We had just laid out a generous penny for new-and-improved wills and were in the process of setting up new and ridiculous life insurance polices that would equip me with enough to get a house in the South of France (well, more like a shack in South Walton), when my husband’s persistent cough became annoying not just to him but for those of us around him. The breaking point – or one of them – was when a coworker started calling him “TB.” He became sick on Christmas day and has yet to have a cough-free day. The mysterious on-again-off-again-sometimes-fevery-but-always-coughy …read more

As much I talk about having a will and being prepared around here, there’s still plenty I don’t quite understand.
The term “estate planning” is still kind of nebulous to me and sounds like something people with lot of money and assets have to worry about, but, indeed, us regular people need to consider estate planning, too.
Estate Planning for Everyone from Nolo.com really breaks down the process is east to understand terms and is a great checklist of what you need to consider (note: legal information is not legal advice) to be prepared in the event of death.

The Naperville Sun has a good article, Boomers should be gentle in aiding aging parents with estate plans.
I know I talk about this topic a lot, but, I cannot tell you how much I was just like you: raising young children, going to work, and going about my suburban existence, and, one day woke up smack in the middle of the Sandwich Generation, and, was faced with these matters.
Even if you don’t think you’re anywhere near this scenario, do read it, and, try to find something you can learn from it. It’s never too early to talk about such …read more

I talk about it lot, but, it is so important to be familiar with your aging parents’ (or other family member) finances.
I know it’s a tough thing to talk about because I’m sure many of us were raised to believe that money matters are an intensely personal and private matter. But, the fact is, that any of us could be called upon at any time to be in charge of, or, assist with the finances of someone else.
The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has a good article, Be Prepared to Manage Older Parents’ Finances, that summarizes some of the issues to …read more