We’re always looking for ways to help clients and their families protect their resources from the costs of long term care. The Personal Care Agreement, also called a long-term care personal support services agreement, elder care contract, or family care or caregiver contract, while not permitted in every state, can help both you and the… Read More »
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Rising Cost of Nursing Home Care Highlights the Importance of Pre-planning
One of the greatest challenges our clients face is how to protect their families from the rising cost of long-term care. They’re right to be concerned. The median cost of a private nursing home room grew to $97,455 a year, an increase of 5.5 percent over 2016, according to the 2017 Cost of Care survey… Read More »
Don’t Put Off Updating Your Estate Documents
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again; and again; and Again! When you put off updating your estate plan, you’re playing a very dangerous game. This sort of procrastination is downright reckless, and often results in a your loved ones facing additional stress, financial loss, and hurt feelings. The Wall Street Journal recently… Read More »
DINKs Need Estate Planning Too
The nuclear family has traditionally been defined as two parents, two-and-a-half children and a house with a white picket fence. It’s been the basis for the American image of “family” since the 1950s. But as they say, the times are a changin’. The American family now comes in every shape, size and color. One demographic… Read More »
Does Your 18-Year-Old Need a Will?
High school graduation season is nearly over. It’s a celebratory time when you are perhaps more mindful about ways to secure the future of your young adult children. This is an excellent time to remind our clients with graduates heading off to college this fall that while most 18-year-olds probably don’t have a will, there… Read More »
Protecting an Aging Parent’s Finances
Convincing an ailing senior parent to turn over management of their finances to an adult child can be more challenging than taking away their car keys. After all, Mom and Dad taught their kids the importance of spending less, saving more, and investing for the future. Their sage advice: Pay bills as soon as they… Read More »
Helping You Avoid the Joint Tenancy Trap
When most of you bought your first home, you probably signed a deed as a joint tenant next to your spouse’s signature. That’s the way your parents and grandparents did it, and the real estate agent told you it would protect the surviving spouse from probate court after one of you dies. It’s not unusual… Read More »
Choosing the Right Successor Trustee
Without encouragement from trusted advisors or loved ones, few seniors will take the time to arrange for someone else to handle their financial issues when they can no longer fully care for themselves. It’s an easy decision to put off, because it’s emotionally stressful to consider losing your cognitive abilities and independence to financially care… Read More »
Reducing Caregiver Stress: 5 Strategies for a Stress-Free 2017
Stress and burnout are common among senior caregivers, both those who are caregiving full-time and those who are balancing the demands of caregiving with outside employment. As we look to the new year, now is a great time to think about strategies you can implement to reduce your stress and avoid burnout in the… Read More »
The Dangers of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Estate Planning
Consumers are becoming more confident that they can handle many common legal tasks on their own. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) companies have sprung up in many markets ranging from income tax preparation to estate planning, and these companies purport that their services are just as good as going to an attorney. Those who seek to replace proper… Read More »