Author Archives: Linda Fisher
Protecting Inheritance from the Taxman
Wealth Advisor’s recent article entitled “4 Ways to Protect Your Inheritance from Taxes” explains that inheritances aren’t considered income for federal tax purposes—whether it’s cash, investments or property. However, any subsequent earnings on the inherited assets are taxable, unless it comes from a tax-free source. You must report the interest income on your taxes…. Read More »
Avoid Estate Planning Mistakes
Estate planning should be a business-like process, where people evaluate the assets they have accumulated over time and make clear decisions about how to leave their assets and legacy to those they love. The reality, as described in the article “5 Unfortunate Estate Planning Myths You Probably Believe, ” from Kiplinger, is not so… Read More »
What Does Research Say about Senior Well-Being and Living Space Design?
Design’s Impact on Seniors’ Perceptions of Wellness from New York-based architecture firm Perkins Eastman, reviewed the responses of 540 older adults living in three West Coast senior living communities to see how they looked at their own physical, social/emotional and intellectual wellness. McKnight’s Senior Living’s recent article entitled “90% of senior living residents say… Read More »
How Does Guardianship Work?
For the most part, we are free to make our own decisions regarding how we live, where we live, how we spend our money and even with whom we socialize. However, when we are no longer capable of caring for ourselves, most commonly due to advancing age or dementia, or if an accident or… Read More »
What’s Involved in the Probate Process?
SWAAY’s recent article entitled “What is the Probate Process in Florida?” says that while every state has its own laws, the probate process can be fairly similar. Here are the basic steps in the probate process: The family consults with an experienced probate attorney. Those mentioned in the decedent’s will should meet with a… Read More »
When Do We Need an Elder Law Attorney?
Kiplinger’s article “When Elder Care Requires Legal Advice” explains that this is when a lot of panicked calls are made to elder law attorneys. These attorneys specialize in planning for the legal complications that can arise in old age. However, seldom do people think to consult one preemptively to avoid making that panicked phone… Read More »
What’s the Latest Trend in Long-Term Care Insurance?
Approximately half of Americans turning age 65 today will require some type of long-term care (LTC) in their lives. The older a person, the more likely he or she will need LTC at some point. The Treasury Department also reminds us about the general aging of the national population because much of the baby… Read More »
What are Trustee Fees?
When you create a living trust to hold assets during your lifetime and/or pass assets on at your death, you must name a trustee to manage those assets. You might name yourself as trustee, although some situations may require that it be another individual or organization, for example, with an irrevocable trust that is… Read More »
Can I Revoke a Power of Attorney?
Cindy’s stepsister, Charlotte, suggests that she be given power of attorney to help Cindy with her business matters, should Cindy not be able to manage her financial affairs. When Cindy agrees, Charlotte’s attorney creates a Statutory Durable Power of Attorney that names Charlotte as her agent. What happened next, according to the Glen Rose… Read More »
New Survey Conducted on Keeping the Elderly Safe in the Pandemic
Those in our oldest generations, who were recently surveyed, were found to be more distrustful of senior living and care operators than younger generations. Nearly half (49.5%) of baby boomers said they don’t trust senior living and care providers to keep residents safe, while 43.9% of the Silent Generation reported the same distrust. Younger… Read More »