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On Stock Markets and Headless Poultry
My grandparents used to raise chickens—both for the eggs and the meat. What struck me as a child was, when the axe fell and the chicken lost its head, Continue reading
Posted in Investment
On Recovering from Investment Losses
Many investors assume that if they suffer portfolio losses of 20%, for example, all they have to do is earn 20% to get back to break-even. Not so, because after the loss their portfolio is starting from a lower point. So it’s a real eye-opener to learn…. Continue reading
Posted in Investment
A One-Year Checklist to Retirement
One of the biggest lessons of the recent economy is that many people who thought they were financially ready for retirement…weren’t. Continue reading
Posted in Retirement
With Premiums Increasing and a Major Carrier Exiting the Market, Should You Still Consider LTC Insurance?
On Nov. 11, insurance giant MetLife said it would sell no new long-term care (LTC) insurance policies after Dec. 30 though it would continue to service its 600,000 insured customers. The reason? “Financial challenges” in the long-term care insurance industry. What does that mean? Continue reading
Posted in Insurance, Long Term Care
The Dos and Don’ts of Passing Down Vacation Property to Family
A family vacation home is a place of fun, memories and refuge for generations of friends and relatives. But when the matriarch or patriarch who bought the home dies, it’s not uncommon for the same family members to go to war over visitation rights and ownership of the property, which can be worth a significant sum.
This is why it’s important to include any vacation property as a part of the buyer’s estate planning. Continue reading
Posted in Estate, Real Property
The Need for Financial Planning for Special-Needs Kids
There are many types of financial worries, but probably none as relentless as the costs of treating and supporting a special needs child. Continue reading
Posted in Estate, Special Needs
Medical Tourism: What You Should Know
The latest Deloitte Center for Healthcare Solutions report on Medical Tourism projects renewed growth in medical tourism in 2010 as the economy recovers. The reasons? Consumer pocketbooks will be able to better withstand trips for non-emergency care outside the country. Also, it’s believed that more insurance companies will eventually agree to fund procedures at international hospitals that win extensive accreditation. Continue reading
Posted in Healthcare
Save Money with Eldercare by Not Doing it Yourself
Long-term care services are complicated and expensive. Unfortunately, for the majority of Americans, eldercare is a do-it-yourself process. This approach is wrong. Using a geriatric care specialist or manager is the most cost effective and efficient way to provide help for a loved one. Continue reading
Posted in Long Term Care
Keeping Mom and Dad Safe at Home
Generally, elderly parents want to remain living in their own home. However, remaining in the home becomes a concern when children see their parents slowing down, perhaps even having trouble with handling stairs and doing general daily activities. Yet, with parents’ mental and physical health currently not creating problems, there seems to be no imminent need to search out support services or other accommodations for aging parents.
This is the time to evaluate the home to make it safe and secure for your loved ones—now and in the near future—in anticipation of aging disabilities that may occur. Continue reading
Posted in Long Term Care