People are living longer today, thanks to medical advances and more health-conscious lifestyles, but that has created a situation that previous generations didn’t often confront. Helping take care of your aging parents or other relatives, especially when it comes to managing and protecting their finances, has become a concern for this generation.   Cases of elder abuse are very common; however, many go unreported. Unfortunately, some elders suffer in silence because they are too ashamed to say anything.   Common forms of abuse:   (1) One of predators’ favorite targets is the elderly, and sophisticated scammers will call the victim and tell them that they owe a debt and will be legally prosecuted if they don’t pay. When the victim sends them funds, now the scammer may have access to their accounts. making it worse for the victim.   (2) Caregivers who are taking care of the victim may have easy...

Careful estate planning is necessary when planning for children or relatives with disabilities. The term “special needs” it is commonly used where there is someone in the family who is unable to make necessary legal, financial and overall life decisions for him or herself. The biggest fear is often “Who will take care of my loved ones and how will they be provided for after I am gone?” A Special Needs or Supplemental Needs Trust is a trust that preserves your loved one’s ability to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid benefits and can help you establish your wishes for how your loved one is provided for after your death. Owning a house, a car, furnishings, and some other personal items does not affect eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. But other assets, including having too much cash in the bank, will in fact disqualify your loved one from benefits. Leaving...