PLAN PLAN PLAN

PLAN PLAN PLAN

PLAN PLAN PLAN 150 150 Lauren Ellerman

I am not yet at the stage where retirement is on my mind. But, if it is for you, you have a lot of work to do, and YES I mean you young 60 somethings… YUP – LISTEN UP. I know these conversations are not fun, but have them now!

1. Write a Will – and share copies with family members (most states may not let you tape names to the bottom of furniture as sufficient bequeathing).
2. General POA – want someone to help with financial matters?
3. Health Care POA – want someone to make decisions for your health care when you cannot?
4. DNR – do you remember Ms. Valerie Schievo in Fla? With the right Health care POA or DNR documents, her family would have been spared a great deal of turmoil.
5. Charitable donations – want to watch your money help others? Then why wait to make donations – make them now, and be involved.
6. Not enough money for donations, but want to plan and save for your family? Consult a Medicaid consulting attorney for planning. You would be surprised at what federal law allows you to do and spend before Medicaid applications (and maybe you won’t be surprised, but a great deal is NOT allowed).
7. Plan your funeral – yup, I mean it, the whole thing – from payments, to caskets, to burial location. What a gift this will be for your loved ones who will be asked to make difficult decisions during a difficult time.
8. Tour local facilities. Do you know that no matter what you don’t want to go to a nursing home? Then do something about it – plan, talk to home health. What if you have heard bad things about a few – tour the ones around and make your family aware of those you find acceptable, and not acceptable.
9. Investigate insurance plans – Medicare B / Vet benefits – what do you have, and what do you need? Better do this sooner, than later.

And last, but not least – ENJOY YOUR RETIREMENT – knowing you are planned, organized and ready to enjoy. Your family will thank you for thinking ahead!

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About the author

Lauren Ellerman

In 2011, Lauren Ellerman was named "Young Lawyer of the Year" by the Roanoke Bar Association for her work in the community. To speak with Lauren about your personal injury case, contact her at lellerman@frithlawfirm.com.

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