Think Medicare HMO Advantage Covers Everything? Think Again!

If you’re enrolling in Medicare, you need to know the facts about out-of-pocket costs associated with HMO Advantage plans. Make no mistake – these plans can be appropriate for a lot of people. But you’d better make sure you’re one of them. And you should know the risks before you sign up.

To many of us, “out-of-pocket” costs mean co-pays to primary-care physicians and specialists. But, if you need services such as out-patient rehabilitation for physical, occupational, or speech therapies, or cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, your co-pays can balloon up to $100 per session. And these payments could be considered “out-of-pocket” – which means they could be part of your annual deductible.

Healthcare professionals tell me they’re seeing an increasing number of seniors go without the therapies they need, because they just can’t afford them. Apparently, they never really thought about longer-term therapies that might be needed for serious injuries or illnesses, or they thought those conditions would be covered the same way as others. But it ain’t necessarily so!

These plans can have a low up-front cost…but before you pick one, you’d better be truthful with yourself about any potential health problems. You’d better have a full understanding of the co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs. And you’d better know exactly what’s covered; after a cardiac event, for example, exercising at a local gym is not quite the same as cardiac rehabilitation!

The best money-saving tip of all, though, is this: Take care of yourself! Exercise, eat right, get enough sleep, and “live well” before you get any older…and you’ll automatically cut your future medical expenses.

Trying to figure out the best Medicare plan for yourself can be a very intimidating process. And it generally leads to more questions than answers. But we can help.

At The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we practice Elder Law. And we’ve been practicing it in South Florida for 33 years. We can answer your questions about Medicare. And we can help you prepare for the future, with comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, long-term care planning, asset-protection plans, and assistance with Medicaid (and Medicare!) and the VA.

If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. And we’re just a phone call away.

Your College-Age Child Needs A Durable Power Of Attorney - Believe It Or Not!

By now, we've all heard the news - again. At a college, this time, rather than a mall or a movie theater or a high school. But mass-shootings at colleges, unfortunately, are not new.

In February, 2008, five students died and 16 were wounded in a shooting at Northern Illinois University. In August, 1966, 18 people were killed and 30 wounded at the University of Texas. In April, 2007, at Virginia Tech, 33 dead (including the shooter) and 15 injured. July, 1976, seven dead and two wounded at Cal State University. November, 1991, at the University of Iowa, five dead, one wounded.

On Tuesday frantic parents who were unable to reach their children besieged the school with phone calls. And they were all told pretty much the same thing: "Sorry, we can't tell you anything." "Sorry, we can't confirm..."

In these situations, parents are often unable to get information from the schools. Not because the schools don't want to give it - but because they're not allowed to give it.

If your child is 18, he or she is protected by the same privacy laws that protect you. If - God Forbid - your child is injured, and you need information on his/her condition, you won't be able to get it without a Durable Power of Attorney on file. And if you have to make decisions about medical care for your child...you won't be able to do it without a Durable Power of Attorney on file.

You'd have to go to court to get guardianship documents, which could take weeks or even months...which your child may not have.

We're parents, too. And we know this is a difficult thing to discuss. But it's a big, scary world out there. And we all - including our college-age children - have to live in it.

But we can help ease your worries...and answer your questions.

At The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we've been answering questions like these for 33 years, and we've helped many South Florida families protect their children with DPA's.

We're Elder Law attorneys, and we help families with comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, long-term care planning, and asset-protection plans. But we can help with your over-18 children, too.

We're just a phone call away.

 

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Save the Date!

"To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan," Abraham Lincoln, 2nd inaugural address

 

You are cordially invited

to a rare opportunity to an update on how we can assist our senior veterans and their surviving spouses with the honor and dignity they deserve.

 

 

Long time VA attorney and nationally known expert on Veteran's benefits, 

Ronald Abrams, Esq. *

has accepted our invitation to come from Washington

to speak to our community about Veteran's Pension Benefits including current Aid and Attendance issues.

