Recent Blog Posts
3 Common Mistakes When Planning for a Disabled Family Member
There are 58 million Americans five years of age or older that are identified as special needs, making them the largest single minority in this country. The majority of federal and state benefits available to help persons with disabilities are needs-based, meaning income and assets are strictly limited and can often by misinterpreted, resulting in costly… Read More »
3 Reasons Veterans Should Have a Professional Advocate
The number of stories of veterans’ benefits getting tied up in the system is not only sad, but startling. A quick internet search can lead to story after story of veterans who have struggled to receive the benefits that are owed to them. Robert DiCicco, a former United States Marine, spent his final years… Read More »
Wills, Trusts & Dying Intestate: What’s the Difference?
“Estate planning is for the rich! I don’t have enough assets to do an estate plan!” Sounds familiar? These are some of the excuses folks make in order to justify not creating an estate plan. While most people understand that having some sort of an estate plan is a good thing, many of us… Read More »
How to Balance Caregiving with Your Work and Career
Providing care for a senior family member, particularly long-term care, can bring about lost wages and missed opportunities for the caregiver. A report by Genworth entitled Beyond Dollars 2018 shows that although statistically having to miss work to provide care is down 7% from 2015, overall 70% of caregivers still report missing work because of caregiving… Read More »
New Eligibility Rules for VA Pension
On October 18, 2018, new rules regarding eligibility for VA pension were implemented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The new rules are quite comprehensive; however, they also provide more opportunities for veteran and surviving spouses to qualify for these important benefits. 3 Major Changes to Eligibility Rules for VA Pension 1. Lookback… Read More »
4 End-of-Life Documents You May Need
You may think your living will is in order, including instructions regarding resuscitation commonly referred to as a DNR (do not resuscitate). While your wishes in a living will may be appropriately documented, that does not guarantee the instructions will be carried out as you stated. The frightening truth is that mistakes regarding your end-of-life… Read More »
How Technology Can Reduce Feelings of Isolation for Seniors
The holidays are upon us and unfortunately many seniors feel even more isolated during this time. Thankfully, technology has provided some interactive gadgets to help lessen feelings of isolation. One of those gadgets, called the GrandPad, is discussed below. A New Technology Product to Help Reduce Feelings of Isolation in Seniors The internet is… Read More »
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 »
