The Money Maze

The Money Maze

Funeral and burial costs — planning ahead while there's still time

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. Funeral and Burial Costs—Planning Ahead While There's Still Time When your parent is still here,

The Money Maze

When they run out of money — the Medicaid transition

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. You've been managing your parent's finances carefully. You've planned, you've

The Money Maze

Trusts and asset protection — a plain-English overview

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. Trusts sound complicated because people who know about trusts seem to talk about them in a kind of

The Money Maze

Elder financial abuse — when someone is stealing from your parent

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. You start noticing things. Your parent mentions that a bill didn't get paid, but you know

The Money Maze

The cost of waiting — why financial planning for care can't be postponed

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. You probably know this already. You know you should be planning. You know it would be smart to

The Money Maze

Real estate decisions — selling the house, keeping the house, renting the house

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. The conversation usually starts like this: your parent is in their 80s, maybe showing some signs of needing

The Money Maze

Protecting retirement accounts during long-term care

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. Your parent spent decades building retirement savings. 401k contributions taken from every paycheck. IRA rollovers moved carefully from

The Money Maze

Paying family caregivers — the legal way to compensate yourself or siblings

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. You've given up three afternoons a week to help your parent with medical appointments and household

The Money Maze

Tax implications of caregiving — deductions and credits most families miss

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. You've spent thousands of dollars on your parent's care. Doctors' visits. Medications. Equipment

The Money Maze

When a parent can no longer manage money — the warning signs and next steps

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. You notice your mother's bills are piling up unopened on her kitchen counter. Your father mentions

The Money Maze

Joint accounts and added signers — the legal reality of shared finances

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. Your mother suggests adding you to her checking account. It seems simple enough. You're going to

The Money Maze

Power of attorney and finances — when you need to take over the money

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Every family situation is different, and you should consult with appropriate professionals about your specific circumstances. Your parent is still in their own home but memory issues are getting worse. You've started