DID YOU KNOW?
Advance Directives Reduce Stress for Families of Dying Patients
Researchers from the Oregon Health Sciences University report that stress levels are extremely high for family members who must decide whether or not life support should be withdrawn from relatives too incapacitated to decide for themselves. 

ESTATE TALK
9th Circuit Court Reverses Tax Court Ruling in Kaufman
The Ninth Circuit recently reversed a Tax Court decision, holding that two stock sales after a decedent's death were reliable evidence of the stock's value.

MEDI-MINUTES
Social Security, Medicare Looking Healthier This Year
The future of Social Security and Medicare just brightened somewhat, according to the 2001 Annual Reports of the trustees of Social Security and Medicare. 

NATIONAL NOTES
White House Clarifies Estate Tax Repeal Details
The White House has announced some clarifications to the estate tax repeal proposed in President Bush’s $1.6 billion tax cut plan. 

RESOURCE CORNER
2001 Social Security Handbook Online
The Social Security Administration has updated its Social Security Handbook. The Handbook is an easily readable tool to help beneficiaries and others understand the Social Security programs and services.

TAX TID-BITS
New Legislation Would Expand Education IRAs
The Senate Finance Committee has unanimously approved a package of education-related tax changes including an expansion of "Education IRAs" or "Education Savings Accounts."