The nation’s more than 65 million Social Security recipients will get a 0.3 percent cost of living increase in payments in 2017. This is expected to raise the monthly payment for the typical beneficiary by $4. Cost of living increases…
A durable power of attorney is an extremely important estate planning tool, even more important than a will in many cases. This crucial document allows a person you appoint — your “attorney-in-fact” or “agent” — to act…
Life insurance can be beneficial in replacing lost income for young families, but as people get older, it can also serve a purpose as part of an estate plan. Historically, one main reason to buy life insurance…
Our friends at The Naperville Senior Center shared this month’s article with us. If you haven’t learned about their Adult Day Care services, check out their website at http://www.napervilleseniorcenter.com/. It’s no secret: the technology industry is a young person’s…
Passing down a Roth IRA can seem like a good idea, but it doesn’t always make the most sense. Before converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA to benefit your heirs, you should consider the tax consequences. Earnings…
When people retire they often have more time to travel. Although Medicare coverage is generally not available when beneficiaries are overseas, what about coverage for those exploring our own varied and scenic land? If you…
If for any reason, you become unhappy with the person you have appointed to make decisions for you under a durable power of attorney, you may revoke the power of attorney at any time. There are…
In recent years, nursing homes have increasingly asked — or forced — patients and their families to sign arbitration agreements prior to admission. By signing these agreements, patients or family members give up their right to sue if they…
The phrase “life estate” often comes up in discussions of estate and Medicaid planning, but what exactly does it mean? A life estate is a form of joint ownership that allows one person to remain in…
Matthew Shepard, Communications Director at the Center for Medicare Advocacy shares the latest information on the “Improvement Standard” case (Jimmo v. Burwell, No. 11-cv-17 (D.Vt.)). If you are a Medicare beneficiary, this case could help ensure that you…