Caring for both aging parents and young children brings unique responsibilities. You may be helping your parents with medical decisions and finances while ensuring your children’s future is secure. Without a clear plan, unexpected situations can leave your family vulnerable. Taking proactive steps now can provide stability and peace of mind for...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
Understanding MassHealth’s Treatment of Annuities
Paying for long-term care is a challenge many families face. MassHealth can help cover these costs, but eligibility rules can be complicated. Annuities are sometimes used as part of Medicaid planning, offering a way to manage assets while securing care. However, not all annuities are treated the same under MassHealth rules. Some...
Support Options for Caregivers in Massachusetts
Caring for an aging family member can be both fulfilling and exhausting. Some days bring moments of joy and connection, while others feel overwhelming. Balancing work, personal responsibilities, and caregiving takes energy and patience, and it’s easy to feel stretched too thin. You may worry about providing the right level of care...
New Details of the Social Security Fairness Act
By Attorney Wendy Weston
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In January, the Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law. This new law allows retired public servants such as teachers, firefighters, police officers and others who have paid into Social Security for years to collect on those benefits blocked previously by legislation that has now been...
Understanding Medicare and Medicaid: Key Differences for Seniors
Healthcare costs can be a significant concern as we age, especially when it comes to doctor visits, hospital stays, and long-term care. Many seniors rely on government programs to help cover these expenses, but not all programs work the same way. Understanding what’s available can make a big difference in planning for...
Keeping Your Wishes Current: Why Regular Updates and Essential Documents Matter
By Attorney Wendy Weston
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Life is rarely static. Relationships evolve, families grow, and circumstances change. An estate plan, designed to ensure your wishes are carried out after you're gone, should reflect these changes. Here's why regularly updating beneficiaries and reviewing your estate plan every 3-5 years is crucial:
Unlock Your Peace of Mind: Maximize Your Estate Planning Consultation with Our Preparation Worksheet
Estate planning. It's a task that often lingers on our to-do lists, pushed aside for "more urgent" matters. But the truth is, few things are more important than ensuring your loved ones are protected and your wishes are honored. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., we understand the hesitation, and we're here to...
Long-Term Care Insurance vs. Self-Insuring: Pros and Cons
Planning for long-term care means thinking about how to cover the costs of home care, assisted living, or a nursing facility if the need arises. Many assume Medicare will pay for these expenses, but coverage is limited. Without a plan, long-term care costs can quickly deplete savings, putting financial pressure on you...
Millennial Estate Planning: Protecting Digital Assets and Online Businesses
Millennials have built a significant portion of their lives online. From cryptocurrency investments to social media accounts and digital businesses, these assets hold real financial and personal value. Yet, many people overlook them when thinking about estate planning. Unlike physical property, digital assets can be difficult for loved ones to access without...
The Importance of Funding Your Trust
A trust is one of the most effective ways to protect your assets and provide for your loved ones. It allows you to set clear instructions for how your property should be managed and distributed, both during your lifetime and after you're gone. However, creating a trust is only part of the...