Disabled California residents may now open savings accounts without jeopardizing means-based benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a federal income supplement program that is funded by general tax revenues. Under that program, the aged, blind, and disabled with little or no income qualify for cash benefits to pay for housing, food, and clothing. However, to qualify for…
Alicia stared at the statement that had been arrived in the mail. “This can’t be right,” she mumbled. “There is no way Dad’s Medicare premiums have doubled. And why has his monthly Social Security check been reduced?” She picked up her coffee mug and sipped. “I need to call someone.” She scanned the notice for a phone number and dialed.…
No one knows what will happen as they age. It’s almost impossible to predict the events that may have an impact, such as illness, disability, neurological impairments, or the need for long-term care. Impossible to predict, but not impossible to plan for. That’s why it’s important to hold age-related discussions with spouses, adult family members, trusted friends, and legal and…
Our clients understand the importance of estate planning. In this time of COVID-19, many people are also feeling a sense of urgency. It is important to remember, though, that the plan is only the beginning. A surprising number of our clients discover, after the death of a family member, that an asset that should have been transferred to the trust…
If you are a health care worker or have a loved one who is, this episode is meant for you. Health care workers are very special and we all owe them our gratitude for the work they do. But it’s important that they not allow their instinct to help others to get in the way of helping themselves. Statistics are…
Do You Have a Plan That Would Enable a Trusted Family Member to Step in to Protect You from Predators? It’s hard to believe we are living in such scary and uncertain times. Unfortunately, there are still those out there who are taking advantage of that for their financial benefit. The coronavirus has resulted in new twists on common scams…
If you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, you have already seen how a diagnosis can flip life as you know it upside down. It’s a long road and a lot of work to make sure loved ones with dementia are happy and well cared for. It is imperative to take steps to legally protect your loved…
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…
We all think that we can help our parents as they get older and even as they begin to lose capacity. This may be true, but if a parent with dementia can no longer be safe at home, is combative, or can no longer manage their finances or basic needs, what do you do? Many people rely on estate planning…