JUST ANOTHER ESTATE PLAN

By Timothy S. Barkley, Sr. December 2017. “So first, I need to know a little about you. Married?” “Yes.” The hirsute gentleman nodded his head. “Will your spouse be joining us?” “No,” he said, “this is something I need to get done real soon. I leave for a business...

OUR TOWN

By Timothy S. Barkley, Sr. November 2017. The man plucked at my elbow in the Post Office the other day.  “You’re that guy!” he exclaimed, “that guy who writes for the Messenger.”  Relieved that he had not mistaken me for some old enemy, I nodded and smiled....

KEEPING CURRENT

By Tim Barkley. August 2017. Your will and power of attorney are nestled in your safe deposit box. Your living will is in your file at your doctor’s office. You feel prepared for all the uncertainties that life can fling at you. But are you really as prepared as you...

IMPORTUNITY KNOCKS

By Tim Barkley. November 2016. Elderly and alone, my client had faced the future with fear. Widowed and childless, she relied on her money to secure her the attentions of her neighbors and nieces. Money was the carrot; the stick was her threat to write them out of the...

HOME ALONE II

By Tim Barkley. October 2016. Last month’s offering to our readers considered the effect of the Inheritance Tax on folks without spouse, siblings or children as estate beneficiaries. This month’s article offers practical steps to ease the task of your...