The modern family is no longer defined by the nuclear model. Today, blended families - where one or both partners bring children from previous relationships - are increasingly common. So-called “nontraditional” families, including blended families, now outnumber...

Most people know they should have an estate plan, but many put it off, assuming it’s only necessary later in life or for those with significant assets. The truth is, estate planning is about much more than money. It’s about making sure your wishes are followed, your...

Raising a child with special needs involves careful planning, not just for today, but for their entire lifetime. One of the most important tools families can use to protect their child’s future is a Special Needs Trust (SNT). But many parents ask: When is the right...

The short answer:Peace of Mind for Parents. Empowerment for Young Adults. As your child heads off to college, you’re likely checking off lists: dorm essentials, class schedules, student ID, maybe even a financial aid package. But there’s one more important checklist...

After many years of handling daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and cooking, we tend to take for granted that we can do these tasks without help. However, as we age, many of us will need help with some of these tasks, as well as other daily activities. In fact,...

If you have money to give your children, you certainly can, but you should be aware that you may face consequences should you apply for Medicaid long-term care coverage within five years after each gift. In 2025, you can give up to $19,000 to any one individual and...

A question we hear, quite often, from many who are traveling the roads of aging and disability is, "My spouse needs nursing home care. Will I need to sell my house to pay for his care?" The answer is, generally, no, but it depends. You generally do not need to sell...

Summer may be a season of sunshine and relaxation, but it’s also an ideal time to take care of important personal matters such as planning your estate. Whether you're gathering with family, enjoying a slower pace, or simply taking stock of where things stand mid-year,...

If you or a loved one are among the 71.6 million people receiving Social Security benefits, be careful of downloading email attachments. You could receive a dangerous email from hackers pretending to be the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the email looks...

In 2025, Americans born in 1960 are reaching age 65, a milestone that for decades has been associated with retirement. Many people still think of 65 as the age to claim full Social Security retirement benefits. But for those born in 1960 or later, full retirement age...

For many families living with autism, connection and communication can be among the greatest daily challenges. But what if the answer to building a bridge came not through words, but through a wagging tail and a pair of gentle eyes? A new documentary titled...

The SECURE Act 2.0, signed into law on December 29, 2022, builds upon the original SECURE Act of 2019 and introduces several important changes that affect special needs planning. With many provisions taking effect in 2023 and 2024, and others, like expanded ABLE...

In recent years, a heartwarming trend has emerged across the United States: senior adults adopting senior pets. These special connections are often life-changing — for both the pets and the people. Though puppies and kittens tend to get the spotlight at shelters,...

Caring for aging adults—especially those with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or dementia—is a growing, often undervalued responsibility. As the global population ages, understanding caregiver challenges and providing robust support systems has become a public health...

As most of us go through our daily routines, it is hard to imagine needing help with essential daily tasks. However, research shows that most Americans over age 65 will need daily help, in the form of long-term care, at some point. Long-term care (LTC) encompasses a...