On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed into law the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (the “SECURE Act”), and it became effective on January 1, 2020. The SECURE Act has made several changes to the administration of retirement accounts. One big change is that it increases the required beginning date for required minimum distributions (“RMDs”) from your…
Dementia is a prevalent disease in our society, our country, and throughout the world. Even though millions of Americans are living with dementia, families are often in the dark. They don’t understand the impact on their loved ones, and they don’t know what’s coming as the disease progresses. Why? Well, there are many reasons, but most people just don’t want…
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it is important that they receive the appropriate care at every stage of the disease. In the early stages of dementia, individuals are often capable of living independently with minimal supervision. As the disease progresses, they may require the assistance of family or an aide, or enrollment in adult day care while…
Federal law mandates that you take a required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRAs by April 1st of 2020 if you turned 70-1/2 in 2019, or by April 1st of the year after you turn 72 (after 2019), thanks to the new SECURE Act passed in December of 2019. Each year after that age you must take your RMD by…
Jean opened the envelope that contained her aunt’s will and began to laugh. “Oh, Aunt Sarah. You and your post-it notes.” She shook her head. Jean pulled out the document. The entire front page was covered in small yellow squares of paper. “Guess she changed her mind, a few times.” Her sister, Joan, frowned. “What a mess. How are we…
Who needs to think about long-term care? That’s something for down the road. Or maybe you’re healthy, you have your wits about you, and you just don’t think that is something you will ever need. Well, believe it or not, 70% of people over the age of 65 will need long-term care at some point while aging. Unfortunately, health insurance…
Lisa walked out of nursing home and shook her head. “I really wish we had the ability to care for Mom at home,” she said. “She really doesn’t need to be in a nursing home. She doesn’t need that level of care. All she really needs is someone to check in on her regularly to make sure she’s safe and…
“What a mess,” Leona muttered as she picked through the contents of her deceased father’s garage. “How does one person collect all of this stuff?” She pulled a trunk out from under a pile of rags. “This looks interesting.” She jiggled the padlock that held it closed and it came off in her hand. “Geesh, so much for safeguarding the…