avapp recession proof your practice
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How working with veterans can enhance your law practice. There is a free webinar at www.avapp.orgTRANSCRIPT
Recession Proof Your Law PracticeThrough VA Pension Planning
James (Jim) Swain, JD
Founder and CEO of the Academy of VA Pension Planners
WealthCounsel Member
More than 26 years experience in Estate and Income Tax Planning.
Co-Developer of ElderCounsel’s 2 Day VA Pension Course.
Challenges to Your Law Practice
Challenges for Estate Planning and Elder Law practices in current economy:
Discretionary spending is being cut
No urgency to plan
Competition among growing number of attorneys
Clients want guarantee that plans will benefit them
Recession Proof Your Law Practicewith VA Pension Planning
There are more than 20 million people who potentially could qualify for the VA Pension
This is the fastest growing segment of the population
Living War Period Veterans and Surviving Spouses
• World War II - 2,300,000*
• Korean War – 2,300,000*
• Vietnam War – 7,130,000*
• Gulf War and Iraq War – not determined
• Surviving Spouses – 3 to 5 million
* VA November 2008
Benefits of Adding VA PensionPlanning to Your Law Practice
Seniors are living longerFamily concern over paying for long-term careThere is an urgency to complete planningKnowledge in the legal community is limitedWith VA pension planning you are selling moneyFees are an investment not an expenseGives you access to other family members and friendsHuggable Clients
What is the VA Improved Pension Benefit?
The VA pension is a benefit available through the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist Veterans and their Surviving Spouses in paying for medical expenses.
It is only available to veterans (and their surviving spouses) who served during a war period.
The benefit can be significant:
$1,949 per month for Veteran with dependent
$1,644 per month for Single Veteran
$1,056 per month for Surviving Spouse
What is the VA Improved Pension Benefit?
There are Four Tests for qualification:
Military Service and Marriage,Medical Condition,Income for VA PurposesNet Worth
How can your Practice Benefitfrom Serving these Clients?
Income and asset limitations open opportunities.
This allows you to offer billable services to provide, such as:
Analysis of optionsNew legal documentsAdministration of trustsReview of investmentsAccess to family membersTax returnsMedicaid applicationsInvestmentsReferrals
How can you Build New Referral Sources through VA Pension Planning?
Reaching out to the elder population can increase referrals.
If Seniors are not Veterans they have friends and relatives who
may be
Seniors share information
People who work with Seniors need your services
You help pay for their services.
They are at a competitive disadvantage
You help them get in front of prospects
You can provide referrals to them
Associated groups will market your services for the following reasons:
Assisted Living Homes
Senior Residences
Home Healthcare Agencies
Financial Planners
Retirement communities
Pre-Need Planners
Retirement Groups
Churches
Funeral Homes
People who work with Seniors need your Services
How can You Incorporate VA Pension Planning into Your Practice?
Attend our 2 hour Webinar on VA Pension Basics (DATE TBD) – We will apply for CLE. Fee is $100.
Attend our 2 Day Spring Conference on Advanced VA Pension Planning Techniques and Practice Implementation - training designed to expedite your effectiveness in this exciting, growing practice area. We will file for CLE and webinar fee will be deducted from conference fee.
April 22-23, 2010
Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort –Stone Mountain, GA
How can You Incorporate VA Pension Planning into Your Practice?
File for Accreditation with the VA.
Join the Academy of VA Pension Planners www.avapp.org to become a Certified Academy Attorney (CAA).
Attend our 3 hour CLE Class via Webinar (Dates TBD) for VA Accredited Attorney (this class is required within the first 12 months of being accredited with the VA)
Two Day Educational Seminar (15 hours of CLE)Conference Training and Reference MaterialPractice Manual for VA Pension BenefitsBreakfast and lunch each day20% discount to all Academy membersAVAPP Charter Membership Rates for AttendeesBook early to receive conference room rate of $109 per night
Register for Advanced VA Pension Planning Techniques and Practice Implementation Course includes:
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/atleg-evergreen-marriott- conference-resort/
Thanks for attending
Together we can help those who built this country
James B. Swain, JD, MBA Founder and CEO [email protected]/888-928-2779 www.avapp.org