Recent Blog Posts
Early Medicaid Planning Saves Money
Most people don’t like to think about the possibility that they may need to live in a nursing home one day. However, as we grow older nursing home care often becomes a reality. One of the most common ways to pay for nursing home care is through Medicaid. Many of our clients worry that… Read More »
When is the Best Time to Plan Your Estate?
The estate tax laws of the past few years have been so inconsistent that many people are still “waiting for things to even out” before they create (or update) an estate plan. This wait-and-see approach seems perfectly reasonable on the surface; after all, nobody wants to spend hard-earned money creating an estate plan only… Read More »
How Can I Keep Parent Safe From Medical Errors?
It is always a scary time when a parent has to be hospitalized. According to the Aging Parents Authority, medical errors are the 8th leading cause of death in the country. Often, these errors are preventable. If you are a good advocate for your parent, you may be able to protect your parent from… Read More »
Plan Ahead to Avoid Court-Ordered Conservatorship
Young adults are often urged to plan ahead and take control of their future; whether that means getting good grades and planning for college, searching for internships in their career area of interest, or saving money for the day when they are out on their own. Older adults, on the other hand (aside from… Read More »
Death of Steve Jobs Saddens the World
The recent death of creative visionary and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs saddened the world. News of his death traveled like wildfire, and had the online social networks humming with tributes, memorial posts, and sentiments of grief. Mr. Jobs was very private about his personal life, but through his public appearances and his support of… Read More »
How to Cope After the Death of a Spouse
Losing a spouse may be one of the most difficult life events that any of us have to deal with. A spouse is a parenting partner, a co-CFO, a best friend and a beloved soul mate. Losing the person who supports you in so many ways can create an emptiness which can be almost… Read More »
How to Make a Smooth Transition into Assisted Living
For many seniors, moving into an assisted living facility can be a difficult and confusing transition. Many elderly people become confused or agitated during or after the move. The Aging Parents Authority recommends taking the following four steps to make the transition as smooth as possible for your parent. 1. If your parent suffers… Read More »
Facing the Challenges of Caregiving as a Family
As senior issues and caregiver concerns get more media attention, more and more families are making the question of who becomes mom or dad’s primary caregiver a family decision. Although one sibling may still take on the role of “primary caregiver,” families are making the conscious decision to try to share caregiving responsibilities more… Read More »
The Pros and Cons of a Crummey Trust
If you are looking for a reliable way to leave financial gifts to family members you may find that a Crummey trust is the right estate planning strategy for your family. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal explains that “Crummey trusts are used in many circumstances, but are best suited for making… Read More »
When “Equal” is not Always “Fair”
Every parent wants to be fair to their children; avoid showing favoritism, give each the same advantages, and eventually leaving each a fair and equal inheritance. But every parent also knows that there are times when equal is not always fair—a dilemma that is often faced by parents drawing up their will or estate… Read More »