Cari’s Tips: Beware of Unequal Contributions When Purchasing a House

Cari RinckerEstate Planning

At a time of record home unaffordability, more people are teaming up with friends and relatives to realize the home ownership dream. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), more than 75 percent of homes on the market now are too expensive for middle-income buyers. Just five years ago, this same income group could afford half of all available …

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Have an Etsy Store? Make Sure It Is Properly Protected

Cari RinckerBusiness Law, Estate Planning

The online marketplace Etsy has gone from a niche craft seller to one of the largest commerce companies in the world. Etsy has millions of active sellers worldwide, most of whom are based in the United States. Many Etsy sellers rely on the site as a primary or secondary income stream. Collectively, they contribute billions of dollars per year to …

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Have You Thought Through Your Retirement Plans?

Cari RinckerEstate Planning

Beginning your retirement is a great milestone that is worth celebrating. You have put in many years of hard work, and you are now able to focus your energy on the next phase of your life. However, before you begin this next chapter, you need to make sure that you have fully thought through this exciting change in your life. …

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Investment and Distribution Trustees: Why Would I Need Both?

Cari RinckerEstate Planning

When creating a trust, it is common to name yourself as the initial trustee who is responsible for all aspects of administering the trust. However, when considering who will take over when you can no longer act (either because of illness or death), it is sometimes helpful to divide the responsibilities between two or more successor trustees. For example, you …

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Ask Cari: How to End Your LLC

Cari RinckerBusiness Law

When you started your limited liability company (LLC), the last thing you probably had on your mind was ending it. Many LLCs are created for specific purposes, however, and when that purpose has been served, its members may think about winding up the company. LLCs may also terminate due to member retirement, conflict, or death; state administrative or judicial orders; …

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Top Reasons Central Illinois Couples Should Consider Divorce Mediation with Rincker Law

Cari RinckerDivorce Mediation

If you find yourself facing the difficult decision of divorce, know that you are not alone. At Rincker Law, we understand that this is a challenging time for you and your family. We are here to offer you a solution that can help ease the process and pave the way for a more amicable separation. Divorce mediation, whether in-person at …

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Three Things You Must Do to Protect Your Family if You Are Recently Unemployed

Cari RinckerEstate Planning

If you have recently lost your job, you are not alone! Inflation has skyrocketed in the United States over the past couple of years. Some smaller businesses have not been able to survive the increased expenses, putting employees out of work, while many larger companies have laid off employees to reduce their costs. If you are dealing with a job …

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Ask Cari: How a Community Property Trust Could Save You Money in Taxes

Cari RinckerEstate Planning

When it comes to your family’s legacy, every dollar you can save from taxation counts. One way to keep your accounts and property out of the hands of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is to form a community property trust. How Does a Community Property Trust Work? Community property trusts can save you money on taxes by adjusting, or “stepping …

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What Every Business Owner Should Know about Cash Flow Statements

Cari RinckerBusiness Law, Business/Commercial Law

Cash flow measures how much cash is flowing in and out of a business. A positive cash flow is one of the strongest determinants of a business’s success. It shows that a company can fund its debts and pay for immediate needs such as equipment and staffing, and also that it has enough money in reserve to invest or survive …

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Releasing Liability: What You Should Know Before Your Business Uses a Release of Liability

Cari RinckerBusiness Law, Business/Commercial Law

Some activities are inherently risky. Visitors of certain types of businesses such as ski resorts, gyms, and amusement parks know there is a chance they could get injured when they engage in the activities those businesses offer. To protect themselves against potentially costly lawsuits, businesses can use a liability waiver to shift the risk from themselves to their customers. Liability …

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Legal Considerations As You Ramp Up Your Cybersecurity

Cari RinckerBusiness Law, Business/Commercial Law

The internet has been a game changer for small businesses, allowing them to reach new markets, hire nonlocal talent, and compete with larger companies. Not having an online presence where customers can discover and interact with your business is now almost unthinkable. You may also have remote team members and vendor partners that are vital to your success. But the …

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Safeguard Your Brand: Why Small Business Owners in NYC Should Consider Trademark Protection

Cari RinckerBusiness/Commercial Law, Intellectual Property

In the bustling and competitive landscape of New York City, small business owners and entrepreneurs face numerous challenges. Building a unique brand that stands out in the crowd is no easy task, but it is essential for success. One powerful tool that can help safeguard your brand identity is securing a trademark. Whether it’s a word mark or a design …

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