Irrevocable trusts are an invaluable estate planning resource. However, due to tax changes (fiscal cliff) and other issues, irrevocable trusts with an estate plan in mind, need to be changed related to subsequent modifications of estate tax laws. Can irrevocable trusts be amended? The answer to that is yes, in certain circumstances. New York … [Read more...]
Garden of Eden Adult Home in Brooklyn is “A Garden Of Hell”
The Garden of Eden Nursing Home is located in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York. The residents of this adult facility have been forced to live in a poorly maintained residence and under unsanitary living conditions. Multiple lawsuits have been brought related to complaints of mistreatment from the residents. The State Health Department has sited the … [Read more...]
Baby Boomers Need Wills
Death is unpleasant. Why would anyone want to think about such an unpleasant subject. However, as unpleasant as death may be, everything that lives will eventually die. End of life issues are difficult to face. However, the failure to face end of life issues can create untenable, difficult, and painful situations for your loved ones. Living … [Read more...]
Retirement Planning for Single Americans
Who prepares better for retirement, married couples or single individuals? The answer is married couples. More than 85% of married couples have saving plans related to their retirement. This compares with only 67% of single individuals who have established retirement savings programs. Retirement Planning Americans who have worked during the course … [Read more...]
The United Kingdom’s Discriminatory Royal Laws
The British government has recently accepted the fact that the laws in the United Kingdom concerning succession to the throne are discriminatory against women. Current rules for succession in Great Britain state that daughters are over looked in favor of later born sons. Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton has brought this issue before the … [Read more...]
Retirement: What if You Haven’t Saved any Money?
Retirement is supposed to be a time of relaxation and enjoyment for Americans. The current economic situation in the United States may require a re-thinking of retirement issues. A recent study has shown that one in four individuals approaching retirement have saved nothing for their retirement years! The Employee Benefit Research Institute … [Read more...]
Abuse of the Elderly for Financial Gain
In the year 2000, Howard Thomas suffered severe dementia. He also had terminal cancer. In early 2001, his daughter, who was his primary caretaker, took a short vacation. He was left in the care of a Nidia Thomas. While Mr. Thomas’s daughter was away, Nidia arranged for a $150,000 bank account in Mr. Thomas’s name to be retitled from his name to a … [Read more...]
Hearing Loss may be Related to Dementia
Dementia is a disease that effects senior citizens. It is a terrible disease that literally fries the human brain. Recent studies have shown that a gradual hearing loss is one of the early symptoms of alzheimer's disease, as well as other types of dementia. Hearing impairments prevent seniors from following conversations. The loss of hearing … [Read more...]
The New Health Care Law – Affordable Care Act
The Republicans in Congress are challenging the health care law passed in 2010 by President Obama and the Democratic controlled Congress. Question: How does the health care law affect you? Americans between the ages of fifty and sixty-four will be significantly affected by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Unfortunately, due to the economic … [Read more...]
Caring for Senior Citizens From Long Distance
When we were born, our parents cared for us. Are we up to the task of taking care of our parents when they grow old? This is especially difficult when you don't live near your parents. Siblings Nearby Some people are lucky, in that a brother or sister lives near their parents. While the sibling becomes the primary caretaker, it is … [Read more...]