Dear Ernie and Jannette, My wife and I have a family meeting planned where we will be discussing senior housing and end-of–life options for her mother, who is in the initial stage of Alzheimer’s, so now is a good time to figure … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Is a Last Will and Testament Enough?
Posted on February 8, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Dear Angel, My sister wants to save money on estate planning. She is considering Do it Yourself (DIY) forms that she saw online, or if she does go to an attorney, she said that a Will should be enough. Is that true? Thanks for … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Can You Get Social Security Benefits if You Never Worked?
Posted on January 25, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Dear Ernie and Jannette, I am a recent divorcee who is getting ready to drop my last kid off at college next year, which, in essence, means that I am retired. The thing is, as a lifelong homemaker who raised five children, I never … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Can the Dangerous Consequences of Hearing Loss be Lessened by OTC Hearing Aids?
Posted on January 10, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Dear Magic, My daughters and I suspect that my wife is experiencing hearing loss, but hearing aids are so expensive. I heard something about legislation that passed making them available over the counter. Is this true, and if so, … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Having a Dementia-Friendly Holiday
Posted on December 21, 2018 · Leave a Comment
Dear Magic, You look so cute in your Christmas tree headband that I thought I would ask you this question. My mom is coming for Christmas and will be at my home for several days. I haven’t seen her for a while, and my brother, … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: How to Protect Yourself from Medicare Fraud
Posted on December 14, 2018 · Leave a Comment
Dear Magic, Our neighbor was a victim of Medicare Fraud. I would hate for the same thing to happen to me or a loved one. What should I look out for and how can I protect myself? Pratekt Yorselff --- Dear Pratekt, Even … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: End-of-Life Conversation Resources
Posted on December 7, 2018 · Leave a Comment
Dear Angel, I was hoping to talk about end-of-life wishes with my parents over the holidays. Do you know of any resources that would be helpful to guide me in starting the conversation? Thanks for your help! Weir … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Should new Virginia residents Update their Out-of-State Estate Planning Documents?
Posted on November 29, 2018 · Leave a Comment
Dear Ernie and Janette, I recently moved to Northern Virginia from Florida to be near my children and grandchildren. Although I really miss the warmer weather, I adore having family close by. I went to an estate planning … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Taxes in the DMV Area For Retirees
Posted on November 16, 2018 · Leave a Comment
Dear Bebe, My husband and I live in our family home in Northern Virginia, and are both recently retired. What state exemptions and deductions are available for retirees? Could you also tell me about Maryland and DC, since we … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Resources for Veteran’s with Dementia
Posted on November 9, 2018 · Leave a Comment
Dear Magic, My mother is a veteran who has dementia and I will be her main caregiver. Do you know of any resources that can help me better understand veterans and dementia and provide tips for me in my new caregiver role? … [Read more...]
