Author Archives: Site Administrator
Threatened Food-Stamp Cuts Would Harm Elderly
Unconscionable. That’s the only way to describe the recent vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to cut $40 billion from the nation’s food stamp program. The impact of that attack on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on just one vulnerable segment of the population, the elderly, is potentially devastating, and an advocacy organization… Read More »
Denial of dementia can cut both ways, have real consequences
Practically everyone knows of examples where older people refused to acknowledge obvious signs of approaching dementia until it was simply too late. It doesn’t help the situation at all that the individual’s friends and family members are just as hesitant to ignore a growing problem. This becomes a double-edged sword. “Nobody wants to admit… Read More »
Changes in the Law Change Where it’s Best to, Um, Die
Death may be a certainty, but the taxes attached to departing this veil of tears are anything but. “When it comes to state death taxes, nothing’s certain,” according to a recent article on Forbes.com. Entitled “Where Not To Die In 2013 Update,” the piece described changes in the law in various states that have… Read More »
Decision ‘Will Radically Change Estate Planning’
The U.S. Supreme Court decision relating to same-sex marriages will have far-reaching effects. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Among other things, according to a recent item in Forbes magazine, the ruling “will radically change estate planning for affluent same-sex married couples.” “That’s true not just for the specific issue that was before the Court, but for… Read More »
Special needs of military for consumer protection recognized
In a gesture somewhat overdo but almost worth the wait, the federal government formally recognized Military Consumer Protection Day on July 17. According to a wide array of sources, improving ways to keep men and women who have honorably served their country from falling prey to scams isn’t going to stop at only one… Read More »
Reducing the Pain When Longtime Partners Must be Separated
Many people assume that for elderly couples the death of a spouse is an inevitable and heart-wrenching experience, and they would be correct. (Photo credit: i.tokaris) However, separation from one another because one of the partners requires a greater level care than the other is almost as keenly painful. “Sadly, this scenario is more… Read More »
Helping Seniors Simple and Worthwhile
It’s something most Americans take for granted: we need something, so we go get it, whether it’s groceries or clothing or what have you, and go back home. But it’s not that simple for people who are homebound. They must depend upon the kindness of others, in some cases strangers, for the basic necessities…. Read More »
Head or heart? Donation decisions can be difficult
When people think about making charitable donations, sometimes they don’t really think at all. Instead, they give based solely on emotions, which is fine. A recent blog on the website of The New York Times, however, recognized this distinction was “one of the big debates among donors and their advisers: is it better to… Read More »
In spite of strides, women still treated as ‘unequal’ in estate planning
Women have come a long way in many ways in achieving equality with the male members of society, but there is one area where they still lag far behind. A recent article in Forbes magazine, with the nifty title “Nice Girls Talk About Estate Planning” points out that women are the chief executive officers… Read More »
Law would treat military parents of children with disabilities with the same respect as it does their civilian counterparts
On the plus side, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and of the Senate recently had the courage to introduce a bill that would greatly aid children with disabilities who have a parent in the military. On the down side, the website govtrack.us gives the measure only a 1-percent chance of making… Read More »