Author Archives: Andre O. McDonald
New Eligibility Rules for VA Pension
On October 18, 2018, new rules regarding eligibility for VA pension were implemented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The new rules are quite comprehensive; however, they also provide more opportunities for veteran and surviving spouses to qualify for these important benefits. 3 Major Changes to Eligibility Rules for VA Pension 1. Lookback… Read More »
4 End-of-Life Documents You May Need
You may think your living will is in order, including instructions regarding resuscitation commonly referred to as a DNR (do not resuscitate). While your wishes in a living will may be appropriately documented, that does not guarantee the instructions will be carried out as you stated. The frightening truth is that mistakes regarding your end-of-life… Read More »
How Technology Can Reduce Feelings of Isolation for Seniors
The holidays are upon us and unfortunately many seniors feel even more isolated during this time. Thankfully, technology has provided some interactive gadgets to help lessen feelings of isolation. One of those gadgets, called the GrandPad, is discussed below. A New Technology Product to Help Reduce Feelings of Isolation in Seniors The internet is… Read More »
Planning on Gifting Money this Holiday Season? 5 Things to Consider
The holiday season is a time to enjoy friends, family, and loved ones. Often we consider our life circumstances and may get in the spirit of giving. This is particularly true if you are at a point in your life were you have enough from a financial standpoint. If you are planning on gifting… Read More »
Solo Aging, Independent Living and the New Housemate Trend
Solo aging in the baby boomer generation is becoming more prevalent, but many Americans are running out of family caregivers to assist them in their quest to remain independent as they age. The ratio of caregivers to care recipients has fallen and is projected to continue to do so for the next forty years…. Read More »
Dementia and its Effect on a Marriage (UPDATED: August 2019)
(Columbia, MD) When someone you love, in particular – your spouse – becomes ill, you want to help them get well. But what happens when the illness is dementia? A marital relationship that could have spanned years or decades becomes subject to enormous change, and that change is not a slow linear progression of… Read More »
4 Types of Benefits Available to Wartime Veterans (That You Might Not Know About)
There are many benefits available to wartime veterans, surviving spouses, and children. First let’s discuss who qualifies as a wartime veteran. A wartime veteran is one who served active military duty during one of the eligible wartime periods. They include the Mexican Border Period, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the… Read More »
Howard County Veterans Benefits Attorney
Veterans are an important class of our population and as such, it is important to know about the various benefits available to them. Many of these veterans’ benefits are based on the type of service, the health of the veteran, or a combination of these factors. While the next several paragraphs will provide a… Read More »
How an Inheritance May Change Your Estate Plan
Receiving an inheritance is a huge blessing but, if not handled properly, can also become a curse. Often times, the inheritor does not know what to do with the new asset and runs into financial trouble, squandering most, if not all of it. This could happen due to the inheritor having outstanding creditor issues… Read More »
The More You Know: Reverse Mortgages & Estate Planning
You have likely seen several advertisements for reverse mortgages if you have spent any time watching television or surfing on the internet. The concept is a simple one: as long as you own and live in your home, you can supplement your retirement income with a loan that you do not need to pay… Read More »
