Is it a Gift or Theft (Part 2)
Last week we were discussing Rachel’s recent discovery that while her sister, Sara, was managing Mom’s finances, Sara was taking or being given – depending on which way you look at it – Mom’s money. Now that Medicaid was looking like a real necessity, Rachel was concerned, and for good
Is it a Gift or is it Theft? (Part 1)
It’s a scenario we’ve seen frequently of late. Mom’s mental health had been declining for some time. Rachel called because Mom’s savings are almost exhausted and she needs nursing home care. Rachel knows she must apply for Mediciaid. And then Rachel told me about her recent discovery. Rachel only in the
Can I Make Gifts this Holiday Season? (Part 2)
Last week we were talking about gift giving. Most people assume an elderly family member can make gifts without any tax consequences as long as it doesn’t exceed $13,000 per person per year. That’s true. However, it may very well cause a problem if you run out of money and
The Money Wasn’t a Gift – It Was a Transfer to a Caregiver (Part 1)
I received a call last week from Jim. His tale was a variation on the same theme you have heard me reiterate for the last few years if you have been reading my blog – how the Medicaid rules are a trap for the unwary. Jim’s dad had cared for