Many people have the mistaken idea that estate planning is only for the very rich, or those who are approaching the end of their life. The reality is, however, that nothing could be further from the truth. The sooner you start your estate planning, the more options you will have available to you. Whether you are 20 or 80, now is the best time to start your estate planning, and here are some key reasons why. As Read More
Youth is Wasted on the Young: 5 Tips and Tricks on How to Age with Grace
Each year billions of dollars are spent by people on anti-aging products, plastic surgery, and many other products in an attempt to stay the aging process and to look younger than they are. Billions more are spent fighting diseases that would have been preventable if people had lived a healthier lifestyle while they were younger. Whether you’re still in your youth, or you are getting up in years, now is the best time Read More
Why Draft a Living Will?
When it comes to estate planning, almost everyone knows what a will is. Most people, however, aren’t really familiar with a living will. A living will is a fairly simple document that lays out your wishes for what should happen should you become incapacitated. In essence, what a normal will does when you’re deceased, a living will does while you’re still alive but unable to convey your wishes. There are many Read More
A Brief Guide to Obtaining a Guardianship in Florida
When an adult is unable to make decisions on their own, either due to mental disability, severe injury, or other circumstances, Florida courts can appoint someone as their guardian. A guardian is able to make personal, medical, and/or financial decisions on behalf of their ward. The type of decisions that a guardian can make will depend on the severity of the impairment of their ward. In some cases, guardians only Read More
Estate Planning 101: What is a Revocable Living Trust?
A revocable living trust, which is often just called a living trust, is a legal tool that is created to ‘hold’ the assets of an individual. This individual, known as a grantor, can control and manage all the assets placed within the trust, or they can assign another party to do this on their behalf. Having assets held in a trust like this can provide a variety of different benefits both now, and after the grantor has Read More
Medicare and Medicaid Dual Eligibility: What You Need to Know
Medicare and Medicaid are two government programs designed to help people to get the health care they need when other options aren’t available. The programs are distinct from one another, but in some cases, a person can qualify for both. This is commonly referred to as being dual eligible. There are over 9 million people in the United State who qualify for dual eligibility. Knowing if you or a loved one is among this Read More
Key Differences Between Crisis and Long-Term Medicaid Planning
Planning for the possibility that you will need to use Medicaid is something that should be done as soon as possible. Due to the fact that it is often unpredictable if, or when, you will need Medicaid, however, many people put off the planning until the last minute. While it is always best to begin your long-term Medicaid planning as soon as possible, there are also options available if you are in a crisis. Take a Read More
Where There’s a Will There’s Not Always a Way: Five Things a Will Does NOT Accomplish
Wills are an extremely important part of any estate plan, and they are an excellent place to begin for many people. Unfortunately, many people have a mistaken belief that a last will and testament will be sufficient to handle all of their final wishes. The fact is, however, that there are quite a few things wills simply can’t accomplish. Passing On Some Types of Property Wills are great for passing on a home, Read More
The Do’s and Don’ts of a Medicaid Spend Down
If you or a loved one is likely going to need to enter a long-term care facility, it is important to get on Medicaid as quickly as possible. Medicaid will pay most of the expenses associated with the long-term care facility so that it doesn’t have to come directly out of your pocket. In order to qualify for Medicaid, however, you need to ensure your total countable assets and monthly income are below specific Read More
A Brief Introduction to Asset Protection Planning
If you’ve worked hard throughout your life to build up your assets, you want to make sure that they will be there for you throughout your retirement. This is true whether you’ve still got some time before retirement, you’re planning to retire soon, or you’ve been retired for some time. Asset protection planning is one of the most important things you can do to help ensure that your assets will be there to provide for Read More