5 Things to Avoid When Borrowing

5 Things to Avoid When Borrowing

Applying for a mortgage loan? Here are the top five things to avoid as advised by First American Title Insurance Company to ensure your loan is approved. Don’t change your marital status. How you hold title is affected by your marital status. Be sure to make...
Black or Blue (Ink)…Does It Matter?

Black or Blue (Ink)…Does It Matter?

Question: Which ink color (black or blue) is legally binding when signing legal or contract documents? Answer: Thanks a lot … I expected this question to require five minutes to research. An hour later, I am still reading about early Chinese dynasties and American...
To Buy or Not Buy – an Extended Warranty

To Buy or Not Buy – an Extended Warranty

Question: Should I buy an extended warranty for my large gifts this holiday season? Answer: Don’t you love the slew of questions at the checkout counter? Are you a rewards member? Would you like to sign up for a credit card to save $2.00. And the hardest one: would...
Caregiver Child Should Change Address

Caregiver Child Should Change Address

Question: I moved in to care for my widowed mom three years ago. Her needs have progressed greatly, and we are now shopping for nursing homes. She has no money and owns her home. Is there a way to protect her house? Answer: It sounds like your mother will qualify for...
Put Planning, Back Into Estate Planning

Put Planning, Back Into Estate Planning

Question: We attended a dinner hosted by a large estate planning firm. They got us excited about signing up for nursing home protection planning. To be safe, we sought your “second opinion.” You took a close look at our finances, saw our $1 million IRA and advised...
Haunted House For Sale

Haunted House For Sale

Question: My aunt died in her home. Since her death, family members swear they have seen paranormal activity in the house. Ghost hunters were actually called to the house to investigate. I am listing the home for sale on the market. Do I need to disclose this as a...
What Is Hospice Care?

What Is Hospice Care?

Many think that hospice care solely administers medication to make people who are dying imminently feel more comfortable. However, hospice care is much more than that. It can positively impact the quality of one’s life during their final journey, as well as assist the...
Not All Assets Are Counted Equally for MassHealth

Not All Assets Are Counted Equally for MassHealth

Question: My mother is entering a nursing home and applying for MassHealth to pay the monthly cost. They say her assets must be under $2,000 to qualify.  She has one bank account containing $10,000 and one bond for $10,000. My name is on both assets with my mother....