What tips or products can you recommend to help make a home safer and more convenient for those who are aging or have a disability? My husband and I don’t have the money for any big renovations, but we want to do what we can to make our home safe and accessible.
There are many simple ways to modify your home so that it is safer and more livable. Here are several inexpensive or free modifications to consider.
Published November 2, 2012
United Methodist Foundation for the Tennessee and Memphis Conferences
More than 40 wills were submitted to the probate court, with a multitude of potential heirs each claiming to be the true recipient of a wealthy business owner who passed away in 1976. With a $2.5 billion estate at stake, there was an intense interest in the decision of the court.
After extensive review of the 40 documents, the court finally determined that none of the 40 wills were valid. Because there was no valid will, the court divided the $2.5 billion estate among 22 relatives. Court costs, attorney costs, and estate taxes were enormous, but the 22 heirs still each received millions of dollars.
Published September 14, 2012
United Methodist Foundation for the Tennessee and Memphis Conferences
“My brother Pete and I own a ranch together,” said Joe to his advisor. “Our mother deeded the four sections of her ranch to us with right of survivorship. As a single person, I think that I will plan to leave 50% of my share to Pete and the other half to my favorite charity. Of course, if Pete dies, he is married and probably wants to leave his share to his spouse and children.”
Do Pete and Joe need to review their estate plans? Yes! These two rancher brothers held title as joint tenants with right of survivorship. If the single brother (Joe) were to pass away, Pete would inherit his brother’s half of the ranch. Even though Joe stated that half of his share should go to his favorite charity, nothing will be given to charity.
Published August 17, 2012
United Methodist Foundation for the Tennessee and Memphis Conferences
Planning for retirement and senior care is a very important activity. The activities of daily living for a senior person include eating, dressing, bathing, and walking or moving. At some point you will likely need assistance in one or more areas.
By: Henry C. Weatherby, Esq., CLU, ChFC, CEBS
Many of our clients are caring for or being cared for by a loved one. More than 65 million Americans care for family members who need assistance due to chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age. These millions of family caregivers may include spouses, parents, or children of the person receiving care. Even when family members are not providing direct care themselves, they are often still the ones who arrange for and manage the care their loved ones need. These people are still part of the caregiving team and share in the emotional and financial stresses that can result from being a caregiver. Caregivers are often so focused on the needs of the person for whom they are caring that they forget to care for themselves. This puts them at risk for caregiver burnout.
