Feb 15, 2022

1. Get organized

If you don't already have all your tax-related information together in one place, start gathering that information now. Information that's missing at the …

IRS Tax Tip 2021-170, November 17, 2021
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Feb 15, 2022

Next year taxpayers can put an extra $1,000 into their 401(k) plans. The IRS recently announced that the 2022 contribution limit for 401(k) plans will increase to $20,500. The …

Long-Distance Ways to Show Elderly Loved Ones You Care
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Feb 14, 2022

This is a troubling time to be apart from our loved ones, especially those we know might need our help. However, many families are in this very position. Our senior friends and family members may be …

Guidance on Choosing the Right Trustee (or Trustees) for Your Estate
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Feb 10, 2022

From a spouse or child to a bank or lawyer, you have several options to consider when selecting a Trustee for your Estate. To help make your decision, here are some questions to …

Senior Driving Courses & Resources
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Feb 08, 2022

With an aging population, there are more drivers over the age of 70 in America today than at any point in our history. In 2018, data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) …

Small Business Owners Need This Helpful Legal Advice
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Feb 01, 2022

Legal services for business owners run the gamut, from law firms that handle consumer lawsuits to software that helps with contracts and important documents. When it's time to look …

Estate Planning With A Terminal Illness
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Aug 16, 2021

Finding your way when you or a loved one faces a terminal cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. While the last thing you might feel like thinking about is money, establishing …

Motivating children to make worthwhile life decisions.
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Jun 06, 2018

Over the next decade, increasingly large amounts of wealth will pass by gift and inheritance from parents to children. In some cases, the amount that a child might receive from …

Opinion: Why bitcoin is worth exactly $0 (and blockchain might be very valuable)
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Jan 26, 2018

You have to distinguish between market value and intrinsic value — and cryptocurrencies have no intrinsic value.

Some Recent Developments in Pennsylvania Real Estate Law
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Dec 27, 2017


In recent months, Pennsylvania appellate courts addressed the issues of title insurer's liability for deed drafting errors, as well as a municipality's ability to collect …

Retirement Success Isn't About Net Worth; It's About Net Income
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Nov 29, 2017

If you're wondering if you have enough saved to retire, you won't find the answer to that critical question on the bottom of your 401(k) statement.

Does Your Estate Plan Have a Gaping Hole?
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Nov 29, 2017


Forget your wealth and possessions: Your beliefs, values and wisdom could be the most treasured assets you pass down to the ones you love. To get the ball rolling on …

4 Keys to a Happy and Prosperous Retirement
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Nov 25, 2017


The goal is a long and happy life you love! It takes more than just money, so do some self-searching well before you retire.

3 Tax-Planning Ideas to Help Take the Bite Out of RMDs
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Nov 25, 2017


Required minimum distributions can be the bane of many IRA owners' existence. But there are a few creative ways to reduce your income tax burden or that of your …

When to Take Your First Required Minimum Distribution From an IRA
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Nov 21, 2017


You may be able to postpone taking your first required distribution from an IRA until the following year, but that can trigger a bigger tax bill.

The “Extra” Marital Benefits Gained Through Tenancy by the Entirety
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Nov 08, 2017

Some planning opportunities exist.

Marriage offers many benefits!

How Medicaid Recovers the Cost of Long-Term Care From Your Estate After You Die
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Oct 05, 2017

If Medicaid pays for nursing home care, the state can try to collect reimbursement for these costs from the person's assets after he or she dies.

Ethical Will Worksheet
Read more
Caring for an Aging Loved One, A Checklist.
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. FicheraJun 02, 2017

Many people will be responsible for an elderly parent or loved one at some point. We understand that this can be an overwhelming endeavor – and we want to help. This …

Multimillionaires Share 7 Steps to Structure Your Day for Success
Read more

Posted by Ronald J. Fichera Dec 29, 2016

Learn how to structure your day from the likes of Barbara Corcoran and Brendon Burchard.

In just under two years on The Pursuit, I've had the privilege of interviewing dozens of today's leading …

WILLS FOR HEROES
Read more
WHY MEDICARE MATTERS
Read more
When Roles Reverse: Caring for Mom or Dad
Read more
Blurred Lines
Read more

Contact Our Firm

The RJ Fichera Law Firm, located in Montgomery County, PA, and serving all of Pennsylvania, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and the surrounding counties, is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to all its clients. We also have a satellite office in Newport Beach, CA. For matters or cases outside Pennsylvania, our office collaborates with local attorneys in each respective state, ensuring comprehensive legal representation. Please be aware that the RJ Fichera Law Firm offers legal advice exclusively within the framework of a formal attorney-client relationship, which is established through a written Retainer Agreement. It is important to emphasize that merely visiting our website does not, by itself, create such a relationship. We strongly advise that any and all legal action should only be undertaken with the guidance of legal counsel. This website is not intended for access or use by European Union citizens.


Terms of Use / Privacy Policy 


Copyright © 2023 RJ Fichera Law Firm

Social Media