Monthly Archives: January 2021
What Kind of Estate Planning Mistakes Do People Make?
Estate planning for any sized estate is an important responsibility to loved ones. Done correctly, it can help families flourish over generations, control how legacies are distributed and convey values from parents to children to grandchildren. However, a failed estate plan, says a recent article from Suffolk News-Herald titled “Estate planning mistakes to avoid,… Read More »
Should I Create Estate Plan Myself?
US News & World Report’s recent article entitled “Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning Mistakes” provides some issues that do-it-yourself estate planners might encounter and why it is best to consult an experienced estate planning attorney. What are the Right Questions to Ask? Completing a simple and straightforward form—like a beneficiary designation for your IRA— is one… Read More »
How Can Estate Planning Address the Troubled Child?
Every family has unique challenges when planning for the future, and every family needs to consider its individual beneficiaries in an honest light, even when the view isn’t pretty. Concerns may range from adults with substance abuse problems, an inability to make good decisions, or siblings with worrisome marriages. These situations can be addressed… Read More »
What Steps to Take when Dementia Begins
Covid-19 has made travelling more difficult, so holiday visits this year may not be the same triggering event they were in the past. However, even an online holiday visit can reveal a great deal of change, reports a recent article “Elder Care: When the children don’t notice” from The Sentinel. An elderly spouse caring… Read More »
What Should I Know, If I Need to Take an Elderly Person to the Doctor?
First, know and understand the rules in the pandemic. AARP’s August 17 article entitled “4 Things to Know When Taking a Loved One to the Doctor During COVID-19” provides four other things to consider as you plan doctors’ appointments. Is there an urgent need for the appointment? A caregiver of a senior may be… Read More »
Ten Organizations that Provide Resources for Seniors Who Live Independently
America’s aging population is becoming comprised heavily of tech-savvy baby boomers. By 2030 all boomers will have hit 65 years of age, accounting for 18 percent of the US population. This demographic is driving significant and lasting challenges as 10, 000 baby boomers turn 65 every day. Aging in place is a significant trend… Read More »
Will I Get A Bill as My Inheritance?
When someone dies and leaves debts, you may ask if you have any personal liability to pay them. The answer is typically no, even though those debts don’t automatically disappear. However, there are situations in which you may have to address issues with a loved one’s creditors after they are gone, says KAKE’s recent… Read More »
Affordable Long-term Care in the US is an Urgent Priority
The challenges ahead are many as AARP reports that the population age 85 plus, the most likely to need long-term care, will more than triple between 2015 and 2050. Elected leaders must rethink institutional care and its affordability and make improvements while creating innovative long-term care options for those Americans who are aging in… Read More »
How Much Should We Tell the Children about the Estate Plan?
Congratulations, if you have finished your estate plan. You and your estate planning attorney created a plan that is suited for your family, you have checked on beneficiary designations, signed all of the necessary documents and named an executor to carry out your directions when you pass. However, have you talked about your estate… Read More »
Senior Taxes, Money, and Retirement in a Biden Administration
The advent of a Biden Administration could bring significant changes to the current landscape for older Americans. Biden has outlined what he would like to accomplish for older Americans, and this post is intended to summarize some of those plans. Social Security benefits may become secure again. The Trump proposed payroll tax cut and… Read More »