Social Security Florida Exemption

Back-to-school issues that will affect you

Alachua County public schools start on Aug. 22, less than two weeks away. Here are a few issues that parents and students can address to get a fresh start to the school year.

Starting date: While Alachua County public schools, P.K. Yonge, Oak Hall and most counties in North Central Florida begin classes on Aug. 22, several private schools in Alachua County start earlier. In fact, Gainesville's three Catholic schools — Queen of Peace, St. Patrick and St. Francis — start school today.

Starting date: While Alachua County public schools, P.K. Yonge, Oak Hall and most counties in North Central Florida begin classes on Aug. 22, several private schools in Alachua County start earlier. In fact, Gainesville's three Catholic schools — Queen of Peace, St. Patrick and St. Francis — start school today.

Starting off right: If students are entering public school for the first time or have moved into a different school zone, they will need to be registered.

To find out where your child is zoned, parents can call the district's zoning office at 955-7700.

Although it's still summer, parents can go to any school between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday to register their child.

Parents will need to bring the child's birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of physical and immunizations, and two proofs of residence. Those moving within the district just need to bring two new proofs of residence.

Schools across the county will host "Meet the Teacher" days. These meetings, mostly on Aug. 19, will allow parents and students to meet each classroom teacher and become familiar with the school. Most meetings begin at noon, although some schools differ.

For more information, go to www.sbac.edu .

Shop til you drop: Florida has reinstated the tax-free weekend, which begins Friday.

The exemption from taxes includes school clothing and school supplies — with a few catches.

Estate Planning With Student Loan Debt - Florida Estate Planning ...

Student loan debt is one area that people sometimes forget to take into consideration when earmarking funds for retirement. Often with economic ups and downs, people enter forbearance periods where they are able to temporary halt repayment of their loans. Those periods tack on time to the end of the loan and could run into your retirement years.

In 1996, with the passage of the Debt Collection Improvement Act, student loans provided by the U.S. government must be paid back even if you begin collecting Social Security. It is only upon the satisfaction of the debt or the death of the debtor that these loans are cancelled.

The good news is that as your income level drops, your monthly payment amount can drop as well. Also, when Social Security payments begin, you will have up to a $9,000 exemption before you must begin payments again. Your exempted amount will depend on your benefit amount. The higher the dollar figure, the lower your exemption.

When you calculate the amount of savings you will need to retire, don’t forget to plan for your student loan debt, should you still have one active.

Getting Legal Help

Experienced Florida Estate Planning Attorney Richard White understands what your estate plan should and should not include to protect your assets and your loved ones. He can help you make a thorough plan to give you peace of mind. Contact us today at (352) 702-3765.