Investing

Blog Posts

• Blog Post - What the Financial Meltdown Means for You and Your Family

  In light of the market meltdown of the past few weeks, it does make sense to reevaluate your financial situation and investment strategies.

• Blog Post - How much say do I have in determining who is guardian over me and my affairs?

  Do I have any rights in determining my care and who...

• Blog Post - My mother's growing needs are putting a strain on my marriage, and I find myself wondering which will fall apart first -- her, my marriage, or me. What can I do?

  Since my dad died five years ago, my mother has had...

• Blog Post - Reverse Mortgages: Looking for Trouble?

  Reverse mortgages--a loan for people ages 62 and older...

• Blog Post - Going For Broke? Seniors Turn to Newer Loans To Avoid Cash Crunch

  Seniors hurt by the tough economy are raising money using reverse mortgages, life insurance settlements and 401k loans. In exchange for up-front cash, your parent may lose future equity or investment gains, so help them make smart money choices.

• Blog Post - How Retirement Is Changing

  A rundown of emotional and financial issues facing current and future retirees.

• Blog Post - Keeping Your Parents Safe From Scammers

  Senior citizens are attractive targets for scammers, according to a new report, but there are some simple and easy things you can do to help keep your parent from being victimized.

• Blog Post - I'm not close to my dad's new wife, and that's keeping me from caring for him as much as I'd like to (he has Alzheimer's). How can I step in and help him more?

  What to do when your elderly father's new wife comes between you and him.

• Blog Post - My Own Last (Online) Wishes

  Facebook users can let friends and family know their final instructions via a new application called My Own Last Wishes.

Questions & Answers

• Question - How do I get my dad to stop taking questionable financial advice from his friends?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - What is the best way for my 87 year old mother to invest her money?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - Will the lump sum I'm about to inherit from my father's IRA accounts affect my disabliity and medicare benefits?

  Unanswered. Can you help?

• Question - How can I convince my parents to accept my financial help?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - What are annuities and do they make sense for someone over 80?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert

• Question - How should my mother decide when to file for Social Security?

  Is it best to file for Social Security benefits early, at age 62, if a parent needs money or wait until 65 or 67 to file for Social Security benefits?

• Question - Is there anything I can do if I've been excluded from a trust?

  Children can be excluded from their parents' estate plans, but it usually must be verified as an intentional move.

• Question - What is maximum income a widow can make to receive her husband's Social Security?

  As a widow, can I collect my spouse's Social Security though I have an income? If you're at retirement age, you can collect his full Social Security.

• Question - What does the term "new trust since PPA" refer to?

  The translation is easy: PPA means "Pension Protection Act." But understanding that law is far from simple.

• Question - Is there such a thing as an irrevocable maintenance trust fund?

  Irrevocable trusts are forever. But how the trust property is distributed is a matter of form and format.

• Question - Can I amend a life estate?

  Before amending a life estate, consider the possible drawbacks of the arrangement.

• Question - How can I get my parent to eat without nagging?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert and a Community Member

• Question - What is my first step in administering my mother's will?

  The first step is usually the hardest: Finding and organizing the property your mothe owned at her death.

• Question - How do I set up a real estate trust?

  You may be able to set up a simple living trust on your own; other types of trusts may require some guidance from a legal expert.

• Question - How do we deal with my deceased father's estate without a will?

  Unanswered. Can you help?