Category Archives for 2018

How Easy Is It To Register To Vote

How Easy Is It To Register To Vote

If you are a Pennsylvania resident and have not checked recently you might be surprised what is involved in registering to vote. Do you have a Smart Phone – an iPhone or Android? Do you have an Internet connection? Can you go on line? If so, there are easier ways to register than the paper […]

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Reasons Why Medical Bills Are Out Of Control

Medical Bills Are Out Of Control

If you ever wondered why you might receive a blockbuster medical bill even if you have health insurance, the reporting of Kaiser Health News can help. KHN, a nonprofit news service that reports on how the health care system works, is editorially independent of another well known nonprofit, the Kaiser Family Foundation, and not affiliated […]

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What Certification Means In Elder Law

Recently, I had the opportunity to review my Certification in Elder Law, a designation referred to as Certified Elder Law Attorney or CELA, and it occurred to me that many, probably most, people do not know what certification in elder law means or how attorneys receive that designation. There are only about 500 Certified Elder […]

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Why Revocable or Irrevocable Trusts for Estate Planning

trust estate planning

In dealing with Medicaid structuring and estate planning, I am often asked whether a trust could be the answer. Trusts are not an easy subject to understand.  Even with right answers, changes in laws, regulations and Court decisions could change the answer. Here are some ideas. Revocable (Living) Trusts.  A revocable trust can be changed […]

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The Worst Long Term Care Decisions

Worst Long Term Care Decisions

When it comes to illness, an old saying comes to mind “Denial is not a river in Egypt.” All kidding aside, chronic illness is a scary thing and, as people age, thoughts of it can take center stage. There are ways of thinking that can block rational decision making and here are some of them […]

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How To Transition a Family Business

While family business owners often want to pass on their business to the next generation or, at least, to sell it for a handsome price to a willing, motivated and competent buyer, the reality is that it is not easy to transfer a business to the next generation or, for that matter, to another corporation […]

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Retire Without A Mortgage

Other than health care, one of the most substantial drains on retirement funds can be an outstanding mortgage.  Years ago when homes were less expensive and older adults rarely moved, mortgage issues were less common.  Today, mortgage debt among retirees seems more likely than in the past.  Here are some plans, some of which take […]

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Stan Lee Found Latest Victim of Elder Financial Abuse

Stan Leee

If you follow the Marvel comic strips and now their many incarnations in movies, the most recent one being one opening now, “AntMan and the Wasp,” you might recognize the name Stan Lee as co-creator who with Steve Ditko, fashioned such characters as Spider Man and the Incredible Hulk, and began it all. Steve Ditko […]

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Rotary Worldwide Meets and Inspires in Toronto

Toronto Rotary

After having attended more than my share of conferences and conventions on many subjects and causes I have to say I have never experienced any convention as organized and inspired as the 2018 Rotary International Convention that just wrapped up in Toronto, Canada on June 27. With 24,000 registrants from 175 counties, the organization came […]

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How To Avoid Power of Attorney Financial Abuse

Durable Power Of Attorney Health Care

One of the most common reasons seniors likely hesitate to sign a Power of Attorney appointing another person to act on their behalf is fear of loss of control and exploitation.  In this respect, as an elder law attorney, I admit some conflict.  On the one hand I have seen instances where an individual becomes […]

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How Much Does It Take To Be Rich

A recent article in Financial Advisor, an on-line magazine targeting financial planners, attracted my attention with its title “Here’s How Much Money You Need for Bankers To Think You’re Rich,” https://www.fa-mag.com. The article authored by Suzanne Wooley and cited back to Bloomberg News, was intriguing especially since I had heard informally that bankers value a […]

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What Happens to Medicare When You Travel Overseas

As seniors venture overseas whether for recreation or new living arrangements, a key question to ask is what benefits travel with them.  While Social Security benefits follow Americans to other countries, basic Medicare likely will not and seniors may need to be prepared for alternate arrangements. In a recent on-line article from Elder Law Answers […]

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Pennsylvania – It’s Time to Vote -Primary Election Time

Time To Vote

About this time of year I tend to put on my hat as a former high school social studies teacher and wade into the fray. One reason might be that I think not enough information is disseminated regarding what is happening and the differences among candidates but another is just plain curiosity. As in so […]

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Is Age A State of Mind?

Age a state of mind

Recently, when I took my nine year old miniature Schnauzer, Mario, in to the vet for a routine checkup and follow up on shots I was handed a plastic envelope with a green band filled with printed materials. When I asked what it was I was told my treasured dog had, by reason of his […]

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What Happens Without a Will

Without a Will?

Consumers are constantly told by financial planners and others that they must have a Will.  So, it would not be unusual to ask “what happens if I do not have a Will.”  The answer is, as with so many planning questions, “it depends.” If you have no assets titled in your own name and everything, […]

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