If you are concerned about a family member being able to care for themselves, you might want to consider guardianship. A guardian can be appointed for persons who cannot provide self care or manage their finances, who have dementia, or are otherwise incapacitated mentally or physically. Those who are habitually drunk or abuse drugs or have a developmental disability can also be considered incapacitated for guardianship purposes. There are three kinds of guardianships: Guardian of the … [Read more...] about What If My Loved One Needs a Guardian?
Incapacity Planning
The Long and Short of Disability Insurance
One of people's greatest fears is that they will get sick or injured, can't work for a long time, get in debt, and then lose their savings and their house, basically losing their independence and dignity. Sounds grim, and it is. If you have enough money in savings or investments that you could weather up to five years of unemployment, stop reading here. For the rest of you, disability insurance might be the answer. But do you need short-term disability or long-term disability, or both? … [Read more...] about The Long and Short of Disability Insurance
What is a “Look Back” Period?
When people refer to a "look back" period, more than likely they are talking about the period of time that Medicaid can look back to see if someone has transferred assets for less than fair market value. This is to see if a person qualifies for Medicaid, which is a needs based program. To qualify for Medicaid, a single person cannot have more than $1,500 in assets. Medicaid can "look back" 5 years to see if the person has transferred assets within that time frame. If so, a period of … [Read more...] about What is a “Look Back” Period?
Should Young People Buy Long Term Care Insurance?
A well known financial personality often talks about long term care insurance on his radio program. When people call in and ask when should they start buying LTC insurance, he says at about age 60. That may make perfect sense, because at age 60, you might be pretty healthy and can still qualify for long term care insurance, and your annual premium (for now at least) would be fairly affordable. But there are 1 in 2 odds that someday you will need long term care insurance, and you are not … [Read more...] about Should Young People Buy Long Term Care Insurance?
Disability Insurance Protects Your Income
You have your life insurance in place, your 401(k), and you are starting to save for your kids' college or your dream retirement home. Think you have it all covered? What if you have a serious accident or contract a life threatening illness? Your health insurance would pay for the medical bills, and long term care insurance might kick in at some point if it were serious enough. But these would not pay your bills or provide income. You could run through all of your money and lose … [Read more...] about Disability Insurance Protects Your Income
Nursing Homes and Long Term Care
Aging is a fact of life. Another reality is there is no health guarantee in the latter years of life. Some seniors remain relatively healthy until their last days. Others, however, are not so fortunate. When a senior becomes unwell or has mobility difficulties, tough decisions have to be made. The two most common choices available in these situations is home care or residential care. Long Term Care Health Insurance Long term care health insurance provides numerous benefits: Sickness and … [Read more...] about Nursing Homes and Long Term Care
What's the Difference Between a Will and a Living Will?
They sound like they might do similar things, don't they? But although both of these legal documents perform very important roles in your estate plan, a Will and a Living Will are actually very different. A Will is a document used to tell the courts how you would like your estate to be dissolved. This includes distributing your assets, paying off your debts and naming a guardian for your minor children if needed. A Living Will on the other hand, is a document that tells your healthcare … [Read more...] about What's the Difference Between a Will and a Living Will?
How to Create A Comprehensive Disability Plan
A mental disability or terminal illness can leave you unable to handle your finances and make your own medical care decisions. That is why it is important to create a disability plan. Without a disability plan, the legal system will decide who has control over your medical wellness and financial assets. Make a Medical Plan A mental or severe physical disability may leave you without the ability to tell your family members and doctors how you want to be cared for. If you would like to name … [Read more...] about How to Create A Comprehensive Disability Plan
What's the Difference Between a Guardian and a Conservator?
If you suffer an illness or injury that leaves you unable to care for yourself, you’ll need someone to handle your affairs on your behalf. This is when a guardian and/or a conservator would be appointed for you. What’s the difference between the two? A guardian is a person who’s appointed by the court to take care of your personal interests and day-to-day care. Some of the things a guardian might decide for you are where you’ll live and what kind of medical care you’ll receive. A guardian is … [Read more...] about What's the Difference Between a Guardian and a Conservator?
