Author: elderlawofmi

Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Health

Hoarding Part 2: The Do’s and Don’ts of Decluttering

By Betsy Smith, Network Partner Manager at Elder Law of Michigan People with hoarding disorder are emotionally attached to their belongings and cannot set priorities and make informed decisions. Therefore, they can compromise their safety and relationships just because they are afraid to throw anything away. When the well-being of the affected individual is in danger hoarding help becomes necessary. If you suspect a loved one of … Continue reading Hoarding Part 2: The Do’s and Don’ts of Decluttering

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Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Social Security

Social Security and OIG Announce National ‘Slam the Scam’ Day

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security, and the agency continue raising public awareness about telephone impersonation schemes during the Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) national ‘Slam the Scam’ Day on March 5. Social Security and OIG have made concerted efforts to educate the public about these scams – in which fraudulent callers mislead victims into … Continue reading Social Security and OIG Announce National ‘Slam the Scam’ Day

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Elder Law of Michigan, Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Pension

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): The Only Insurance Policies You Need After Retirement

Via U.S. News By Maryalene LaPonsie RETIREMENT IS WHEN everything changes. Seniors may end up with new schedules, new hobbies and even new homes. In the midst of all these exciting changes, don’t overlook the mundane: your insurance coverage. With a new season of life at hand, old policies may no longer meet your needs. However, seniors should be cautious about canceling their policies. You need … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): The Only Insurance Policies You Need After Retirement

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Elder Law of Michigan, Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Pension

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Social Security and survivor benefits

Via InvestmentNews By Mary Beth Franklin Widows and widowers have more flexibility than other Social Security beneficiaries when it comes to claiming strategies because retirement benefits and survivor benefits represent two different pots of money. A surviving spouse or an eligible surviving divorced spouse can choose one type of benefit first and switch to the other benefit later if it results in a larger monthly … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Social Security and survivor benefits

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Elder Law of Michigan, Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Pension

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Can I Have a 401(k) and an IRA?

Via nerdwallet By Andrea Coombes Short answer: Yes, you can contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA, but if your income exceeds the IRS limits, you might lose out on one of the tax benefits of the traditional IRA. How it works: One of the benefits of a traditional IRA is that you can get a tax deduction for your contributions each year. If … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Can I Have a 401(k) and an IRA?

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Elder Law of Michigan

Addressing Transportation Needs for Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities

By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan About 90% of adults 65 and older want to age in-place according to AARP. There are many reasons older adults don’t want to leave their homes and communities as they age. Maybe they have friends and family in the area, or maybe they are attached to the land where they live. Whatever the reason, individuals who … Continue reading Addressing Transportation Needs for Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities

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Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Health, Nutrition, Senior hunger, Tips

Why You Should Shop at Farmers Markets

By Nicholas Goodman, MiCAFE Network Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan What do cherries, pickles, and beans have in common? They are just a few of over 300 commodities produced in Michigan according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Michigan has a rich agricultural past and present. You can take advantage of local bounties at farmers markets throughout the state. The Michigan Farmers … Continue reading Why You Should Shop at Farmers Markets

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A question mark drawn in white chalk on a blackboard.
Elder Law of Michigan, Social Security

Social Security Q&A Part 23

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: How much will I receive if I qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits? Answer: The amount of your SSI benefit depends on where you live and how much income you have. The maximum SSI payment varies nationwide. For 2020, the maximum federal SSI payment for an eligible individual is $783 a month and $1,175 a … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 23

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Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Pension

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Stop ‘Dollar-Cost Ravaging’ Your Portfolio in Retirement

Via Kiplinger By Jason Lambert It’s been more than seven years since Wade Pfau, one of the top experts in retirement research, wrote a column for MarketWatch urging readers to “Say Goodbye to the 4% Rule.” In it, Pfau suggests that the “rule” — which is more of a theory, really — made too many assumptions based on old numbers that didn’t necessarily translate to … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Stop ‘Dollar-Cost Ravaging’ Your Portfolio in Retirement

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Elder Law of Michigan, Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Pension

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): The (Partial) Death Of The Stretch IRA: How The SECURE Act Impacts Inherited Retirement Accounts

Via Kitces By Jeffrey Levine In December 2019, the retirement planning community was rocked when the Setting Up Every Community for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, which seemed destined to remain stuck in Washington gridlock indefinitely, was whisked back to life and attached to a year-end appropriations package that ‘had’ to be passed to keep the Federal government funded. Within a matter of days, the bill passed the … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): The (Partial) Death Of The Stretch IRA: How The SECURE Act Impacts Inherited Retirement Accounts

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