Mom or Dad or Auntie still lives at home on their own. However, you see them slowing down. They can’t get up and down the stairs like they used to. In these situations, you may not think that your senior …
Articles
Medicare Annual Enrollment Starts October 15
It is the time of year again to review your Medicare coverages. The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period will soon be upon us. Several weeks ago, we discussed Medicare Parts A, B, C & D. The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment …
No Will? You Still Have a Plan
Last week, we discussed that to make your will work, it had to go through the probate court process. But what if you have not will or trust? Well firstly, you would be like the majority of people in America …
Wills Won’t Work Without Probate
“Mom’s (or Dad’s) will says I get everything. I took the will to the bank. Why won’t they give me my money?” We get this question all the time. We heard it again this week. What many beneficiaries do not …
Understanding Medicare
Starting September 15 and through the 21st, you will be seeing a lot of advertising for National Medicare Education Week. Most of the advertising will be by insurance companies providing private insurance versions of Medicare. The education week was created …
Keeping Secrets May Not Be the Wisest Thing To Do
If you are like most people, you like to keep things private. Nobody needs to know what you own, how much you make or how much you pay in taxes. Or do they? A lot of people try to do …
So You Are In Charge of the Estate or Trust
Mom or dad has named you as personal representative of their estate or as trustee of their trust. As a personal representative or trustee, you are considered a fiduciary. This is someone who handles funds or property of another. As …
Do-It-Yourself Beneficiary Designation Planning Unwise
You have named beneficiaries on everything you could because you thought it was the right thing to do. You have named beneficiaries on your bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts and life insurance. Your banker told you to do it. Your …
Who Needs Estate Planning?
You are age 18 or over. You are also with the majority of Michiganders and have done no estate planning. No will, no trust, no financial or health care powers of attorney, no nothing. If you became mentally incapacitated, do …
Providing for Blended Families
According to the Pew Research Center, 70% of Americans get married sometime during their lifetimes. However, every one of these marriages eventually ends. About half end in divorce. And the other half end in death. About 70% of those who …