I travel a lot and protecting myself while I am on the road is a major part of my asset protection plan.  If you are in a foreign country, your medical care is not guaranteed.  In fact, medical hospitalization will often be denied.  Most countries will require cash up front before you are admitted to a hospital.  Even in the US, it’s awkward to get into a hospital that isn’t in your insurance network.

I have a good friend who had a heart attack while on a cruise down the Western Mexican Coast.  His wife got him off the boat and to a hospital.  That didn’t help much, because the hospital required cash upfront.  They didn’t have that much cash.  They did have an American Express card, which saved his life. (more…)

It’s tax time.  So much fun:-)  Lots of folks are filing on the internet.  There’s no question the net is the way to communicate.  HOWEVER, you need to know that the IRS is not going to communicate with you about your return or refunds over the internet.  According to Terry Lemons, IRS spokesman, the IRS isn’t going to notify you about your returns or refunds using email.  If you get an email from the IRS about your refund, NO MATTER HOW OFFICIAL IT LOOKS, it is not real.  Don’t open it or give any information.  It is just an attempt by ID thieves to phish for your personal information or slide a spy into your computer.  BEWARE!!  And don’t forget to sign up for Lee’s “Tip of the Week” newsletter for other good ideas on estate planning and asset protection.