Understanding the VA’s 3-Year Look-Back for Pension Benefits

Editor’s Note: This article has been reviewed and updated as of August 2025 to reflect the current VA regulations and financial figures. For wartime veterans and their families, the VA Pension with Aid & Attendance can be a crucial financial resource for managing the high costs of long-term care. However, the application process includes a […]

Understanding Medicaid’s 5-Year Look-Back Period

Editor’s Note: This article has been reviewed and updated as of August 2025 to reflect the current North Carolina Medicaid regulations and financial figures. When a person applies for long-term care Medicaid in North Carolina, the Department of Social Services (DSS) conducts a thorough financial review to determine eligibility. A critical part of this review […]

4 Common Estate Administration Mistakes to Avoid

Editor’s Note: This article has been reviewed as of August 2025 for accuracy and clarity. When a loved one passes away, the person named as the executor or administrator of their estate is given a significant responsibility. This process, known as estate administration, involves settling the deceased’s final affairs, from paying debts to distributing assets […]

Dos and Don’ts after a Loved One Passes Away

A Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do After a Loved One Passes Away Editor’s Note: This article has been reviewed as of August 2025 for accuracy and clarity. Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional and challenging experience. In the midst of grief, you are suddenly faced with a number of responsibilities that can feel […]

How to Choose the Right Trustee for Your Trust

Editor’s Note: This article has been reviewed and revised as of August 2025 for accuracy and clarity. Creating a trust is a powerful step in a comprehensive estate plan, but the document itself is only half the equation. A trust is only as effective as the person or institution you choose to manage it—the Trustee. […]

What Makes a Good Trust?

Editor’s Note: This article has been reviewed and revised as of August 2025 for accuracy and clarity. A Revocable Living Trust is a cornerstone of many modern estate plans. It offers flexibility that a simple will cannot, providing a detailed roadmap for how your assets should be managed during your lifetime and after you’re gone. […]

What is a Revocable Living Trust?

Editor’s Note: This article has been reviewed and revised as of August 2025 for accuracy and clarity. One of the most common questions in estate planning is, “Do I need a Revocable Living Trust?” Once considered a tool exclusively for the wealthy, trusts are now a valuable and accessible option for many families seeking greater […]

Providing for Pets in an Estate Plan

Don’t Forget the Pets: Including Your Four-Legged Family in Your Estate Plan Editor’s Note: This article has been reviewed and revised as of August 2025 for accuracy and clarity. For most of us, pets are not just animals; they are cherished members of our family. We plan for their care when we go on vacation, […]

Long Term Care Medicaid Myths

Debunking 4 Common Myths About Long-Term Care Medicaid Editor’s Note: This article has been reviewed and revised as of August 2025 for accuracy and clarity. Misinformation about long-term care Medicaid can lead families to make poor financial decisions when they are most vulnerable. It is a complex system, but understanding the truth behind the common […]

Aging Life Care Professionals

What is an Aging Life Care Professional? Editor’s Note: This article has been reviewed and revised as of August 2025 for accuracy and clarity. As our loved ones age, navigating the complexities of their health, housing, and financial needs can become a significant challenge for families. An Aging Life Care Professional, formerly known as a […]