 

Date:       March 21st

Where:   South County Civic Center, Delray Beach

When:     10:00 am

 

Seating is limited

 

More information to follow. 

To reserve your place please call Tracy at [954]-861-2681

 

For information about Ron Abrams and NVLSP click here.

 

Eleanor Roosevelt Believed In Dying With Dignity

Through our nation's most difficult time - the Depression and World War II - Eleanor Roosevelt was our First Lady. But, in reality, she was so much more. She was our First Mother, as well... a calm, comforting presence who carried herself with grace and dignity no matter the burdens.

She remained an iconic figure for the rest of her life... a sort of First Lady-Emeritus.

Mrs. Roosevelt became ill in April, 1960, at the age of 75. She was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, in which the bone marrow doesn't make enough red blood cells. Over the next two years doctors performed frequent tests, to try and figure out the cause.

In the summer of 1962, she took a turn for the worse, requiring frequent transfusions and running 104-degree fevers. Doctors hospitalized her for a week. When she didn't recover, they wanted to re-admit her. They were shocked when she refused.

That September, she agreed to be re-admitted, but only under the condition that when she wanted to leave, her doctor would agree. So Mrs. Roosevelt stayed in the hospital for three weeks of invasive, spirit-draining testing.

In October, Mrs. Roosevelt was told that she probably had a form of tuberculosis. When given the news, she didn't ask for aggressive action. She didn't ask for miracle drugs. She didn't ask for more tests.

"I want to go home," she said simply. And her doctor abided by his promise. So on Oct. 18, she went home... and through her beloved Central Park one last time.

A week later, the tuberculosis was confirmed. Her doctors were overjoyed, because TB was considered treatable. But when they told her the good news, they were - again - stunned by her reply. She told them she wanted to remain at home... and that she did no wish to be treated medically any more. She told them she was ready to die.

On Nov. 4, 1962, Eleanor Roosevelt went into a coma. Three days later, the "First Lady of the World" passed away. But not before writing in one of her final newspaper columns about "the articles of torture" - the tests she had undergone.

Baron H. Lerner, Professor of Medicine at the NYU School of Medicine, recently wrote about Eleanor Roosevelt's last days on The Huffington Post.

"Just because someone is admitted to the hospital or has a condition that can be temporarily ameliorated does not mean that we must blindly forge ahead," Professor Lerner wrote. "There is something to be said for dying at home like Eleanor Roosevelt did - unattached to any machines."

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At The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we're Elder Law attorneys. And this is a story we thought you should know. Because we believe in the concept of Dying with Dignity... in leaving the decision up to the patient and family, rather than the doctor.

If you have questions about the Elder Law Journey, we have answers. We're just a phone call away.

Feed Your Brain

What if someone told you there were certain "super-foods" that could increase your brain health...for the rest of your life? Would you eat them?

Here are some foods which can do just that...

BLUEBERRIES - Blueberries may help protect the brain from oxidative stress, and may reduce the effects of Alzheimer's and dementia.

WILD SALMON - Deep-water fish such as salmon are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids - essential for brain function. And they also contain anti-inflammatory substances.

NUTS AND SEEDS - Great sources of vitamin E, which helps slow cognitive decline as we age. The best: walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, filberts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seed, and peanut butter.

AVOCADOS - A rising superstar. Experts believe avocados may be almost as effective as blueberries in preserving brain health. They help increase blood flow, and decrease blood pressure. Enough said.

WHOLE GRAINS - Oatmeal, whole-grain breads, and brown rice can reduce the risk of heart disease. If you have a healthy heart, you have healthy blood flow. And if you have healthy blood flow, you have a healthy brain.

BEANS - Beans help stabilize blood sugar levels. Some nutritionists consider lentils and black beans the best.

POMEGRANATE JUICE - It contains potent antioxidant benefits, among them protecting the brain from free radicals. Keep in mind, though, that juice has added sugar. So keep your portions small.

TEA (FRESHLY BREWED) - Two to three cups a day of freshly-brewed tea -- hot or iced - can help enhance memory, focus, and even mood, and its antioxidants promote healthy blood flow. But not bottled or powdered!

