Critter Corner: How to Make a Smart Phone Easier to Read for a Senior

Dear Bebe,   I recently bought my mother a smart phone for her birthday. I figured it would be a great way for her to communicate with the grandchildren, and to have in case of an emergency. There are also some great … [Read more...]

Does Medicare Cover Annual Physicals?

Q. My sister Amy, 66, recently called her primary care doctor’s office to schedule an annual checkup. She naturally assumed her Medicare coverage would pick up most, if not all, of the tab for the exam. After all, an annual visit … [Read more...]

A Moon Landing, an Anniversary, and a Reconciliation

Fifty years ago, Apollo 11 launched from Cape Kennedy carrying Commander Neil Armstrong, and lunar module pilots Michael Collins and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin to the first lunar orbit. Many of us remember Armstrong describing the event … [Read more...]

Where Not to Die This Year

Q. I own a home in Bethesda, MD, but was told I should sell it and move to another state. My 96-year old best friend Sheila insists that “it is expensive to die in Maryland” and I'm beginning to think she is right. Sheila lives in … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Gift Tax Limit for 2019

Dear Magic, Our daughter is getting married, and she and her fiancé are buying a home. She asked if my wife and I could contribute what we would pay for a wedding ($30,000) towards a home instead, since she only wants a simple … [Read more...]

How Do You Want to Be Remembered?

When Jennifer’s father died, her first worry was about her mother and how she will recover. Her mother was so shocked and saddened when it happened that she didn’t want to get out of bed and face the world, let alone deal with … [Read more...]

How Will Divorce Affect My Estate Planning?

Q. My husband and I completed our estate planning documents ten years ago. Now that we are both ready for retirement, we have decided to go our separate ways. We have been separated for a while now, and divorce is imminent. What … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Why Should I Bother with Estate Planning?

Dear Bebe, My mom keeps telling my wife and I that we should make an appointment to get our estate planning done. I am in my early 40's and in good health, and have a 10 year old child. Why should I think about estate planning … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Did Karl Lagerfeld Just Leave $210 Million to His Cat?

Dear Angel, I heard that Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel’s late artistic director, left the bulk of his £150 million fortune (approximately $210 million dollars according to today’s exchange rate) to his cat, Choupette. It makes me wish … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Questions to Ask at a Family Meeting

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...]

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