A “To-Do” List for Vacation Planning

Summer means vacation for many people, although “off-season” vacations are popular as well. If there's a trip in your plans this year, here are a few tips you might want to consider:

• If your vacation plans include foreign travel, make sure that you have a current passport. The State Department is now processing routine passport applications in four weeks; three weeks for expedited service (call 1-877-487-2778). Look into possible visa requirements, as well.

• For any foreign travel, you should also check your health insurance coverage. Medicare generally does not pay for medical care outside the United States. Private insurers and HMOs may have restrictions on what they will cover. Ask your medical insurance carrier prior to departure about any foreign travel limitations. Supplemental insurance may be available, either through your regular insurance or through a travel agent.

• Find out if your automobile insurance covers rental car liability – including damage to the rental car, bodily injuries and other property damage. Ask your insurance agent before you leave whether your auto insurance or any umbrella policies you own will provide the same protection as the optional insurance offered by the rental company.

• Make sure your financial and estate planning affairs are in order. Inspect your will or revocable living trust to see if any changes are needed. If it's been five years since your attorney reviewed your will or living trust, make an appointment with him or her. Changes in state laws or the tax code may require changes in your will or trust.

• Jot down the names and phone numbers of your advisers – stock brokers, insurance agent, attorney, accountant, etc. Make a list of your savings, checking and money market accounts and write down the location of the keys for any safe-deposit boxes. Leave your list with a trusted friend or family member.

As you review your will or living trust, we hope you will consider a thoughtful bequest to our future as part of your estate plan. There are many ways to include us in your will or trust – options that offer tax savings as well as the personal satisfaction of memorializing your lifetime of support.

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