DARK CHOCOLATE - YES! Dark chocolate has powerful antioxidant properties, enhances focus and concentration, and helps improve mood. But more than an ounce is too much.

Didn't think of us as nutrition experts, eh? Well, at The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, if it's important to you...it's important to us.

For the past 33 years, we've been advising South Florida families on a variety of issues important to them, including comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, long-term care planning, asset-protection plans, and assistance with Medicaid or the VA.

We're here for you. And we're just a phone call away.

Is It Dementia? Or Is It Alzheimer's?

I recently saw a screaming, large-type headline about a woman who was supposedly "cured" of Alzheimer's. Only one thing wrong with that, of course - there is no cure for Alzheimer's. Turns out that this woman had been misdiagnosed with Alzheimer's, and she actually had a rare thyroid condition that can sometimes mimic the characteristics of Alzheimer's.

In another "false positive," one of my employees recently told me that her grandmother had started displaying symptoms of dementia. I advised her to have her grandmother tested for a urinary tract infection. And, indeed, that's what it was. (I've been doing this for a long time!)

Alzheimer's now affects nearly 6 million Americans...some of them at surprisingly-young ages (like University of Tennessee Women's Basketball Coach Pat Summit, who was diagnosed at 59). And experts are saying that, by the year 2030, the number of people with the disease will double.

Did you know, though, that "Alzheimer's" and "dementia" are not necessarily the same thing? Alzheimer's accounts for only 70% of dementias...not all of them!

Some forms of dementia, believe it or not, can be caused by physical illness, such as vascular dementia, strokes, Parkinson's, medications that don't interact well together, urinary tract infections, fluid on the brain, thyroid or other endocrine illnesses, or metabolic problems. And there may be other hidden villains, as well, that only an extensive series of medical tests can reveal. So, if the doctor calls it dementia, perhaps you should consider a battery of tests to make sure. Misdiagnoses - especially for senior citizens - can result in tragedy.

If you've got questions about dementia or Alzheimer's, we've got the answers. For one thing, we've got one of the largest Alzheimer's/Dementia resource centers in South Florida. And for another, we're Elder Law attorneys.

At The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we've been answering questions about Alzheimer's and dementia - and a host of other senior-related issues - for 33 years. And we've helped thousands of South Florida families come up with answers to other questions, as well...questions such as comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, long-term care planning, asset-protection plans, and assistance with Medicaid or the VA.

We can answer your questions. And we're just a phone call away.

The Importance of Long-Term Care Planning - Before a Crisis!

If you were ever a Boy Scout, you remember the motto: Be Prepared.

You're not a Boy Scout or Girl Scout anymore. But it still makes sense to be prepared - especially where your health and your finances are concerned.

These are some important issues to discuss with your attorney - before a crisis.

FAMILY DYNAMICS: I always tell clients that, when considering long-term care needs, they need to consider family dynamics. Are there squabbles or resentments? If so, these will probably intensify in a crisis situation.

LEGAL ISSUES: Are your legal documents up to date? If so, you're in the minority. In addition to discussing inheritance issues, I always discuss with my clients any changes they may need to make in their will or trust. Family circumstances are always changing - births, deaths, divorces, self-destructive behavior by heirs, second marriages, etc. If your documents aren't appropriate for NOW, they're not appropriate - period!

THE DOCUMENTS - ADVANCE DIRECTIVES, DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY, HEALTH SURROGATE, LAST WILL & TESTAMENT, LIVING WILL: Florida law is very specific. These documents have to meet legal requirements, and must leave no room for doubt. And if you try the do-it-yourself approach, they may not be recognized as legal.

ARRANGING FOR FINANCIAL DECISIONS TO BE HANDLED IF YOU CAN'T: If you don't do this, you're probably subjecting your family to a long and tortuous Guardianship proceeding in court. And if you don't do it right, you may be disqualified from receiving Medicaid or Veterans' benefits.

