201709.27
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Should Missouri Seniors Own Pets?

Controversial as it may be, the question should be asked…is it wise for Missouri Seniors to own pets? According to a 2011 Harris Poll, 62% of Americans own a pet. Estimates published by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) indicate there are a staggering 70-80 million dogs and 74-96 million cats owned in the United…

201609.13
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Bucket List for Seniors Before the End of 2016

“A man should not leave this earth with unfinished business.  He should live each day as if it was a pre-flight check.  He should ask each morning, am I prepared for lift-off?”  Diane Frolov and Andrew Scheider, Northern Exposure, All is Vanity, 1991. According to the legal resource FindLaw.com, approximately 55% of American do not…

201607.05
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VA Annuity Scam – Beware Seniors

One question asked of all seniors entering a residential care facility is “did you or your spouse ever serve in the military?”  If the applicant responds “yes,” then the facility may be eligible for up to $2,837.00 per month from the Department of Veterans Affairs towards the cost of his or her care.  The benefit…

201602.18
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Seniors and their Influence on Elections

Abraham Lincoln once said: “Elections belong to the people.  It’s their decision.  If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.”  Seniors hear this call to action and play a critical role in elections.  They vote more consistently than any…

201601.29
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Elder Law Attorneys – Who are They and Do You Need One?

Who Are They?  In its 2015 National Lawyer Population by State report, the American Bar Association indicated there were 25,337 attorneys in Missouri.  Before you think that indicates we have more than enough attorneys, please note the ABA also reported that 11,656 of those attorneys are “Idle Attorneys” or those who are licensed and on…

201601.11
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Tips for Downsizing Seniors

For some well-prepared seniors, downsizing is an inevitable part of life that they planned for long ago.  Those parties may relish the idea of selling most of their belongings to seek out warmer climates or senior housing options where meals are prepared, lawns are maintained, and similarly aged friends are readily available for games and…

201511.17
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Beneficiary Deeds

Every week, clients approach our firm in hopes of saving their heirs the need to probate their estate…after all, you worked your entire life to acquire assets and likely want them to pass to your loved ones without delay and expense.  Here is one way to reduce the list of assets that require court involvement…

201510.13
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Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-Term Care Insurance, (hereinafter, “LTCI”), is thought by many professionals to be an important component of a well-designed financial plan.  Like other insurance, it is purported to insure you against certain events; more specifically, the depletion of retirement savings and income, and the loss of choice and independent decision making when long-term illness or disability…

201504.28
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Why Create a Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Decisions?

The Missouri Durable Power of Attorney Law is set forth in Chapter 404.700 through 404.735 of the Missouri Revised Statutes.  A power of attorney is a legal document wherein you voluntarily, and with informed consent, and in the presence of witnesses, give another person powers to address your property and finances.  Although you may select multiple parties to…

201502.09
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Senior Debt Collection Tips

Let’s start with two wonderful quotes:  “A bulldog can whip a skunk, but sometimes it’s not worth it.” – J. Nowell or “Creditors have better memories than debtors.” – Ben Franklin.  When clients hire me to collect a debt, these humorous quotes often come to mind, but for most business owners and senior adults who…