The new tax laws taking effect in 2018 give both individuals and couples even more flexibility to plan for their estates and ensure the largest possible part of their estate goes to beneficiaries on a tax-free basis. While the changes will remain in effect until 2025, families should start formulating…
With massive winter storms sweeping across the country, older adults and their loved ones need to take special precautions against conditions that can lead to potentially serious accidents or adverse medical conditions. Even in areas of the country where most of us may already be used to frigid temperatures, this…
A recent article by the New York Times covered some of the trends in aging and the economy that could have a tremendous impact on how families, particularly women and millenials, care for elder family members in the future. While it is no secret an increasing percentage of America will…
Starting January 1, 2018, most employees who work in New York State for private employers will be eligible to take paid family leave to care for a newborn child or a sick family member. If you are a public employee working for the state, your employer may choose to offer…
Most of us understand we are supposed to save for our retirement but many still make the mistake of underestimating the cost of long term healthcare should we develop a serious medical condition or be unable to live independently. While the estimates for both in-home and assisted-living care can be…
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently put the country on alert, warning that this year’s flu season and the H3N2 virus could be one of the worst in recent years as hospitals experience record setting hospitalization rates. Physicians for the CDC warned Americans over the age of 65-years old…
Seniors 65-years and older now make up 8 percent of those filing for bankruptcy across the country, up from 7 percent a decade ago. Much of that increase is due to the burden of crippling medical debt older Americans are struggling with. Furthermore, a combination of the 2008 recession and…
With all of the discussion surrounding repealing the estate tax and other significant tax reforms, it can be difficult to understand exactly how these proposed changes might affect your estate. For most people in the United States, the estate tax is not a concern. That is because you need an…
It is a common misconception that estate planning is only a concern for those individuals with sizeable estates. This is simply not true. Everyone can benefit from comprehensive estate planning, even individuals with average or small estates. A recent article from CNBC reminds us of the importance of having a…
Seema Verma, the head of the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), recently signaled the current administration’s intention to impose requirements on some adults receiving Medicaid benefits. The move would be a major department from the previous administration’s policies and is already being decried by Democrat leaders across the…