FIRST-STEP FINANCIAL ISSUES: How do I pay for long-term care insurance? Many people don't even realize they may be entitled to Medicaid or Veterans' benefits, or other resources.

CAREGIVER ISSUES: You'll need to know about community resources, housing options, caregiver options, Care Managers, etc.

No doubt you've got questions. We have the answers.

At The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we've been answering our clients' questions for the past 33 years. And we've answered them for thousands of South Florida families - about comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, asset-protection plans, assistance with Medicaid or the VA...and long-term care planning.

If you've got questions, we've got answers. And we're just a phone call away.

If You're a Woman, You May Be Paying More For Long-Term Care

Whenever a woman tells me she'll look into long-term care "some day," I always ask the same question: "Do you always bet against the odds?"

What do I mean by that? Well...are you betting that medical costs won't go up? Are you betting that long-term care is easier to get as you get older? And are you betting that "some day" will arrive before you get sick (and won't be eligible anymore)?

If you answered "yes," you're gambling on a bet in which "the house" generally wins. And, for a woman, the bet is even riskier.

Women live longer...so they generally have greater long-term care needs. Also, they're less likely to have a partner to care for them. Which is probably the reason that Genworth Financial, the largest long-term insurer in America, is talking about raising rates for women.

If Genworth raises its rates for women, you can pretty much bet - there's that word again - that just about every other long-term care insurer will do the same.

There's only one way to get the best price: GET IT NOW!

Can you name even one item for which you pay less now than you did a few years ago? And if you're betting that "some day" will come before you get sick...are you willing to bet every cent you've ever earned on it? Because no insurance company will accept you after you're sick!

In addition, the older you get, the higher the premium. So, if you can pull it off now, you'll thank yourself later.

Two facts to remember:

1 - It'll never be cheaper than now!

2 - You'll never be younger than now!

If you've got questions about long-term care, we can answer them. At The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we've been answering them for 34 years.

In fact, we've helped thousands of South Florida families with questions about long-term care...as well as comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, asset-protection plans, and assistance with Medicaid and the VA.

We can answer your questions, too. And we're just a phone call away.

How To Write An Ethical/Legacy Will

An increasing number of clients have been asking me about Ethical/Legacy wills.

Ethical wills are a way to leave something much more profound than money to your children; they're a way to share your values, passions, and dreams, and the morals by which you've lived your life.

Ethical/Legacy wills are not some trendy "New Age" thing. They've actually been around for a few thousand years, in both the Hebrew Bible and Christian Bibles. They're not legal documents. But I'm helping out with more and more of them these days. And they're usually shared with family while the writer is still alive.

My clients are often surprised at how fast the process goes once they get started. But there's no one way to do this. Here's some ideas to get started

Start writing down your thoughts about:

• Your beliefs and values
• How you acted on those values
• Something you learned from your parents or grandparents
• Something you learned from your siblings, spouse, or children
• Something you learned from experience
• Something for which you're grateful
• Your hopes and dreams for the future

You can write about important events in your life. Then, expand the categories into paragraphs. Arrange the paragraphs in the appropriate order. Add an introduction and a conclusion. And then...put everything aside for a few weeks.

Sound too complicated? Then just take a blank sheet of paper and start journaling. Write in a stream-of-consciousness state of mind; you can always organize it later on. Whatever comes to mind about your life, your feelings, and your experiences. Eventually, certain themes will emerge. And the document will start to take shape.

Still too complicated? Write whatever you want, how much you want. It will be greatly appreciated by your loved ones....even if you don't think so

Make no mistake, there's nothing wrong with leaving money! But if you'd like to leave a deeper legacy than just money, you probably have a lot of questions. And we have the answers - because we're Elder Law attorneys.

At The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we've been finding answers for South Florida families for 33 years. And we've helped thousands of them, with answers to their questions about comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, long-term care planning, asset protection plans, assistance with Medicaid and the VA...and how to write an ethical/legacy will.

