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Interview on The Income Generation Show

Posted on April 9, 2019April 10, 2019 by admin

Interview with David Scranton on the Income Generation - Air Date 3/7/2019

I was honored to be asked back on the Income Generation Show with David J. Scranton. Although it was a brief interview, we covered many important topics:

Why is estate planning important to the “Sandwich Generation”?
How estate planning is as important during your life as it is at your death
How can you encourage aging parents to get started on their estate planning
How to organize legal documents in case of emergency: The 911 Binder
Three pieces of advice for estate planning

Click on the above link to watch the clip.

Naming guardians for your children

Posted on February 27, 2019March 29, 2021 by admin

When making their wills, the biggest hurdle parents face is deciding who should take care of their minor children. This is especially difficult when parents can’t agree on who the best guardian is for their children.

Recognize that no one will be as good as you in understanding your children. However, that doesn’t mean your guardian can’t do their best. You must identify the next best person. It is not an easy decision, but naming guardians for your children is one you should make.

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What is a living will? An explanation of advance medical directives

Posted on January 16, 2019June 3, 2020 by admin

A living will or advance medical directive is a legal document in which you declare, in the event of a terminal or end-of-life condition, to withhold or withdraw life prolonging measures.

This is important to determine what measures you want (or don’t want) to artificially extend your life. While this is an unpleasant decision to think about, it is more distressing to your loved ones. They will be the ones faced with these decisions. Especially if there is a difference of opinion among them. Of course, your loved ones want to do the “right” thing. However, there is often disagreement about what the “right” course of action is.

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Do I need an estate planning or an elder law attorney?

Posted on January 9, 2019January 12, 2021 by admin

Estate planning is such a misnomer.

First of all, people mistakenly think estate planning is only for the rich. For example, you must have an ‘estate’ first to worry about planning for it.

Secondly, it has less to do with your ‘estate’ and more to do with protecting your family. If you are incapacitated or die, who will care for your loved ones?

It really should be called “family planning” because attorneys help you care for your family for when you are not there. Although “family planning” means something else entirely!

As if estate planning isn’t confusing enough – now when you look for a lawyer, you see many different titles: estate planning or elder law attorney. Even probate lawyer. Which is better for you? Do you need an estate planning or elder law attorney or a probate lawyer?

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Help parents downsize and keep the peace – 6 tips

Posted on January 7, 2019January 13, 2021 by admin

Want to help your aging parents downsize in preparation for a move? Tread carefully!

Recognize that this is an emotional time for them. Your parents have spent a lifetime accumulating possessions so it may be hard for them to be objective. Be sensitive to their feeling and try not to be pushy. The whole process may take longer than you like. Unless you have a certain deadline such as a house sale, try to follow their timetable for getting rid of items.

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10 caregiver websites to support the caregiver

Posted on November 28, 2018January 12, 2021 by admin

So often I hear, “no one wakes up and decides they want to be a caregiver.” Taking care of a loved one is a huge responsibility. However, it is just as important to focus on the caregiver.

Frequently, those who are thrust into the caregiving role aren’t equipped or experienced. For example, the business executive who worked for 40 years outside of the home now faced with caring for his or her spouse. Oftentimes, caregivers are overwhelmed, frustrated, and confused by all the new responsibilities. Additionally, the caregiver may even have limitations or health issues of their own.

Because caregiving is often hard and lonely, it is important to find advice and support for the caregiver.

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November is National Family Caregivers Month

Posted on November 7, 2018October 12, 2018 by admin

November is National Family Caregivers Month.

“Family members, friends, and neighbors devote countless hours to providing care to their relatives or loved ones. During National Family Caregivers Month, we recognize and thank the humble heroes who do so much to keep our families and communities strong.” – President Barack Obama

Family caregivers are everywhere. According to a 2013 Pew Research Study on the Sandwich Generation: Nearly half (47%) of adults in their 40s and 50s have a parent age 65 or older and are either raising a young child or financially supporting a grown child (age 18 or older).”

Even Millennials are affected. In a study by the AARP, Millennials spend on average 21 hours per week on family caregiving. That is almost a part-time job.

Furthermore, caregiving is taking its toll. Kerra L. Bolton AND Tasha Robertson wrote a sobering article, Caregiving is Killing Us: A Nation of Daughters in Crisis. They cite a 2011 MetLife study estimates that female caregivers lose about $324,044 in lost wages and Social Security benefits.

In order to support caregivers, I am joining AlzAuthors in discounting books for family caregivers. You can see the discounted books by clicking this link.

Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation: How to Help Your Parents and Protect Your Kids.

The Kindle version is on sale for $2.99 from November 7 – November 13th, a 70% discount.

Get your copy by clicking this link.

Comprehensive and practical…as a Certified Caregiving Consultant, I will certainly be recommending this book as a resource.

– Elizabeth B. Miller, Certified Caregiving Consultant, Happy Healthy Caregiver

How to talk to aging parents – tips for a family meeting

Posted on October 24, 2018January 12, 2021 by admin

Getting together with family, especially during the holidays, is a great opportunity to catch up with your parents. As your parents age, you and your siblings may want to talk with them about any health concerns and their future plans.

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It’s National Estate Planning Awareness Week!

Posted on October 15, 2018September 18, 2020 by admin

Did you know October 19 – October 25th, 2020 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week?

Now you do!

Here are some fun facts:

National Estate Planning Awareness Week is celebrated in the 3rd week of October.
The National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC) led the effort to educate people about the importance of estate planning.
It was passed by Congress in 2008.

And here are not so fun facts:

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How to choose an estate planning attorney

Posted on October 10, 2018October 10, 2018 by admin

Finally, you want to get your estate plan together. Good for you! Taking steps now will help you and protect your family in the event of your incapacity and death. Once you start the process you will find out it is easier than doing paperwork for a mortgage. But now you have to find an attorney to help you.

But, how do you find the right one? What should you expect?

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