August 2016

 


Message From Peter

Labor Day weekend will mark the end of our summer hours.  Beginning September 6th our winter office hours will be in effect (Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm / Closed for lunch from 12:00pm to 1:00pm).  We hope everyone enjoyed the summer! 


Also, please be sure to read my new article directly below on "Celebrating Social Security".





CELEBRATING SOCIAL SECURITY

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act in 1935. At that time he saw it as an innovative way to provide economic security for American workers. We know that the Social Security program has been....

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Medicare Coverage While Traveling Within the U.S.

Although Medicare coverage is generally not available when beneficiaries are overseas, what about coverage for those exploring our own varied and scenic land?

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Understanding the Tax Consequences of Inheriting a Roth IRA

Passing down a Roth IRA can seem like a good idea, but it doesn't always make the most sense. Before converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA to benefit your heirs, you should consider the tax consequences.

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How Long Does an Agent Under a Power of Attorney Need to Keep Financial Documents?

As an agent under a power of attorney, how far back do I have to keep documentation for accounting purposes? I have been my mother's agent since 2004. My mother is in a nursing home and has enough assets to pay for her care with her private funds for at least a few more years. Because of the five-year Medicaid look-back period, I have been discarding all records that go beyond five years and have been doing so on a monthly basis. Do I need to hold onto everything, no matter how old it is, just in case of an audit (for example, at the request of my siblings) or is five years of recordkeeping sufficient?

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Jumbo Reverse Mortgages Are Increasingly Available for High-Value Homes

Seniors with pricier homes now have an increased ability to get a jumbo reverse mortgage in order to raise cash for retirement. As the housing market has improved, jumbo reverse mortgages are becoming more popular even though they carry some risk.

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How to Vote While in a Nursing Home

Although voting is the hallmark of a democracy, it isn't easy if you are in a long-term care facility. Nursing home and other long-term care facility residents face several challenges to voting, from registering to vote to actually casting a ballot.

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