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7 Ways to Check On Aging Loved Ones This Holiday Season
The holiday season has arrived again, and there's a lot to do! Baking, shopping, decorating, planning, wrapping, etc. The hustle and bustle of the season will usually be followed by special times with our friends and family, so this is a great time to check in on how...
Social Security and SSI Benefits Increase in 2024: What Retirees Need to Know
As we approach the new year, important news has arrived for retirees across the nation. The Social Security Administration recently announced a 3.2 percent increase in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 2024. This welcome news means...
5 Big Risks of Adding Your Kids to Your Bank Account
The Truth About Adding Your Child(ren) to Your Bank Account Many parents think that "adding their children to their bank account" is an easy way to be sure their kids can help if something unexpected happens, but it can cause some unintended consequences. Legally, you...
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How to Protect Your Family’s Inheritance
I often speak to local associations and service groups about estate planning. Oftentimes, the topic is about protecting the money people have worked so hard for. While proper planning can make things easier on your heirs after you're gone, few people consider how...
You Are in Control
Growing old can seem cruel and unkind. When the time comes that your decisions are no longer yours but are given away to your children or someone you may or may not trust, it can feel like you’ve lost control. But you can stay in control if you choose the correct path...
It’s Time to Sign up or Review Your Medicare Part D Plan
It’s fall, when thoughts turn to spicy pumpkin lattes, crisp colorful leaves, and Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D? Yes! Enrollment starts October 15 and ends December 7, so it’s time to review your current plan or prepare to sign up for a new one, or both. It’s...
Widows at Risk for Being Taken Advantage Of
It may be hard to believe, but when a husband (or wife) dies, there are plenty of people there to take advantage of the situation. A recent article in a national newspaper column highlighted this risk with a local Springfield woman. Trustworthy helpers are vitally...
The Unique Planning Needs of Women
Women today have many unique situations that require special treatment when it comes to estate planning. Well, maybe not special treatment, but women need to take extra care that they are protected through good planning. Here are some examples: Young mom stays home...
Caring for an Aging Loved One? Get Organized Around These 6 Areas to Save Time and Stress
Caring for an elderly parent can be so stressful. It can feel like you're just moving from one crisis to another without having time to catch your breath. Every twist and turn comes with new challenges. Figuring out how to deal with those challenges is like starting a...
5 Stages of Life Care Planning
First, you’re probably wondering, “What is Life Care Planning?” Life Care Planning is a new concept in the estate planning field that came about because people are living a lot longer these days. Estate planning attorneys realized that planning didn’t just need to be...
Edwards Group Is Open and Serving Clients
We are still open and serving those who need our help! Under the governor's orders, legal services are considered essential business. So, we remain open to assist families with estate planning and elder care needs, but we are taking extra steps to protect our clients...
How Do You Access VA Benefits to Pay for Care at Home?
One of the biggest challenges people face as they age is finding the care they need and then paying for that care. It's something that the majority of Americans struggle with at some point in their life. A lot of those who are aging and need care right now are...
Joint Ownership – Tempting But Risky
Joint ownership with a right of survivorship, or joint tenancy, is a common method of owning assets. Particularly with husbands and wives, it is a very common ownership method. Many people hear about joint tenancy as being a good estate planning tool - a way to...