Archive Yearly Archives: 2010

What the new tax law means for you in 2011

After a mere 10 years, the long-undecided issues regarding the Federal Estate and Gift Tax have been decided so far. At least we know where it is going for the next two years. As I reported last week, a December compromise between President Obama and Republican leadership moved through Congress with uncommon speed to be […]

Continue reading

How the Obama-GOP tax proposal might affect you

Readers following the discussion on the Federal Estate and Gift Tax along with other provisions generally referred to as the Bush-era tax cuts will have noticed a major shift in the dialogue recently as it appears that President Obama and Republican leaders have arrived at a compromise. Parties who remain to be convinced are, generally […]

Continue reading

West Chester budget raises parking, trash concerns

Once in a while I diverge from senior and business subjects to address community business issues. This is one of those times and, for those who are used to the regular fare, I apologize for the detour. A news item that attracted my interest recently hinges on the West Chester Borough budget for 2011-2012. The […]

Continue reading

The holidays: a time for reassessment and change

As families gather around the Thanksgiving table this year there is much to be thankful for. Some of it might be in terms of making it through difficult times and being spared the worst. Some comes in terms of rebuilding. Regardless of circumstances, the time when everyone comes together for the annual feast might also […]

Continue reading

Some ways to tell if you are having a rainy day

Last week, Phil McFadden, co-owner of Home Instead Senior Care of West Chester, and I embarked on our new radio program on WCHE 1520, “50+ Planning Ahead,” that we will co-host live every week on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5 p.m. We will be having guests and the call-in format that was delayed for the […]

Continue reading

Columnist, co-host debut radio show for 50-plus crowd

Phil McFadden, co-owner of Home Instead Senior Care on Five Points Road in West Chester, and I have been spending some time arranging a new treat for listeners on WCHE. The program, “50+ Planning Ahead,” will deal with many of the same issues covered in this column. We will co-host the show live every week […]

Continue reading

Why campaign advertising has grown more pervasive

If it seems like you are receiving more campaign literature and tuning in to more political advertising than ever before, and some of it is unwelcome, the convergence of two U.S. Supreme Court cases could have something to do with it. My own clients seem to reflect the general attitude when a number of them […]

Continue reading

We can all learn from the Chilean mine rescue

On Oct. 13, when the 33 miners from the Copiapo Chilean mine collapse were miraculously raised to the surface from their cavern 2,000 feet beneath the surface, exclamations of joy were heard not only in Chile but throughout the world. Briefly putting aside rivalries and national and political differences, people came together as people and […]

Continue reading

Care options: How to decide which is right for you

When I first began to focus my practice in elder law 14 years ago, the options for long-term care were limited. Generally, families chose between keeping their loved ones at home or moving them to a nursing home. The choice was difficult with almost all home care provided by family members, some of whom quit […]

Continue reading

Use caution when considering reverse mortgages

As seniors and their families struggle to deal with the cost of long-term care, reverse mortgages have become a continuing topic. While seen by some as a convenient source of ready cash, this strategy can come with pitfalls that must be recognized in advance. The most consistent problems I see relate to using reverse mortgage […]

Continue reading

Social Security ‘do-over’ strategy may be ending soon

A little-known strategy that could have substantial long-term income benefits for some seniors might end before they know it. The tactic, referred to popularly as a Social Security “do-over,” could give a second chance to increase Social Security retirement benefits. Because the technique has become more widely known and used, the government may be limiting […]

Continue reading

Myths Are Broadcast Regarding Seniors and Health Care Reform

Through the courtesy of TD Bank and the Chester County Bar Association, I had the opportunity last Tuesday, September 14, to address a group of lawyers and bankers for a continuing legal education program regarding “Health Care Reform.” The topic was massive and I wondered if someone would ask whether I read the whole act […]

Continue reading

Proposed Power of Attorney Act Might Change PA Law

When belonging to groups that take positions on legislation it sometimes happens that you belong to groups that take opposing views.  As it turns out, this has happened to me more than once and, recently, a proposed Pennsylvania bill is the subject of contention. Senate Bill 1358 that would modify Pennsylvania’s power of attorney laws […]

Continue reading

What Medicaid Applicants and Families Need to Know About Selling the House

Determining what to do with a house when applying for or when on Medicaid is like navigating your way through a minefield.  Here are some considerations regarding sale or transfer of the family residence. 1.       Know Whether the Medicaid “Spend Down” Rules Apply.  For the most part, the family home is considered an “unavailable asset” […]

Continue reading

Does Homeownership Make Sense Today

The September 6, 2010 edition of Time magazine features a cover article “Rethinking Homeownership” with the subtitle “Why owning a home may no longer make economic sense.” With such a controversial title it could be expected that the article was intended to pique the reader’s interest since homeownership, as the author concedes, has been the […]

Continue reading
1 2 3