Author Archives: Andre O. McDonald
Planning on Gifting Money this Holiday Season? 5 Things to Consider
The holiday season is a time to enjoy friends, family, and loved ones. Often we consider our life circumstances and may get in the spirit of giving. This is particularly true if you are at a point in your life were you have enough from a financial standpoint. If you are planning on gifting… Read More »
Solo Aging, Independent Living and the New Housemate Trend
Solo aging in the baby boomer generation is becoming more prevalent, but many Americans are running out of family caregivers to assist them in their quest to remain independent as they age. The ratio of caregivers to care recipients has fallen and is projected to continue to do so for the next forty years…. Read More »
Dementia and its Effect on a Marriage (UPDATED: August 2019)
(Columbia, MD) When someone you love, in particular – your spouse – becomes ill, you want to help them get well. But what happens when the illness is dementia? A marital relationship that could have spanned years or decades becomes subject to enormous change, and that change is not a slow linear progression of… Read More »
4 Types of Benefits Available to Wartime Veterans (That You Might Not Know About)
There are many benefits available to wartime veterans, surviving spouses, and children. First let’s discuss who qualifies as a wartime veteran. A wartime veteran is one who served active military duty during one of the eligible wartime periods. They include the Mexican Border Period, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the… Read More »
Howard County Veterans Benefits Attorney
Veterans are an important class of our population and as such, it is important to know about the various benefits available to them. Many of these veterans’ benefits are based on the type of service, the health of the veteran, or a combination of these factors. While the next several paragraphs will provide a… Read More »
How an Inheritance May Change Your Estate Plan
Receiving an inheritance is a huge blessing but, if not handled properly, can also become a curse. Often times, the inheritor does not know what to do with the new asset and runs into financial trouble, squandering most, if not all of it. This could happen due to the inheritor having outstanding creditor issues… Read More »
The More You Know: Reverse Mortgages & Estate Planning
You have likely seen several advertisements for reverse mortgages if you have spent any time watching television or surfing on the internet. The concept is a simple one: as long as you own and live in your home, you can supplement your retirement income with a loan that you do not need to pay… Read More »
4 Common Power of Attorney Myths
A durable power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning documents you can have. It allows someone who you appoint (your agent) to make non-medical decisions on your behalf in the event you become incapacitated. If you have not appointed an agent then your friends and family may not have the… Read More »
Silver Alert: What It Is, When It’s Used, and How to Avoid Needing It
Individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are prone to wandering. This is often caused by the decline in cognitive functioning and symptoms such as restlessness and confusion that are associated with this decline. The more these diseases progress, the more likely it is that the senior will wander. This… Read More »
Tips for Discussing Medical and Financial Issues with Your Aging Parents
Your parents are getting on in age, but you don’t have a clear idea if there is a plan in place for their care. It is a difficult topic to broach; no one wants to talk about death and the financial realities that come with aging. Instead of having a proactive conversation with your… Read More »
