Many people think they have plenty of time to plan for their care as they age, but that’s not always the case. The problem with this line of thought is that the lack of planning can lead to significant issues if the person starts to need care before they plan. A...
Long-term care can be prohibitively expensive, especially for those living on a fixed income during their golden years. Older adults who need to move into nursing homes or require daily support from home health aides frequently apply for Medicaid benefits to pay for...
A significant percentage of Americans do not have an estate plan. A survey done by D.A. Davidson & Co. showed that only 34% American adults have an estate plan. That’s one in three people, which means two-thirds do not have it. Although many people acknowledge...
It’s easy to forget that estate planning is not just about what happens when you die. It should also outline your choice of emergency medical care if you suffer a serious injury or illness that leaves you unable to state your wishes and direct your own care. Without...
When you create an estate plan, one important step is to choose an estate administrator or estate executor. Once you pass away, this person is in charge of distributing documents, inventorying assets, paying taxes and taking other necessary steps to settle your...
Holographic wills are among the most common testamentary instruments. Also known as handwritten wills, holographic wills are documents entirely in the handwriting of the testator establishing their estate plan. Some states have statutes that impose completely...
Planning for future long-term care needs can be a smart decision for those near retirement. Anyone facing medical challenges or thinking about their golden years may need to contemplate the expenses created by retiring. They also need to consider the possibility that...
Estate administration involves more than transferring property to the decedent’s beneficiaries or heirs. Before the final distribution of assets occurs, the personal representative generally needs to fulfill the financial obligations of the decedent. Both personal...
Earned benefits can provide comfort and predictability for retired adults. People who have worked for years are typically eligible for Medicare coverage later in life. Even the non-working spouses of professionals may receive Medicare coverage in their golden years....
Maybe the recent holidays were a wake-up call. You noticed that your dad’s eyesight was fading when he was behind the wheel or maybe you questioned your mother’s recent financial decisions. But you saw that they had lost a lot of ground recently and it’s apparent some...