Critter Corner: When it Comes to Social Security, what does “File and Suspend” Mean?

Dear Baxter,My neighbor mentioned something about a "file and suspend" strategy for Social Security to boost retirement income? Can you explain what that means? Thanks!Clay Min Stratagees---Dear … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Is Estate Planning Needed for Cohabitating Couples?

Dear Commander Bun Bun,I live with my boyfriend, Rich, in a house we own together. For a number of reasons, we have decided not to get married, but will continue to cohabitate for the foreseeable future. Why would people in … [Read more...]

Self Care for a Special Needs Parent

Dear Angel,My daughter, Valerie, has autism spectrum disorder (formerly known as Asperger's Syndrome, but now under the ASD umbrella). She is very bright, and for the most part is in an inclusive environment at school. … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: How Can The ABLE Act Help My Special Needs Daughter?

Dear Baxter,My daughter has intellectual disabilities. I read in one of your newsletters that Virginia was the first state to enact the ABLE Act. I don't know much about it, but it may be something that can help my daughter … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Learning to “Speak Alzheimer’s”

Dear Angel,My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a couple of years ago. She used to be a college professor and is a brilliant woman. I began noticing that when someone hears of her Alzheimer's, they ask me questions that … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: What Does CELA and CAP mean after Mr. Farr’s Name?

Dear Commander Bun Bun, I noticed that Mr. Farr has the letters "CELA" and "CAP" after his name. What do they mean? Thanks, Aubrey Veations ---- Dear Aubrey, Good question. I used to ponder the same thing myself. I found the … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: New IRA Rules Close the Loopholes

Dear Commander Bun Bun,I heard that there are some new rules that were proposed by President Obama that IRA owners should know before planning their estate or transferring money between IRAs. Do you know about them and, if so, … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: When Should I Hire Home Care for a Parent?

Dear Angel,My parents live in a condominium in a senior community, 100 miles away from me. My father had a stroke last year, and is having trouble getting around, bathing, and dressing. My mother has her own issues, having had … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: I Am Single With No Children. Why Should I Bother Planning?

Dear Commander Bun Bun,I am a free-spirited single person who has never been married or had any children. I don't even have brothers or sisters. Yesterday, my neighbor told me about her estate planning during our morning walk. … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: What is the NOTICE Act?

Dear Baxter,I read that the Notice of Observation Treatment and Implication for Care Eligibility (NOTICE) Act passed the US Senate earlier this week. Can you explain what observation care means, and what this new law would … [Read more...]

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