When You Lose a Partner Losing a spouse is one of life’s most painful experiences. When that spouse was also the one who managed the family’s finances, the grief can be compounded by confusion, fear, and uncertainty.

The words Reverse Mortgage can feel scary. Many home owners fear these, believing that a reverse mortgage is the first step towards losing the home. That has happened to some families, but there are many myths about what a reverse mortgage is, and what benefits it might give. Allow me to explain.

Your car is your freedom. This allows you to socialize, work, run errands, and explore without the need to rely on someone else’s busy schedule. For most of us, getting a driver’s license at the earliest possible age was therefore a necessity.

 I am often asked about the difference between a Power of Attorney (POA), and a Conservatorship. Clients sometimes wonder whether it would be better to have a Conservatorship, and when should they get that in place?

Who will shovel the snow? Last week’s snowstorm was beautiful, but we all know the next morning there is work to be done. Some of our neighbors are now unable to shovel their own driveway. Usually, their children or grandchildren come to help, or the neighborhood chips in. But I know this does not happen for everyone.

Planning for Change The only thing constant is change. This is as true in care planning as it is in all areas of life. A good estate plan is one that can adapt and change with the curveballs life throws at you. This also means a good estate plan is one that you periodically review. It is not uncommon to see a Last Will that is twenty or thirty years old. The toddlers you named Guardians for are now adults with toddlers of their own.