We'll answer your questions, too. And we're just a phone call away

Want To Save Money On Long-Term Care? Get It Now!

Whenever a client tells me they'll look into long-term care "some day," I always ask the same question: Are you a betting man (or woman)? And, if so...do you always bet against the odds?"

What do I mean by that? Well...are you betting that medical costs won't go up? Are you betting that long-term care is easier to get as you get older? And are you betting that "some day" will arrive before you get sick (and won't be eligible for it anymore)?

If you answered "yes," you're gambling on a very risky bet - in which "the house" generally wins.

A recent report revealed that the closer people get to retirement, the more frightened they become about meeting long-term care costs. Women even more than men. And there's good reason for that. Women generally have greater long-term care needs, as they live longer, and are less likely to have a partner to care for them. Which is probably the reason that Genworth Financial, the largest long-term insurer in America, is talking about raising rates for women.

There are a few possibilities to address some long-term care costs, among them Medicare and hybrid plans, which might have riders with life insurance or annuities.

But there's only one way to get the best price: GET IT NOW!

Can you name even one item for which you pay less now than you did a few years ago? And if you're betting that "some day" will come before you get sick...are you willing to bet every cent you've ever earned on it? Because no insurance company will accept you after you're sick!

In addition, the older you get, the higher the premium. So, if you can pull it off now, you'll thank yourself later.

Two facts:

1 - It'll never be cheaper than now!

2 - You'll never be younger than now!

At The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we're Elder Law attorneys. And we've been answering questions about long-term care for 33 years.

In fact, we've helped thousands of South Florida families with questions about long-term care...as well as comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, asset-protection plans, and assistance with Medicaid and the VA.

We can answer your questions, too. And we're just a phone call away.

Can You Hear Me? If Not... Welcome To The Club!

When you go to a restaurant, do you have trouble hearing the waiter?

If you're a Boomer or older, the answer, much of the time, is probably "Yes."

If so, you're experiencing something called "presbycusis" - in more practical terms, "getting older." The technical definition of Presbycusis is gradual decline in ear function that occurs with aging. Your own definition, though, may well be, "I can't hear the %$##!!*! waiter!"

Statistics tell us that between 20% and 40% of people over 50 are experiencing some level of hearing loss. And the places in which we most often experience it are places with a lot of background noise...such as restaurants.

As we age, the sensory nerve endings in the ear undergo some structural damage. And this causes hearing loss...which is exacerbated by conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

But - especially if you're a boomer - hearing loss can result from other causes, as well. We're the generation that came of age in the 60's and 70's. We not only blasted our music all day long, but, often, we blasted it directly into our ears, with headphones. We went to rock concerts where the decibel-level was often the same as an airliner taking off. Our philosophy, as the Grass Roots sang, was to "live for today." We never thought about - or didn't care about - the potential damage that could result from abusing our ears.

If it's any consolation to fellow Boomers, though...scientists are telling us that, apparently, younger generations - who often seem biologically attached to their headphones - may end up with worse hearing than us.

At The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we're Elder Law attorneys...which means we have to stay up-to-date on hundreds of not-necessarily-legal areas that might affect our clients.

Over the past 33 years, we've helped thousands of South Florida families with an ever-widening range of questions. And we've helped them, too, with comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, long-term care planning, asset-protection plans, and assistance with Medicaid and the VA.

We can answer your questions, too. And we're just a phone call away.

The Homestead Tax Exemption and Forwarding Mail

In order to qualify for the Homestead tax exemption, the property owner must be a permanent resident of the property and reside on it.

This can become an issue for senior citizens. Very often our clients will put in a change of address so the mail is forwarded to the children who are now handling finances, paying bills etc. Or the parent may be living temporarily in an assisted living, nursing home or rehab facility but intends to return when they are able.

 

Beware!

This change of address may trigger a letter from the property appraiser questioning whether the owner is still a resident.

It can also trigger a denial of the homestead exemption.

This can be very frightening to senior citizens.

 

Why is the property appraiser doing this? The property appraiser is making sure that people are not getting their homestead exemption and living out of state.

