The loss of a loved one is never something pleasant to think about, but, unfortunately, as we head into our retirement years, we are often faced with the passing of our family and friends. And, chances are that you may be asked to assist in closing out the estate for [...]
When it comes to leaving an inheritance to loved ones, many boomers and seniors automatically think of leaving cash, real estate, business interests, and life insurance proceeds to family. But for those who find themselves devastated after the loss of a loved one, often intangible assets carry the most value [...]
Death or incapacity can creep up on anyone. If you’re not prepared, your family could bear a heavier burden when handling your estate and financial affairs. Here are five tips to help everyone lighten the load. Make an estate plan. One of the most important things you can do to [...]
Veterans Pension, also called Aid and Attendance, is an often-overlooked benefit for veterans. Its purpose is to provide a minimal standard of living for those who served our country during a wartime period. The veteran didn’t need to go overseas or be in combat; he or she only needs [...]
Time to review your estate plan - Under the new tax law, very few estates will pay federal estate tax. But that doesn’t mean you should cross estate planning off your to-do list. Even though you probably won’t need to worry about estate taxes, you still need to understand [...]
How can you tell legitimate contests from bogus sweepstakes and lotteries? AARP’s Money Newsletter suggests the following five ways. 1. It’s a scam if you have to pay anything to enter or collect winnings. 2. Scammers request that fees be paid via wire transfers or prepaid debit cards which are hard to trace. 3. If you did not enter a [...]
In the world of internet, e-mail, phone calls, blogs and the postal service, Medicare beneficiaries are bombarded with advertisements about free medical services, free equipment and more. Other times, Medicare beneficiaries receive frightening post cards that lead them to believe they will lose their benefits if they don’t respond and provide personal information. Beware of products that seem too good [...]
By Jean C. Setzfands, vice president of the Financial Security team in the Education and Outreach group at AARP Joyce H., a 59-year-old unemployed grandmother raising four grandkids, could barely believe her luck. A London barrister had emailed her, claiming to have finally located her, because he was administering the will of someone who was distantly related to her. After [...]
Edward Griggs is a Partner, Tax, Trust, and Estate Group, with Womble Carlyle Sandridge and Rice LLP Dealing with retirement benefits in an estate plan may at first appear simple, but can often be wrought with traps for the inexperienced. The retirement plan participant, or his or her attorney, may focus solely on avoiding probate or minimizing transfer taxes without [...]
The stakes are higher than ever as scammers step up their games with more sophisticated and elaborate schemes, sometimes taking thousands of dollars from seniors. What makes the issue so overwhelming for family caregivers and senior care professionals is that seniors spend a lot of time at home and can become victims everywhere they turn… when the phone rings, when [...]
