We’re living longer and while most of us have heard the many considerations that we must take into account as our life expectancy increases, there’s another factor that you may not have considered: Marriage. Late in life marriages, as they’re referred to, are becoming more common with our aging society. That means changes to your estate plan are more crucial than ever. It also likely means twice as many new family members, from adult children to grandchildren and sometimes even great … [Read more...] about 64 Year Old Newlyweds & Estate Planning
The Role of Insurance in Estate Planning
Estate planning is already one of those tasks most of us don’t look forward to. Throw in the word “insurance” and it’s easy to understand why many would prefer to just conveniently forget to cover those bases. Of course, we all know that’s not really an option, but don’t allow the unpleasant reality prevent you from obtaining the necessary coverage sooner rather than later. One of the biggest reasons for covering those important insurance bases is simple: failure to plan adequately could mean … [Read more...] about The Role of Insurance in Estate Planning
A Cure for Alzheimer’s?
Many of our clients, unfortunately, are living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. No one wants to face the traumatic reality of these diagnoses, but far too often, estate planning includes that reality. There are a host of resources available for families in New Hampshire and Massachusetts; but there’s also much to look forward to in the research aspects of finally finding a cure for these brutal diseases. New Studies in Alzheimer's Disease New studies show that there exists a … [Read more...] about A Cure for Alzheimer’s?
Retired Parents Sold my House
Years ago, when my parents announced that first, Dad was retiring early (courtesy of his commitment to building his retirement from the time he was 19) and second, that they were selling the house, it was as if they were announcing they’d be moving to Mars. The first thing that came to my mind was, “You’re NOT selling my house.” It was one of those times when you hear yourself saying it and it’s as though your mouth is on autopilot. There it was and there was no way I could take it back. Of … [Read more...] about Retired Parents Sold my House
Medicaid Payments in Jeopardy?
As most of us gear up to ring out 2014 and welcome 2015, there’s a silent near-crisis that’s threatening the Medicaid program. In just days, there are deep cuts slated in the form of payments to physicians. Not surprisingly, concerns are that even more doctors will opt out of providing care for Medicaid recipients. This means, of course, it will become difficult for those with Medicaid to find the medical care they need. The Obamacare Influence When the Obama Administration was doing its … [Read more...] about Medicaid Payments in Jeopardy?
Mistakes in Power of Attorney Designations
With the internet came thousands – if not millions – of options for people that would allow them to change their lives in ways that seemed too good to be true at the time. The personal computer was the best thing since peanut butter and many of us can even recall the first website we visited. Ah, the good old days. Then, something strange happened. Suddenly, there were countless services and do-it-yourself solutions that began popping up, all designed to help us save money, time and take control … [Read more...] about Mistakes in Power of Attorney Designations
NH Elder Law Targets Deceitful Family Members
The statistics are startling: nearly $3 billion is stolen from the elderly every year in this country. Up until financial abuse laws began making the rounds in recent years, many families found themselves held hostage to one family member who had the financial power of attorney and in some cases, medical powers of attorney, for an elderly loved one.Fortunately, a NH elder law is leading the charge with a renewed focus on our state’s most vulnerable citizens. On January 1, 2015, a new law takes … [Read more...] about NH Elder Law Targets Deceitful Family Members
Medicaid and Medicare Differences
Did you know that there are 42 million people enrolled in Medicare? Medicaid enrollment numbers are even higher, partly because this program covers more than senior citizens and partly because of the new healthcare laws. As of April 2014, there were more than 61 million enrollees – and counting. By the Numbers: Medicaid and Medicare Between June 2011 and June 2012, more than 1.3 million people enrolled in Medicaid for the first time. In April 2014 alone – just that one month - there were … [Read more...] about Medicaid and Medicare Differences
Underdiagnosed Depression in Elderly
When we think of retirement, we generally imagine fishing on a quiet lake, volunteering or perhaps just sitting on the porch and watching the grandkids build forts out between those two oak trees where their parents built when they were kids. Rarely do we see blue moods, days that we don’t want to get out of bed and a dreadful feeling every time the phone rings. Sadly, for too many elderly Americans, the quality of life they dreamed of and the reality now that it’s here are not remotely close. … [Read more...] about Underdiagnosed Depression in Elderly
5 Ways to Use Special Needs Trusts
Special needs trusts have provided peace of mind for families for years. Designed to ensure a disabled beneficiary receives what he or she needs in the future, these financial tools also provide for the extra comforts of life for the recipients. It is a powerful document that prevents others from interfering with your disabled loved one’s quality of life. Keep reading to learn five more ways a special needs trust can help. Remember, these are just five of the reasons many clients choose … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Use Special Needs Trusts