Usually a phone call followed by a letter to the property appraiser explaining that this is still the permanent residence of the senior will fix the problem. The property appraisers generally understands that sometimes the kids pay the bills or mom is in an ALF and even if returning home is not likely, that is still mom's home and she has the goal to return.

I usually warn my families not to do change of addresses or forward mail if possible. If it is the only way, I warn them to advise me immediately if they get a letter of denial from the property appraiser. They are generally very cooperative.

If you've got questions about this, we can answer them.

At The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we get asked questions like this all the time. In fact, we've been answering questions like these from South Florida families for the past 33 years. And we've been helping them secure their own futures as well as their children's...with comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, long-term care planning, asset-protection plans, and assistance with Medicaid and the VA.

We can answer your questions. And we're only a phone call away.

Two Crucial Documents That College Students Need

Is your “baby” going away to college? Or, has he/she recently gone away to college? If so, you’ve no doubt spent a lot of time poring over lists lately, to determine what’s a “want” and what’s a “need.” And you’ve probably – singlehandedly - made the post-it companies rich.

You’ve been planning – and if you’re like I was, dreading – this day for a couple of years. And you’ve most likely been saving for it for a lot longer than that.

So, chances are, you’re prepared. But, in this crazy world in which we live, there are some things for which you just can’t prepare…such as accidents or other tragedies.

That’s why you need to have your children sign two critical documents.

If your child is already 18, you already know that, legally, he/she is an adult. And because of federal privacy laws, the college he/she is attending generally can’t divulge medical information to you.

That’s why any child going away to school should sign a Health Care Proxy and HIPAA authorization. This way, if tragedy or illness strikes, you’ll be able to get the information you need. It doesn’t matter if you gave birth to that child. You won’t be able to get any information on his health status unless there’s a signed HIPAA authorization.

What happens if there’s an accident, and your child ends up in a coma? Who’s going to be the child’s voice? If there’s no Health Care Proxy, you may have to go to court to get a guardianship designation so you can make decisions for your child. Tragedy, though, has its own timetable. And going to court could cost you preciously if it takes too much time.

Remember Terry Schiavo?

If you’ve got questions about this, we can answer them.

At The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we get asked questions like this all the time. In fact, we’ve been answering questions like these from South Florida families for the past 33 years. And we’ve been helping them secure their own futures as well as their children’s…with comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, long-term care planning, asset-protection plans, and assistance with Medicaid and the VA.

We can answer your questions. And we’re only a phone call away.

Planning To Retire This Year? Ask Yourself These Questions First! - Part 2

In our last blog, we touched on a few questions you should consider before leaving your 9-5 career behind for a 24/7 retirement. We're talking about the rest of your life. And if you're not ready - emotionally or financially - you may want to wait.

Here are more questions you should be asking yourself, before taking the plunge.

CAN I PUT OFF TAKING SOCIAL SECURITY?

There's a natural instinct to sign up when you turn 62. But "full-retirement age" isn't until 66...and, if you start early, your benefits will be reduced. So, if you've got a bit of a nest egg, consider waiting a while. And if you can wait until 70, your benefits will be even higher.

For those eligible at age 66, waiting just one year will result in monthly benefits equaling 108% of the previous amount. And waiting until 70 would generate 132% of the regular monthly benefit!

In fact, you can nearly double the amount you'll get at 62 if you can wait until 70.

HAVE YOU SPOKEN WITH YOUR ACCOUNTANT?

Most of us speak with our accountant just once a year - at tax time. But don't consider retirement without doing it again!

A big chunk of your IRA is going to Uncle Sam when you withdraw it. And you'll need to prepare for that.

Consider a financial planner, too. Together, they can develop a strategy for your taxable and tax-sheltered accounts. And they can help you decide whether to convert to a Roth IRA, where withdrawals are tax-free...but conversions are not.

WHAT ARE YOU RETIRING TO?

Are you ready? Not only financially...but emotionally? To make the most radical change of your life?

