Dear Bebe, I am considering getting a cat similar to you for my mother, who lives alone and doesn’t get much exercise. I heard pets have been known to promote longevity and social interaction. If it’s okay with her and her landlord, do you think it’s a good idea? I have a beloved poodle myself. […]
When Should I Plan for Long-Term Care?
Dear Angel, I read somewhere that I should start planning for long-term care now. I am only 40. That seems young. Is this correct and why? Thanks! Jus Fortee — Dear Jus, What you read is correct. Advisors recommend that clients start planning for long-term care years before they think they will need it. In […]
What Does the 2018 Medicare Trustees Report Say About Social Security?
Dear Magic, I read that the 2018 Medicare Trustees Report was recently released. There have been some alarming headlines about the future of Medicare, but I haven’t seen anything about Social Security. Based on the findings in the report, what does the future look like for Social Security? Thanks, Nada D. Pleated — Dear Nada, […]
Mistakes Adult Siblings Make When Caregiving for a Parent
Dear Bebe, When I was growing up, I was the organized one who was responsible and did what he was told, and my sister was also pretty on-top of things. My brother–not so much. Now, we are at a point where we need to work together to be caregivers for our dad, who lives in […]
When Should I Make Changes to My Incapacity Plan?
Dear Ribbit, I saw the unthinkable happen to a friend of mine in college, and like most college students, he didn’t have incapacity planning in place. I saw it as a sign and got my own planning in order. Now that I graduated, I am wondering– is an incapacity plan something that stays the same […]
Including Grandchildren in Caregiving
Dear Magic, My mother moved close by after my father passed away. She suffers from diabetes and has hip problems. My 13-year-old daughter, Bella, and my 9 year old, Rex, want to visit to help with grandmother’s caregiving and spend meaningful time with her. What are some ways that young Bella and Rex can help […]
Resources for Millennial Caregivers
Dear Angel, I am 22 years old and I am a caregiver for my 80 year old grandmother. It is both challenging and rewarding. She is in a wheelchair and needs help cooking, dressing, and shopping for groceries. I am often concerned about her falling when she is transferring to her chair. Sometimes I get […]
Last Minute Tech Gifts for Mother’s Day
Dear Magic, It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday, and I want to get something extra special for my mother. She is pretty tech savvy and enjoys the newest technology. I really don’t know what the newest technology is for seniors who enjoy that kind of thing. I’m not too worried about getting it on time, because […]
Can I Use a Health Savings Account to Pay for Long-Term-Care Insurance or a Hybrid Life Insurance Policy?
Dear Angel, I have a Health Savings Account through my work. Can I withdraw money tax-free from my health savings account to pay my long-term-care insurance premiums? If I can, is there a limit to the amount I can use? Does it have to be for a stand-alone long-term-care policy, or can it be for […]
Explaining Death and Dying to Grandchildren
Dear Bebe, My mother has a terminal illness and won’t be around much longer. I have yet to tell my children, because I don’t know the best way to explain it. Do you have any recommendations on how to tell children that their grandmother is dying? Thanks for your help! Khan Versayshun — Dear Khan, […]
Why Are There So Many Problems With Prince’s Will Two Years After his Death?
Dear Magic, I read somewhere that Prince died two years ago, but his heirs have yet to inherit any of his 200 million dollar fortune. How can this be? Noah Money-Forthem —- Dear Noah, It’s true that it’s been two years, and Prince’s family has yet to see their inheritance. The reason is the fact […]
What the SSA Wants You to Know During National Social Security Month
Dear Ribbit, I am getting ready to retire, and want to make sure I make the most of my Social Security benefits. What are some things I should know and actions I should take? Thanks, Ben Afitts —- Dear Ben, The Social Security Administration (SSA) has declared April National Social Security Month, and the agency […]
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Home Health Agency
Dear Angel, Our mom had a pretty bad stroke recently, but fortunately it was not a massive stroke, and we will be able to bring her home soon. We’re looking for a home health agency to assist her when she comes home from the hospital. The hospital gave us the name of just one agency, […]
What If I Claimed Social Security Too Early?
Dear Magic, In June of 2010, when I was 62 years old, I decided to quit working and take Social Security. I was afraid Social Security might go away before my full retirement age, or that I might die before that time, so I went ahead and locked in at the lower benefit. I also […]
Replacing Om with Haha
Dear Magic, A good belly laugh feels great sometimes. And, I heard laughing can be therapeutic and can even help stave off chronic pain, stress, depression, and diabetes. A friend of mine who lives in a retirement community recently told me she does something called laughing yoga? Unfortunately, my friend has early stages of dementia, […]
Take my Guns and my Home, but NOT MY CAR KEYS
Dear Bebe, When my father reached his 75th birthday, he had made quite a few concessions to age. He willingly gave up his guns and hunting, a passion he had since his childhood. He no longer mowed his own yard or cleaned his own gutters. In fact, five years ago, he sold his home to […]
Pets to Help Solve Loneliness
Dear Ribbit, My father lives alone, more than 1,000 miles away. He can be stubborn sometimes and although we offered to move him into our home, he wants to stay put. We are thinking of getting him a pet to keep him company. Do you think this is a wise idea? Is there any research […]
I Am My Mother’s Financial Caregiver. Now What?
Dear Bebe, When my mother did her estate planning several years ago, I was told I would be the trustee for her trust and the agent under her Financial Power of Attorney, should there come a time when she can no longer handle her own finances. Well, that time has come and it’s my time […]
Is Original Medicare Sufficient?
Dear Angel, My mom is eligible for Medicare this year and is exploring her options. She is not sure whether to get a supplemental plan, or if original Medicare is enough. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks, Iz Ittanuff — Dear Iz, Most people on Medicare feel that original Medicare is not sufficient, and […]
My Dad Doesn’t Recognize Me; is it Still Worth Visiting?
Dear Magic, My dad is in a nursing home, and has dementia. I visited him a lot when he first got there, but my visits have tapered off a bit. I’m not sure if he knows who I am anymore, or if there is a benefit to him if I visit. Visiting him can […]
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