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Liz Weston

Q&A: The value of a special needs trust

November 5, 2018 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: You recently answered an inquiry from a lady who was furious about the lack of estate planning provided by her brother-in-law for his disabled daughter. As the father of a special needs child, I read the synopsis hoping that a special needs trust was created and maybe was just not known by the sister-in-law. This would explain why the father had, in essence, disowned his own daughter. I hope you will make an addendum to your answer highlighting this very important tool for others like us to ensure our loved ones are cared for after our passing.

Answer: A special needs trust is an estate planning tool that can help disabled people continue to qualify for government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. The money can’t be given directly to the disabled person but can be spent on her behalf in a variety of ways such as paying out-of-pocket medical expenses or providing vacations. Anyone thinking of leaving a bequest to a disabled person should be aware that the money could disqualify the recipient from essential resources and consider a special needs trust instead.

If the attorneys were aware of the father’s disabled daughter, as the writer suggested, they most likely would have mentioned the possibility of creating such a trust. The sister-in-law said everything had been left to the surviving spouse, so presumably she had seen a copy of the will or trust. If not, she could ask the attorneys for the document on behalf of the daughter.

Remember, though, that the 29-year-old daughter hadn’t been signed up for disability or medical benefits until the sister-in-law intervened. The young woman had not seen a doctor since her mother died more than a decade earlier. She also was kicked out of her childhood home by the man’s surviving spouse. This does not paint a picture of a caring father who wanted to provide for his daughter.

Filed Under: Estate planning, Q&A Tagged With: Estate Planning, follow up, q&a, special needs trust

Q&A: Providing for a disabled child

November 5, 2018 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: The letter about the disabled daughter was horrifying, but the father isn’t the only villain here. Surely the mother knew what kind of man she married. Shouldn’t she have made provisions for her daughter in her own estate plans?

Answer: Ideally, yes. No parent should assume a spouse will “do the right thing” for their kids. Even if the surviving spouse doesn’t marry the proverbial wicked stepparent who walks off with the whole estate, the survivor could be defrauded or compromised by dementia or other cognitive problems. Estate planning attorneys phrase it this way: You may trust your spouse, but do you trust your spouse’s next spouse?

Parents who have disabled children, or who hope to preserve a portion of their estate for their kids, should discuss their situation with a qualified estate planning attorney and make the appropriate provisions in their wills or living trusts.

Filed Under: Estate planning, Q&A Tagged With: Estate Planning, follow up, q&a

Friday’s need-to-know money news

November 2, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: With mobile payments, you can go without a wallet at checkout. Also in the news: Managing your credit card debt plan with a paycheck, cheap and easy dinner ideas from frugal nerds, and the new 401(k) and IRA contribution limits for 2019.

With Mobile Pay, You Can Go Without a Wallet at Checkout
Pay with just a wave of your phone.

If Your Pay Fluctuates, a Credit Card Debt Plan Can, Too
Riding the monthly debt plan wave.

Cheap, Easy Dinner Ideas From Frugal Nerds
Homemade doesn’t need to be dull.

These Are the New 401(k) and IRA Contribution Limits for 2019
You can increase the money you put aside next year.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: 401(k) contribution limit, credit card debt plan, IRA contribution limit, meal planning, mobile payments, tips

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

November 1, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to score luxury travel for less. Also in the news: Target’s Black Friday ad, how to save money on health care, and breaking down the three new tiers of economy airline fares.

How to Score Luxury Travel for Less
Luxury travel at less-than-luxurious prices.

Target Black Friday 2018 Ad, Deals and Store Hours
Start your list.

How to Save Money on Health Care
Important questions to ask.

Breaking Down the Three New Tiers of Economy Fares
Even economy has tiers now.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Black Friday, economy class, health care, luxury travel, Savings, Target ad, tips

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

October 31, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to dispose of a credit card. Also in the news: Costco’s Black Friday ad, 3 simple ways to boost your savings, and how to tell when a sale isn’t actually worth it.

How to Dispose of a Credit Card — No Burying Required
Put the shovel away.

Costco Black Friday 2018 Ad, Deals and Store Hours
Start your Black Friday planning engines.

3 Simple Ways to Boost Your Savings
Letting your money do the work.

When a Sale Isn’t Actually Worth It
Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean it’s saving you money.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Black Friday, Costco, Credit Cards, disposal, sales, Savings, tips

How to score luxury travel for less

October 30, 2018 By Liz Weston

Let’s shatter one myth right now: Airline passengers typically can’t talk their way into upgrades from the cheapest coach seats to first class just by dressing up and asking politely.

Travel providers usually save their best experiences — comfortable seats, spacious hotel suites, quick check-in lines — for those willing to pay more. When upgrades are handed out for free, the goodies typically go to frequent travelers who spend a lot with those providers.

There are ways, however, of getting a much better travel experience without paying top dollar.

In my latest for the Associated Press, a few approaches to consider if you want to make your next trip a little more luxurious.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: luxury travel, rewards, Savings, tips

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