And are you ready to seek out new pursuits and intellectual challenges, so your life stays interesting, and your brain healthy?

As an Elder Law attorney for the past 33 years, I get asked about retirement every day.

In fact, at The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we've helped thousands of South Florida families answer questions such as these. And we've helped them prepare for the future, with comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, long-term care planning, asset-protection plans, and assistance with Medicaid and the VA.

If you're approaching retirement, you've got questions. And we've got answers.

We're just a phone call away.

Planning to Retire This Year? Ask Yourself These Questions First! - Part 1

My Boomer clients talk about retiring all the time. And I always tell them the same thing: If you’re thinking about retiring…think hard!

You’ll have to make big decisions about things such as Social Security and taxes – in advance. The world as we knew it has been turned upside-down in recent years, and this decision will affect the rest of your life.

There’s another decision, too. Are you sure you’re ready – emotionally – to retire?

If you’re considering making the break, ask yourself these questions:

AM I REALLY READY?

Because of the loss of our financial security-blankets in recent years, people are working longer. If you enjoy your job, maybe you should keep working.

It will allow you more time to build up your savings for the day when you really do want to play golf instead of office politics, and more time to pay down your mortgage. Once you retire, it can be difficult to un-retire.

CAN I REALLY LIVE ON A SMALLER BUDGET?

If you think it was hard staying on a budget during your working life, you ain’t seen nuthin’ yet! In fact, it often gets more expensive to live after you retire. You’ve got less coming in. But you’ll probably be spending money on things you never had the time to spend it on before.

You’ll probably be traveling more. Seeing more movies or ballgames. Playing more golf. Going out with friends more. And perhaps buying more “toys.”

The Web can be a resource; mint.com can help you figure out expenses that may end with retirement, and those that may begin.

Some experts encourage a trial run, by living on a projected “retirement budget” while you’re still working. It’s not a totally-accurate method. But it might give you time to develop coping strategies.

As an Elder Law attorney for the past 33 years, I get asked about retirement pretty much every day.

In fact, at The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we’ve helped thousands of South Florida families answer questions such as these. And we’ve helped them prepare for the future, with comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, long-term care planning, asset-protection plans, and assistance with Medicaid and the VA.

If you’re approaching retirement, you’ve got questions – and we’ve got answers.

We’re just a phone call away. 

Veterans Are The Newest Target For Scammers

If you're a veteran, and you're thinking of attending one of those "free lunch" investment seminars - Beware! There's no such thing as a free lunch!

However, there is such a thing as a scammer. They're taking aim at veterans. And, often, they're doing it in suits and ties, peddling "free advice" from investment firms that's really a sales pitch.

In 2007, the SEC did a study of 110 "free lunch" seminars given by investment firms. Although most of these seminars were advertised as "educational," in actuality, 100% were sales presentations. Fifty percent used misleading advertising. One-quarter made unsuitable recommendations. And 13% appeared to be downright fraudulent.

The only person fully qualified to discuss veterans benefits with you is an Elder Law attorney, or a financial advisor who's accredited with the VA. Yet, many of these so-called "advisors" are not accredited.

Often, these scammers will pose as experts on the Aid and Attendance benefits, which covers unreimbursed medical expenses for combat veterans and their spouses. Many veterans who've taken their advice have found themselves virtually broke, because they've been disqualified from receiving Medicaid benefits.

The advisor won't be broke, however; a sale of a $500,000 annuity can result in $75,000!

If you're a veteran, you should read this recent article in the Chicago Tribune: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-201212190930--tms--savingsgctnzy-a20121219-20121219,0,4002905.story

At The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld, we've met far too many veterans who've been scammed...and who've come to us for help after the damage has already been done.

Over the past 33 years, we've helped thousands of South Florida veterans and their families make choices that are right for them. And we've helped them, too, with comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, long-term care planning, asset-protection plans, and assistance with Medicaid and the VA.

If you've got questions about veterans' issues or benefits, we can help. We're just a phone call away.