His Divorce Lawyer suggested he call me about a bankruptcy to deal with $125,000 in credit card debt. It sounded like a good idea, but there were hidden risks that nobody else had noticed. Although he was a half owner of the former marital residence, and would...
Dealing with debt after surviving cancer
A cancer diagnosis can have you worrying about more than getting well. Recent studies by the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research show that one third of all cancer patients who are below retirement age incur debt because of their treatments. You may be among...
What do monthly nursing home fees cover?
If you have an elderly parent who requires in-depth care or supervision, placing your mother or father in a nursing home may be advisable. After all, you may lack the skills, time and money to do the task without professional assistance. The average daily rate for a...
4 potential benefits of a revocable trust
A revocable trust is a legal instrument that can dictate how a person’s property is managed and distributed during their lifetime or after they have passed away. As with the majority of legal tools, there are both positive and negative aspects to a revocable living...
What do you know about discussing your end-of-life desires?
While you understand the importance of planning your estate and drafting all the documents, you may struggle to discuss your end-of-life desires openly. How do you bring up the matter with your family and friends? AARP offers tips for sharing your estate plans with...
Don’t overdo the “dead-hand controls” on your trust
Trusts have become an increasingly useful financial tool for people who want to safely pass their wealth onto the next generation. So-called “conditional” trusts, which impose certain obligations on would-be beneficiaries to receive their funds, are particularly...
A spendthrift trust may provide needed asset protection
A spendthrift trust includes specific provisions regarding how a trustee may use its funds on behalf of the named beneficiaries. As noted by SmartAsset, the trustee may exercise broad discretion to spend money on an heir's expenses so that he or she can maintain a...
Here’s why a DIY-estate plan is a bad idea
Creating an estate plan is one of the most important things you can do to safeguard your future, your assets and your loved ones. A well-written estate plan gives you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be honored when you pass on, or if you become...
Is this a sign of nursing home neglect?
Hearing the many news stories focused on abuse or neglect at nursing facilities likely leaves you feeling concerned for your own loved one. Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine where or when neglect may occur. Noticing red flags can help you react quickly if...
What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
The “Baby Boomer” generation is getting older and starting to investigate their healthcare options. If you're among that group, you may be wondering exactly how Medicaid plays into your future plans -- and how its relationship with Medicare works. Since 1964, the...
Think of succession planning when starting your business
In the excitement of getting your new business up and running, it is difficult to think of everything you need to do. Succession planning may not be part of your checklist at this point. However, if you have partners, shareholders and employees, there is no time like...
Involve a professional during Medicaid planning
Most people overlook the need for planning for long-term care. Unfortunately, the problem with this kind of thinking is your health can change, especially as you advance in age. No one can project how their health will be in the future. That said, nearly two-thirds of...
