My home is my retirement plan. If I had a dollar for every time a client said that, I could retire today. But that approach to funding your old age only works if…. Sell your house to retire The value in your house makes your balance sheet strong, but doesn’t put food on the table […]
Mortgage Matters
Strictly California

Do I qualify for bankruptcy in the Bay Area?
The higher-than-average wages in the Bay Area don't disqualify you from bankruptcy, despite rampant misinformation about the bankruptcy means test. The means test, added to bankruptcy law in 2005, was (poorly) designed to keep above-average earners out of … Read Full Article

California Exemptions Increase for 2025
New 2025 California exemption amounts becomes effective April 1, 2025. And it's no joke. The new exemption numbers will protect more value in cash and assets necessary for everyday living. Exemptions define the assets that are safe from creditors in … Read Full Article

7 Principles of California Community Property
Baffled by California community property? Think it makes you personally liable for the debts of your spouse? Lots of people do. But it doesn't. California has been a community property state since it became a state in 1850. You would think we'd have … Read Full Article