Saturday was Veterans Day. While it’s nice to devote a day to recognizing veterans, what about the other 364 days of the year—and the many veterans and their families who struggle with the cost of long-term care? I would like to use this forum to discuss a misunderstood and underutilized benefit available...
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Finally! Massachusetts Residents Receive Some Good News About Estate Taxes
On October 4, 2023, Governor Maura Healey signed legislation that will modify a wide range of tax laws impacting Massachusetts individuals and families. Changes include a doubling of the Massachusetts estate tax exemption, from $1 million per estate to $2 million per estate. In addition, the new law alters how Massachusetts estate tax will...
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Thank You for Supporting the Walk to End Alzheimer’s!
Thank you so much for your donation to my Walk to End Alzheimer's® fundraising efforts! Your generosity will help the Alzheimer's Association® provide care and support to all those facing Alzheimer's and all other dementia, and advance critical research. Your gifts helped me exceed my goal. We raised $1,170 so far for the...
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Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2023 – It’s Not Too Late
To everyone who has already so generously given - thank you!
And if you haven't donated yet - it's not too late!
I'll be walking in beautiful Nelson Memorial Park on Saturday, October 14. See here for event details.
I'm walking...
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Please Join Me in Supporting the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
I'll be walking in beautiful Nelson Memorial Park on Saturday, October 14. See here for event details.
I'm walking for my grandmother, my clients, and for all of us who will be there someday. I'm walking to help reclaim the future for millions.
By...
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Eligibility for Assistance from MassHealth to Pay for Long-Term Care
Given the high cost of long-term care, it’s not surprising that Medicaid (known as MassHealth in Massachusetts) is now the largest provider of funds for nursing home care in the United States. As I discussed in a previous article, MassHealth can also pay for home care, assisted living,...
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The Difference Between a Will and a Beneficiary Designation… and Why It’s Important
Wills and beneficiary designations are similar in that they allow you to name the person(s) who will receive your assets after you pass away. However, they are not the same. Understanding the differences is crucial to ensuring your wishes are carried out.Let’s begin with two basic definitions. A will is an estate...
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Protecting Your Life Savings Against the Cost of Long-Term Care: Irrevocable Trusts
Trusts are among the most powerful tools in the estate planner’s toolbox. The benefits of a trust include probate avoidance, greater privacy, and expedition of estate settlement. They can also establish specific parameters for the use of your assets during your lifetime and after you pass away, allowing greater customization of your...
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When to Update Your Estate Plan
Some folks believe that an estate plan is a “get it and forget it” proposition. The truth is that your estate plan must be updated to address changes in your life, the lives of your loved ones, and the law itself. At the very least, your plan should be reviewed every three to...
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Myths and Misconceptions: Childless Couples Don’t Need an Estate Plan
An estate planning myth shared by many childless couples goes something like this, “We don’t have any kids, so why would we need an estate plan? Whichever one of us lives longest will just inherit everything we own.”The rationale behind this notion is understandable because it embodies another myth about estate planning,...
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