HBO’s The Alzheimer’s Project
May 12, 2009
Have you been watching this series? So far I’ve only been able to catch the film on scientific research. They are describing all sorts of research and discoveries occurring in the field, all exciting and cutting-edge stuff. The field is so young, and there is such an abundance of research activity testing a range of theories. And the whole time I’m watching, I am thinking that five years from now people will watch this in reruns and laugh at how primitive it all was. I expect that our research will bring us to a very different place in short order.
I’m looking forward to watching the film on caregivers. You can stream each of the films at The Alzheimer’s Project website. You can also see them on Comcast’s On Demand.
Stimulus Payments to SSI Recipients Do Not Count as Income
April 9, 2009
But they will count as assets – after nine months. If you receive SSI, then you know that you usually need to be concerned with two things: (1) receiving extra income in any given month, and (2) if that income is still in your name at the beginning of the next month, it’s now an asset.
You don’t need to worry about these factors with the $250 stimulus payment that should arrive between now and the end of April. It won’t be considered income, and it will not be considered an asset for another nine months. As long as you spend it in the next nine months, it will not cause you to be considered “over-assets.”
You can see my recent post on scammers trying to take advantage of the Stimulus Payments for Social Security recipients. For further information, see the SSA’s pamphlet on the Stimulus Payment.
Afraid That You Don’t Have Much of an Estate to Leave to Your Disabled Child?
November 7, 2008
Many parents worry that when they die their estates will be too small to provide much care for their disabled child. One solution is to purchase “second-to-die life insurance.” These policies are relatively inexpensive, and the company pays the death benefit only after both of the people insured have died.
Usually purchased by spouses, these policies can in fact be purchased by any two people. This could be beneficial if, for example, a single mother and single daughter both live with and care for a disabled child / grandchild.
You should work with your financial advisor to select the best insurance for you. Remember that when selling insurance, advisors are paid on commission. When the advisor is presenting you with quotes from various companies, make sure he also shows you how much commission he would make under each quote.