​The SECURE 2.0 Act might sound like something from a financial superhero movie, but it’s very real—and very relevant to your retirement and estate planning goals. Passed in 2022, this law builds on the original SECURE Act and introduces a variety of changes that could significantly impact how you save, spend, and pass on your retirement assets.
You might be wondering: “Does this really affect me?” If you have a retirement account, plan to retire someday, or want to leave something behind for your loved ones—then yes, SECURE 2.0 should be on your radar.
Let’s start with the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules. Under the old rules, you had to start taking RMDs at age 72. Now? You can wait until 73—and that age is set to rise again to 75 in 2033. That’s more time for your retirement investments to grow tax-deferred.
Missed your RMD? Don’t panic. SECURE 2.0 also reduces the penalties for late withdrawals. Still, it's a good idea to work with a professional to avoid unnecessary costs.
Catch-up contributions also got a boost. If you’re between ages 60–63, you’ll soon be able to contribute even more to your 401(k), giving you a final push toward retirement readiness.
Roth retirement accounts are getting more love too. As of 2024, Roth accounts in employer plans are no longer subject to RMDs. And employers can now match contributions in Roth form—meaning more tax-free growth.
Charitable giving? You can now make a one-time $50,000 Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) or Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA), giving you another way to fulfill philanthropic goals while benefiting your estate.
But estate planning implications go deeper. Most non-spouse beneficiaries of IRAs now must empty the account within 10 years of your passing—gone are the days of the “stretch” IRA for most. Exceptions still exist for spouses, minor children, and a few others, so careful planning matters.
529 education plans now offer more flexibility. Beginning in 2024, you can roll over unused funds—up to $35,000—into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary. It’s a great way to make sure extra education savings don’t go to waste.
Even small business owners benefit under SECURE 2.0, with new incentives to offer retirement plans, including “Starter 401(k)” options. And part-time workers now have more access to employer-sponsored plans too.
Bottom line: SECURE 2.0 is a game-changer for retirement and estate planning. Whether you’re nearing retirement, just starting out, or reviewing your estate plan, understanding these changes can help you maximize your legacy and minimize your tax burden.
The Law Offices of Samantha K. Wolfe is here to help you make the most of these new opportunities. We would be honored to support you on your path to financial peace of mind.
Call us today at (717) 655-2676 or stop by our office at 20 East Sixth Street, Suite 206, Waynesboro, PA 17268.

​Charitable giving doesn’t just feel good—it can be a powerful tax-saving tool too. Whether you’re passionate about a cause or looking to leave a legacy behind, there are ways to align your generosity with smart financial planning. At The Law Offices of Samantha K. Wolfe, we help clients give with both heart and strategy.
So, how can giving save you money?
Let’s start with the basics. Charitable contributions can reduce your federal income taxes, lower your estate’s taxable value, and—even better in Pennsylvania—charitable gifts are exempt from inheritance tax.
You’re not limited to cash donations either. You can give:

• Appreciated assets like stocks or real estate (and avoid capital gains taxes).
• Tangible personal property like art or collectibles.
• Retirement accounts by naming a charity as a beneficiary—great for avoiding income and inheritance tax.

Want to go beyond the basics? Consider these strategic tools:

• Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Make a tax-deductible contribution now, and distribute to your favorite charities later.
• Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs): Receive income during your lifetime and give the rest to charity, all while deferring capital gains taxes.
• Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs): Give now to charity and pass the remaining assets to your heirs with reduced estate tax.
• Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): Donate directly from your IRA (if you're 70½+) to satisfy RMDs and avoid taxable income.
• Charitable Gift Annuities: Support a cause and receive fixed income payments for life—part gift, part annuity.

Each of these strategies not only supports the causes you care about but can also lead to significant tax savings if done right.
And if you’re thinking about converting a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, charitable giving can help you offset the tax bill. By pairing a Roth conversion with a CRT or large donation, you might reduce or even eliminate the taxes due on the conversion. The result? A tax-free legacy for your heirs and meaningful support for charity.
The bottom line: your charitable goals and your financial goals don’t have to compete—they can work hand in hand. With the right plan, you can leave a lasting impact while reducing your tax burden.
Interested in learning how charitable giving fits into your estate plan? We would be honored to help you give smart.
Call us today at (717) 655-2676 or visit us at 20 East Sixth Street, Suite 206, Waynesboro, PA 17268.

