Social Security – Take it Early or Not?
Much has been written recently about the pros and cons of taking Social Security early at age 62 vs. waiting till full retirement age (which gradually increases till it reaches age 67 for those born in 1959 and later). One article I read recently explains why it could be a
If We’re on Hospice, Why Bother with Long Term Care? (Part 2)
Last week we were discussing Carla and Dennis.  Carla reached out to us, not really thinking we could help her, but because her friend kept urging her to call. Her husband, Dennis was on hospice and didn’t have much longer to live. But, in our conversation, I focused on Carla’s
If We’re on Hospice, Why Bother with Long Term Care Planning?
Carla called me only after much urging from her friend. Carla’s husband, Dennis, had lung cancer and it had spread throughout his body. The end of his battle was nearing and he had been approved for placement on hospice, an approach to medical care where the goal is to enhance
BFF and TTYL – What the Heck am I Talking About?
Yesterday, we kicked off my book tour for my new book, “Be Nice to Me – I Pick Your Nursing Home” with an event and book signing at CareOne in Livingston. My 3 children, who Laurie and I expect to be part of our support system when we reach elder
A Family Owned Business Long Term Care Nightmare (Part 2)
Last week we were talking about George’s tragic stroke and need for nursing home care. He still owns the manufacturing business he built and the warehouse which houses it. His son, John, asked me whether those assets are protected from being spent down towards care before Medicaid qualification. Like so
A Family Owned Business Long Term Care Nightmare (Part 1)
George built his manufacturing business from scratch. He and his wife, Claire, had raised a family of 2 boys and a girl, but George treated the business like another child, nurturing it from infancy to maturity. It had allowed him to provide for his family, putting all 3 children through
Mom Has $1,000,000 – She’ll Never Run Out of Money (Part 2)
Last week we were discussing Paul’s mom, 88 years old and in need of nursing home care. She has $1,000,000 in assets so first impressions suggest that she won’t ever need Medicaid. But, upon further examination, we might want to reconsider that conclusion. Here’s why. Paul’s initial statement about never qualifying,
The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men
It was a call I received a number of years ago but one I’ll always remember. Don called regarding his mother’s need for long term care. Her health had been slowly declining but she was still living at home. Her investments were dwindling and she needed increase care. It was
COLA Increase Returns in 2012
The last 2 years have been especially tough on seniors, especially those on fixed incomes. That’s because there has been no cost of living increase since 2009 so Social Security benefits for millions of Americans have remained the same. Next year, however, the government has announced a 3.6% cost of
End of the World? Fat Chance
I was talking to Warren the other day about long term care and he said – jokingly, I think – that he didn’t need to plan because the end of the world was coming, October 21 to be specific. Usually, I hear people say that the government will bail them