Recent Blog Posts
How Do I Talk about End-Of-Life Decisions?
With the coronavirus pandemic motivating people to think about what they prioritize in their lives, experts say you should also take the time to determine your own end-of-life plans. Queens News Service’s recent article entitled “How to have the hardest conversation: Making end-of-life decisions” reports that in this coronavirus pandemic, some people are getting… Read More »
Do You Have End-of-Life Instructions Ready, Especially in a Pandemic?
Florida Today’s recent article entitled “As COVID-19 spreads, are your end-of-life directives in order?” says that discussing mortality is critical. The Conversation Project surveyed Americans about the need for end-of-life directives. About 92% of respondents said it was important to discuss their wishes for end-of-life care, and 95% of them are willing to talk… Read More »
When You’ve Planned for Retirement but Didn’t Plan Your Estate: What You Need
If you’re in a situation where you must quickly create or update your estate plan, here are some suggestions that might help you. Every situation is different, Forbes’ article “Seven Tips For Converting Your Retirement Plan To Your Estate Plan, ” says, but these some tips that may start the process. Speak with an… Read More »
Tapping an Inherited IRA?
Many people are looking at their inherited IRAs this year, when COVID-19 has decimated the economy. The rules about when and how you can tap the money you inherited changed with the passage of the SECURE Act at the end of December 2019. It then they changed again with the passage of the CARES… Read More »
Can You Place a Life Insurance Policy in a Trust?
Trusts are frequently used in the estate planning process. They help with in the distribution of assets, making certain that everything is distributed to the right people and entities. A trust can also reduce estate taxes, because it lets you remove assets from your estate, so more wealth can be passed to beneficiaries. Many… Read More »
What Is Congress Doing to Address Affordable Senior Housing and Elder Abuse?
Representatives Katie Porter (D-CA) and Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) have introduced legislation that would provide $1.2 billion of relief to the 1.6 million older adults who live in affordable senior housing communities and the providers serving them. McKnight Senior Living’s recent article entitled “Federal legislation tackles affordable senior housing, elder abuse”… Read More »
Medicare Patients Be Wary of COVID-19 Scams!
It’s still not easy to get tested for COVID-19 in many states, so it’s not surprising to learn that scammers are exploiting the shortage. They’re especially preying on the elderly. Money Talks News’ recent article entitled “Are You on Medicare? Beware Coronavirus Scammers” reports that scammers use stolen personal data to commit Medicare fraud… Read More »
Estate Planning Basics for Difficult Times
Most people who contract COVID-19 experience mild symptoms, but it does not hurt to be prepared just in case you need to be hospitalized, explains the article “A Guide to Estate Planning During the Coronavirus Pandemic” from HuffPost.com. It is scary to think about being so sick that you aren’t able to make decisions… Read More »
Must Seniors at Care Facilities Sign over Stimulus Checks?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced that some states across the country have received reports of nursing homes and assisted living facilities that have falsely said that COVID-19 stimulus checks are “resources, ” under the rules of federal benefit programs that must be used to pay for services. It’s “not just a horror… Read More »
Alzheimer’s, Dementia and other Brain Diseases Require Special Estate Planning Steps
There are certain steps that can be taken by individuals, loved ones and family members to make this challenging time safer and smarter, advises an article “Financial And Estate Planning Steps To Take Now: Special Considerations For Those With Brain Disease” from Forbes. Anyone living with a neurologic condition needs to be sure their… Read More »