When most people think about estate planning, they picture wills, trusts, or maybe a power of attorney. But one of the most powerful and versatile tools in any estate plan is life insurance. Life insurance? You might ask, what’s so special about it—doesn’t it just pay out to a beneficiary when I die? Yes, it pays your named beneficiary—but depending on your situation, it can do so much more.
Life insurance can help ease the financial burden on your loved ones, ensure your wishes are fulfilled, and offer peace of mind knowing your family is protected. It provides immediate funds when they’re needed most—helping to pay off debts, cover final expenses, and replace lost income. For many families, this money is a lifeline during an emotionally and financially challenging time.
There are different types of life insurance policies, and each serves a unique purpose:

• Term Life Insurance: offers affordable, temporary coverage—ideal if you’re raising young children or have a mortgage.
• Whole Life Insurance: lasts a lifetime and builds cash value, making it a solid long-term option.
• Universal Life Insurance: provides flexibility in premiums and benefits, and may be linked to investments.
• Final Expense Insurance: is specifically designed to cover end-of-life costs, like funeral bills or outstanding debts.

Many people ask: “How much life insurance do I need?” The answer depends on your income, debts, and family’s future expenses. Others wonder what happens if they outlive their term policy. Good news—many policies allow you to convert to permanent coverage without a new medical exam.
And did you know life insurance can help reduce estate taxes? When structured correctly—such as through an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)—the proceeds can pass to your loved ones free of estate tax, making it a powerful legacy planning tool.
Another perk? Some policies build cash value you can use while you're still alive. That money can help in emergencies, supplement retirement, or even fund a business opportunity.
The bottom line: life insurance isn't just about death—it's about planning for life. Whether you're just starting your estate plan or reviewing an existing policy, our team at The Law Offices of Samantha K. Wolfe is here to guide you.
We would be honored to help you protect what matters most. You can reach us at (717) 655-2676 or visit us at 20 East Sixth Street, Suite 206, Waynesboro, PA 17268.

Estate planning is important for all families—but for blended families, it’s especially crucial. When families include children from previous relationships, new spouses, and stepchildren, it becomes even more important to have a plan in place that honors your wishes and avoids misunderstandings or conflict.
If you’re in a blended family, you might be asking yourself:

• How do I take care of my new spouse without disinheriting my children from a prior marriage?
• What if my spouse remarries after I’m gone?
• Can I prevent my stepchildren from inheriting from my estate?

These are just some of the many valid concerns you may have when thinking about your estate plan. Without a proper plan, Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws may divide your estate in a way you never intended. That’s why it’s so important to sit down with an attorney and clearly define your goals, outline your priorities, and structure your estate accordingly.
For example, you might want to:

• Leave your spouse income for life but ensure your children receive what’s left after.
• Use a trust to prevent assets from passing to a new spouse’s family.
• Designate specific beneficiaries for life insurance policies or retirement accounts.

Every family is unique, and so is every estate plan. Our team at The Law Offices of Samantha K. Wolfe are here to help you navigate this process. We’ll help you make thoughtful decisions that protect your loved ones and minimize the potential for disputes.
If you’re part of a blended family and haven’t created or updated your estate plan, we encourage you to reach out. We would be honored to assist you and your family.
Our office is located at 20 East Sixth Street, Suite 206, Waynesboro, PA 17268. You can contact us at (717) 655-2676.

​Samantha interviews Dr. Davis about capacity evaluations for older adults and the importance of conducting such evaluations. Franklin Neuropsychological Services 19 South Main Street Chambersburg, PA 17201 (223) 228-9701 Dr. Davis is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and a native of Chambersburg. He completed his doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2008. Later, in 2014, he completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in Neuropsychology at the University of California, Davis Medical Center. He greatly appreciated the opportunity to train in their Alzheimer’s Disease Center, where he gained valuable experience evaluating different forms of dementia. Dr. Davis also served on active-duty status in the USAF for ten years with one deployment to Afghanistan. After leaving the service, he completed neuropsychological evaluations at a Veterans Administration Medical Center. Presently, however, Dr. Davis is happy to be back home and serving the local community in which he grew up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4waJoDuFG0​

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​William "Bill" McCann, Senior Transition Specialist with PenMar Senior Soluntions, LLC.
PenMar Senior Solutions, LLC is a company that specializes in buying homes in Franklin & Adams County "as-is" so you will never have to make a single repair, pay fees, or realtor commissions. They never ask you to make costly repairs or pay any fees. They cover all of the closing costs, and since they are not realtors so there are never any commissions to pay. During a recent interview with Bill, Samantha had asked Bill to give a little more detail as to what his business has to offer and time frame on which it takes to complete the home sell/buying process.