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The SECURE Act 2.0  brought some of the biggest changes to retirement planning in decades. While many people believe these updates only affect their own retirement—or aren’t aware of them at all—the reality is far more impactful. SECURE Act 2.0 directly affects how your loved ones will inherit your retirement accounts and how much they may lose to taxes after your death.  Without updated planning, these changes could significantly reduce the inheritance you worked so hard to

On November 27, nine days after being pulled unconscious from a house fire in a beachfront home in New London, Connecticut, Tony Hsieh , the former CEO of online shoe retailer Zappos , died due to complications from smoke inhalation. Hsieh was just 46 years old , single, and had no children. Although the cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities ruled his death accidental . At the time of his passing, Hsieh was worth an estimated $840 million . Shockingly, de

A recent Ninth Circuit decision — Romero v. Bisignano  (Nov. 12, 2025)  — provides a timely reminder that reasoning-level conflicts between a claimant’s RFC and jobs identified at Step Five cannot be ignored . For Social Security Disability attorneys, especially those practicing in the Ninth Circuit, this case underscores two critical points: Reasoning levels still matter . ALJs must explicitly reconcile conflicts  on the record. What Happened in Romero v. Bisignano ? In Rome

Michael Duarte had everything to live for. At 39 years old, the popular food influencer was growing his brand, creating recipes for millions of followers, and raising his daughter Oakley with his wife, Jessica. Then, on November 8, 2025, his life ended suddenly during what should have been an ordinary trip to Texas. His death was unexpected — and devastating for his family emotionally and  financially. Within hours, a GoFundMe appeared asking for help to bring his body home a

When an ALJ acknowledges “moderate limitations”  in areas like attention and attendance, but then crafts an RFC with no actual restrictions on staying on task or consistent attendance , the Second Circuit isn’t buying it. This decision is a must-read for anyone handling mental-health disability claims. ⚖️ The Big Picture In Nunez , the Second Circuit vacated the denial of benefits  because the ALJ’s RFC failed to translate recognized limitations into meaningful functional res

Why Family Caregiving Often Brings Out the Worst in Siblings Caregiving responsibilities tend to fall unevenly among siblings. Old resentments, favoritism, and childhood dynamics often resurface. Stress, unclear expectations, and emotional pressure amplify conflict. Families are often shocked when long-buried issues reappear during caregiving. Your Children Are Watching — and Learning Children observe how their parents interact with siblings during eldercare. They internalize

You know who gets genuinely excited about a good transferable skills analysis? This girl right here. And let me tell you, I've got a fresh-off-the-press Tenth Circuit remand that deserves a permanent spot in your Social Security litigation toolkit. The Case: Morgan v. Commissioner, SSA , No. 24-8085 (10th Cir. Oct. 9, 2025) Meet Rose Morgan. She spent 14 years as a buyer for the Wyoming Department of Transportation—not exactly a walk in the park. Her job involved soliciting b

We all know the holiday “White Elephant” game—the stealing, swapping, joking, and occasional grudge. But when the “gifts” are real assets like a classic car, a family cabin, or heirloom jewelry, and there are no rules, no referee, and no laughs afterward, the result isn’t fun—it’s conflict. Without a proper estate plan: No one knows who is supposed to get what Verbal promises hold no legal weight Hurt feelings, confusion, and resentment grow Family tensions — sometimes old on

The holidays bring family together—a perfect time for warmth, connection, and meaningful conversations. They’re also an occasion to address important, sometimes difficult topics that many people avoid: what happens when you die, how your loved ones will be cared for, and how to preserve your legacy. This season offers an opportunity to talk with intention and love. Below, you’ll learn how to shift your mindset, open heartfelt conversations, and turn your discussions into mean

Every so often, the Ninth Circuit drops a decision that brings home the realities of Social Security disability litigation— Phillips v. Bisignano  is one of those. Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know Phillips asked the ALJ to reopen  a prior application. But without a solid due process  argument or “good cause” under § 404.911(b) , the Ninth Circuit rejected the request. The ALJ discounted multiple medical opinions (from Eastman, Wingate, Jaura, Fernandez, Marshall) because

It’s normal for one partner to be enthusiastic about estate planning while the other hesitates. Understanding the root causes of resistance can help you approach the conversation more thoughtfully. Common reasons for resistance: Fear of mortality.  Talking about illness or death can feel uncomfortable or unlucky. Perceived cost or complexity.  Some assume estate planning is overly expensive or only for the wealthy. Control or trust issues.  Concerns about losing control over

When it comes to children applying for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits, the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Listing of Impairments  (20 C.F.R. Pt. 404, Subpt. P, Appx. 1) is often the first and most critical checkpoint. But what happens when a child’s condition doesn’t neatly meet those listing criteria? The 2013 Ninth Circuit case Mattison ex rel. K.A. v. Astrue  offers important lessons on how SSA evaluates childhood disability — and how attorneys should

It’s that time of year when few court decisions are issued, the quiet stretch after the holidays. Yet, on December 26, 2019 , the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals  released an important ruling in Zuniga v. Commissioner of Social Security , a case that continues to shape how Social Security disability appeals are reviewed. Let’s break it down. 👇 Background of the Case Zuniga appealed the denial of her Social Security disability benefits  after two remands from the district cour

Each year on November 11, the nation pauses to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who’ve served in the Armed Forces. Beyond the ceremonies and flags, Veterans Day offers military families a meaningful opportunity to reflect on a vital question: Is your family truly protected if something happens to you? If you’ve served or are part of a military family, your planning needs go far beyond standard estate documents. From coordinating military benefits to preparing for depl

The Ninth Circuit’s decision in Putz v. Bisignano  (October 28, 2025) doesn’t change the law—but it reinforces what the court continues to expect when reviewing ALJ reasoning in Social Security disability cases. Case Background The claimant, Putz, appealed the denial of disability benefits. Both the district court and the Ninth Circuit affirmed the ALJ’s decision.The familiar issues included: Evaluation of medical opinions Symptom testimony Lay witness statements Residual Fun

In Arce v. Commissioner , the Eleventh Circuit addressed an important issue regarding the assessment of a claimant’s Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) in Social Security disability cases. Ivette Arce appealed the denial of her disability claim, arguing that the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) failed to properly consider her non-severe mental limitations when determining her RFC. RFC Assessment and Non-Severe Mental Limitations The Eleventh Circuit emphasized that an ALJ must

Many families focus on building wealth, but fewer think about keeping it. Studies show that most wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation, and nearly 90% by the third. This happens not because of lack of love or effort, but because key planning elements are missing. Preserving wealth isn’t only about legal documents or investments—it’s about mindset, structure, and education. In this article, you’ll learn how to: Shift your mindset from inheritance to legac

On December 28, 2023, the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the district court’s decision in Ohneck v. Commissioner of Social Security . This case provides key insight into how appellate courts evaluate treating physicians’ opinions and the preservation of issues on appeal. ⚖️ Preservation of Arguments on Appeal Ohneck argued that she had properly preserved her challenges regarding the Administrative Law Judge’s (ALJ) evaluation of her treating physician’s opinion. She claimed she wa

In Espinoza v. Commissioner of Social Security  (April 16, 2024), the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals reviewed a denial of Social Security disability benefits. Ms. Espinoza had appealed after the Social Security Appeals Council refused her request for review. The district court upheld the Commissioner’s decision, prompting her appeal to the Tenth Circuit. Key Facts: The case focused on whether the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) applied proper legal standards. The Tenth Circuit