The Rea Report Winter 2015

Volume 15 | Issue 1 | Winter 2015 www.facebook.com/ReaCPA www.twitter.com/OhioCPA www.twitter.com/ReaCPA bit.ly/rea_linkedin (LinkedIn) bit.ly/rea_google (Google+) www.deardrebit.com (blog) 2 Another Day, Another Victim Beware of IRS phone scams 3  Infographic: Year-End Tax Planning 4 Know & Grow: How Much Is Your Business Really Worth? 6 Small Business Corner: 7 Tips For Hiring The Best Finance Folks For Your Business 8  Bright Client: Investment Partners LTD Choosing to partner rather than sell 9  Bright People Rea’s employee highlights 10 Take Control Of Your Property Taxes Or Someone Else Will 12 Signing On The Dotted Line Know what your pipeline easement agreement entails before signing Making Moments Count: Family Financial Challenges SIX THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES’ ASSETS T he value of our existence is measured by an infinite collection of meaningful moments that have shaped our lives and the lives of those around us. Perhaps our most precious moments occur when we positively impact the lives of our loved ones. We are all capable of initiating these moments and, sometimes, a simple conversation is all that is needed to provide insurmountable relief – now and for years to come. Even if they have never expressed their concern about the realities of aging before, it is almost certain that your parents are worried about their own mortality. Because this topic doesn’t typically find its way into casual conversation, it is your responsibility to broach the subject. Your parents will be grateful you did. Here are six things you can do now to actively protect your loved ones’ assets: 1. Overcome Your Discomfort The first conversation about your loved ones’ finances is probably the most uncomfortable one, but it’s also the most important. It’s uncomfortable to talk to our parents about By Dave McCarthy, their death. Mom CPA, CSEP, principal, and Dad don’t find and Frank L. Festi, Jr., it thrilling either beCPA, CFP, principal cause they don’t (Medina office) want to be a burden. But as awkward as it is to discuss, you may eventually be shouldered with the responsibility of managing the affairs your parents leave behind. 2. Set Up A Power Of Attorney In order for you to assume this important role, you must be named as your parents’ power of attorney. This step gives you continued on page 11