Can You Afford a $450 Loss Every Month with Your Social Security?

December 30, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning

Social Security can be a confusing topic but considering that 88% of workers expect to depend on their benefits at least somewhat in retirement, according to a survey from Gallup, it's important to understand as much as possible to maximize your monthly checks.

Zappos CEO had No Will and That Is a Mistake

December 29, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

If you pass away without a will, a state court generally decides who gets your assets and, if you have children, who will care for them.

Elder Financial Abuse on the Rise during Pandemic

The pandemic is isolating many elderly Americans—as family members distance themselves, in an effort to keep everyone safe.

What Is an Ethical Will?

December 25, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

My colleague’s father recently got infected with the coronavirus and had to be rushed to the hospital. The move was abrupt and hectic, and left no time for any deep conversation with his wife and family as he was being taken out to the ambulance.

What Do I Need to Do to Calculate and Correct an Excess IRA Contribution?

December 24, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

IRAs are a great way to save for retirement, but what happens if you contribute to a Roth IRA and your income is too high? Or you contribute more than you're allowed to a Roth or traditional IRA?

What are the Biggest Mistakes Women make with Social Security?

December 23, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Women face unique challenges when planning for retirement and making these mistakes can result in a skimpier retirement.

Do Seniors with Dementia Show Signs of Financial ‘Symptoms’ Years before a Diagnosis?

December 21, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

A new study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Federal Reserve Board of Governors found that Medicare beneficiaries who go on to be diagnosed with dementia are more likely to miss payments on bills, as early as six years before a clinical diagnosis.

Is Probate Required If There Is a Surviving Spouse?

December 19, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

A common misconception is that you do not have to probate a will when your spouse dies.

What Happens If You Fail to Submit a Change of Beneficiary Form?

December 18, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

The financial institution is obligated to distribute the CD to the person or entities that otherwise would be entitled to receive it.

Do You Know Your Job as Executor, Agent or Trustee?

December 17, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Has a family member or close friend asked you to serve as their executor, trustee or power of attorney? If you accepted the responsibility, do you know what this entails? Have you been given a copy of the documents you were named under? Do you know when you would begin serving in these roles? These are all important questions to ask or consider.