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An excessive amassing of possessions can indicate hoarding behavior and hoarding disorder (HD), a mental health condition. Hoarding disorder leads to a level of clutter that often makes it difficult for those affected to use and maintain their residences.

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program is one of four types of Medicare Savings Programs. The QMB Program is also the most comprehensive of the four, as it helps individuals with limited income and assets pay not only for Medicare Part A and B premiums, but also for deductibles and co-payments. This fall, a new rule will ensure that many more people gain access to this valuable program.

Come January 1, 2025, retirees are on track to see their Social Security benefits checks rise slightly once again, by 2.5 percent, or an average of about $50 per month. This will bring the average payout per month for retirees to $1,976.

Whether you need a trust instead of – or in addition to – a will depends on your circumstances, such as the size of your estate and your personal goals.

As of 2024, you can now also roll over unspent funds from a 529 plan to a beneficiary-owned Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA). This provision, introduced as part of the SECURE 2.0 Act, gives families a way to kick-start a young person’s retirement savings.

What would we do without our smartphones, tablets, and computers? These internet-connected devices allow us to connect instantly with friends and family, order food, hail rides, pay our credit card bills, and so much more. Our devices offer so many benefits and have become such an integral part ...

Cost is a leading factor in why some people don’t use hearing aids. If you’re over 65, you may wonder whether Medicare covers hearing aids.

Medicare open enrollment is on the horizon. Now is the time to start thinking about any changes you may want to make to your Medicare coverage. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, some significant changes have come along for Medicare, and more will take effect in the near future.

It may seem morbid to plan ahead for your passing. But giving the loved ones you trust most a sense of direction about your funeral wishes can be a gift in and of itself.

Being a trustee is a significant responsibility. Those serving in this role must always act in the best interests of beneficiaries when carrying out their trust management duties, which include locating and protecting trust assets, investing assets prudently, distributing money and property to beneficiaries, keeping track of income and expenditures, and filing taxes.

Probate is a legal process that happens after someone dies. While probate can be complex, lengthy, and expensive, an estate planning attorney or probate attorney can help mitigate unwanted risks. They will be able to anticipate what might happen and prevent issues before they arise.

After much anticipation, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have issued final regulations relating to the 10-year required minimum distribution (RMD) rule for people who inherit individual retirement account (IRA) assets.

In recent years, researchers have been finding potential links between feelings of loneliness and negative health outcomes. Feeling lonely may put you at greater risk of premature death, serious health problems, and higher suicide rates.

Medicare is a federal public benefits program providing medical benefits to individuals over 65 and younger people with certain disabilities.

No state will revoke a driver’s license based only on the driver’s age. However, some states have placed restrictions on license renewals for elder drivers. Other states do not base license renewals on age, and still others have fewer requirements for older drivers.

On July 12, 2024, the SSA announced a change affecting many account users. Those who created a my Social Security account before September 18, 2021, must transition to a different type of online account known as a Login.gov. With a Login.gov account, you can continue to access to the SSA’s online services.

Effective September 30, 2024, the new rule is likely to allow more people to qualify for SSI. In addition, some current SSI recipients may see an increase in their monthly benefit amount as a result. The rule change is part of a broader agency effort to streamline certain aspects of the SSI program.

Thanks to a new rule recently finalized by the federal government, obtaining and renewing health care coverage under the Medicaid program is set to become easier for millions of Americans.

In the ever-evolving landscape of health care, one critical challenge has been ensuring that Medicare recipients receive the coverage they need without undue financial burdens. A new legislative effort aims to address a particularly perplexing issue: the distinction between hospital observation status and inpatient status, and its effects on Medicare coverage.

One strategy for protecting assets and qualifying for Medicaid that has gained attention in recent years is the use of promissory notes. This article will provide an explanation of promissory notes in the context of Medicaid planning, including their purpose, legality, implications, and considerations. Note that not all states allow promissory notes. Consult with an experienced elder law attorney before using one.

Many people believe estate plans are only for extremely wealthy families who are looking to reap tax benefits. Or they may delay estate planning because they are young. Others do not understand why an estate plan is important in the first place or feel it's too morbid a topic. But as the following list makes clear, estate planning is for everyone, regardless of age or net worth.

You will exit your business at some point. Planning for that moment now by incorporating the business into your estate plan can help to set up you and your family for a successful next chapter. Succession planning is more than contingency planning — it’s part of a growth strategy.

After receiving an inheritance, some people blow through it surprisingly quickly. Here are some mistakes people make when inheriting money and how to avoid them. 

Having a durable power of attorney as part of your estate plan helps avoid the need for a court-appointed guardian or conservator, which can be costly and time-consuming allows you to maintain control over your future even if you are unable to make decisions for yourself.

Though Medicaid exists to help those who need it, navigating the specifics of what it covers and does not cover can be daunting. This article highlights the basics of Medicaid coverage, shedding light on its benefits and limitations.