Most of us have heard of mediation in divorce and sometimes even child custody cases, but what about elder care? Is there a place for mediation in elder care? You might be surprised. Mediation is being used to resolve conflicts with our elderly loved ones in a number of situations. It can be an effective way to find solutions between older people, their families and caregivers. There are a number of person-centered programs that specialize in the unique needs of families with elderly loved … [Read more...] about Mediation in Elder Care
Can the Medicare Part B Premium Hike be Halted?
For millions of seniors, there’s a major hike in their Medicare Part B premiums in 2016. The worst part is it’s preventable; however, getting Congress to agree on anything these days is challenging at best and impossible at its worst. In this way, Americans are joined: it’s an unacceptable increase to those who can least afford it. And it's a problem without a solution. As Congress continues to bicker, lay blame and threaten yet another government shutdown, families around the nation are … [Read more...] about Can the Medicare Part B Premium Hike be Halted?
UPS Retirees Face Pension Cuts
UPS is a multi-billion dollar company, but for close to 9,000 of its retirees, it doesn’t seem that way. These former employees could see their monthly pensions cut as early as the spring. Many are wondering why only some retirees are facing these cuts. The Central States Pension Fund oversees hundreds of thousands of workers from many different companies around the nation. This particular fund is facing cuts in order to remain solvent. Those cuts will be in the form of reduced pension … [Read more...] about UPS Retirees Face Pension Cuts
Maximum 401 (k) Contributions Won’t Increase in 2016
If you were hoping to increase your 401 (k) contributions to your employee retirement plan next year, you’re going to be disappointed. The IRS announced the maximum employee retirement contribution will remain at $18,000. That’s not the only change, however. While the contributions remain the same, it doesn’t mean there won’t be other adjustments. The phase-out income rules for Roth IRAs and limits on who can take a tax deduction for contributions to a traditional IRA are changing. Here’s what … [Read more...] about Maximum 401 (k) Contributions Won’t Increase in 2016
Seniors, Elderly Face Financial Hardships
More Americans could face housing-related financial hardships in retirement, according to a new Harvard study. This, coupled with new Medicare worries, a dramatic shift could be setting itself up for the more than 130 million Americans over the age of 50. Not only that, but 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 every day. This population trend will continue for at least the next 15 years. That means 20 percent of the country’s population will be retired seniors. These trends will continue, making … [Read more...] about Seniors, Elderly Face Financial Hardships
Controversial Right to Die Bill Becomes Law
It’s likely one of the most excruciating questions we’ll ever face: should we choose to allow a doctor to assist us in our own death? It’s difficult for a few reasons, first, what if it’s someone we love who could very well choose to end his or her pain in this life? It’s also difficult because if it’s us making that decision for ourselves, there are going to be loved ones who will feel the pain of that choice. Earlier this month, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law his state’s own … [Read more...] about Controversial Right to Die Bill Becomes Law
Our Family Pets and Pet Trusts
Our nation is obsessed with the loyalty and love our non-human family members bring, and that’s certainly true when it comes to our dogs. Many families that have dogs are quick to let anyone know their four legged family members are by far the most loyal. Remember the shock that you felt when we learned real estate mogul Leona Helmsley left a massive $12 million fortune to Trouble, her Maltese? If you thought that was jaw dropping, you’ll definitely rethink it once you learn what celebrities … [Read more...] about Our Family Pets and Pet Trusts
Are the Kids Prepared for What Your Estate Planning Documents Reveal?
New data came out last week and some of the numbers were surprising. As estate planning lawyers, we know how important a healthy dose of transparency is when it comes to wills, trusts, insurance policies and other crucial documents. Unfortunately, only around 55% percent of American parents even have a will in place. Do your kids – whether they’re adults or minors - know where to find your estate planning documents? Close to one-third of parents have no estate planning documents in place – … [Read more...] about Are the Kids Prepared for What Your Estate Planning Documents Reveal?
Free Report: 20-Somethings Need Estate Planning, Too
Recently, we saw one Hollywood family suffer through an unthinkable tragedy. After months of lying unresponsive in a coma, Bobbi Kristina Brown passed only a few short years after her mother’s passing from a similar accident.” Now, the world is witnessing both sides of family self-implode. No one agrees on the estate, who will oversee it and even the value of the estate. It’s certain to be big considering she’d received the entirety of her mother’s estate after Whitney Houston’s … [Read more...] about Free Report: 20-Somethings Need Estate Planning, Too
What You Need to Know: Medicare Open Enrollment
October marks the beginning of the Medicare Open Enrollment period. In fact, it runs October 15 through December 7 every year. This is a great time to learn more about open enrollment and why it matters. As you may know, every year, there are changes made to Medicare health and drug plans. These changes might include shifts in coverage, changes in providers and changes to the various costs. The open enrollment period allows those with Medicare to make changes, if they choose, for the upcoming … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know: Medicare Open Enrollment
