More than 70 percent of adults in the U.S. report being dissatisfied with the health care system, according to TIME Magazine. Navigating the medical services network can be stressful and overwhelming, particularly for older adults facing increasingly complex health needs. The American Psychological Association reports that distress is common following a diagnosis. Those experiencing additional stressful life events or who have a history of depression have even higher levels of distress. Often, responding to a diagnosis or managing a chronic condition involves coordinating care w ..read more

This originally aired on the Catholic Faith Network’s show CFN Live: https://youtu.be/aQgwbQkJtC0 How can SSI be helpful to parents of children with special needs? Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) can be invaluable to parents who have a child with special needs. The challenges parents face when they have a child with special needs can be overwhelming. But there are a various resources and services that are available to support these parents caring for their child. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Social Security Benefit for people with limited income and resources who are six ..read more

Watch “In The Legal Know” with Vincent J. Russo Vincent appeared on CFN Live on April 10th, 2024 to discuss “SSI for Children with Special Needs” Vincent J. Russo discusses how a parent can determine if their child qualifies for SSI, how much can a child receive from SSI, and how does a child on SSI qualify for Medicaid Benefits. You do not want to miss this informative episode. CLICK HERE to read the SSI for Children with Special Needs blog post. For more information on these topics and more, you can download for free our Planning Guides from our law firm website at vjrussolaw.com ..read more

Most older adults want to remain in their homes and communities as they age rather than move into assisted living facilities or nursing homes. For those who wish to maintain their independence and continue living at home as they grow older, taking certain steps to protect their physical, mental, and financial welfare is essential. What Does It Mean to Age in Place? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as a senior’s “ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” According to ..read more

Watch “In The Legal Know” with Vincent J. Russo Vincent appeared on CFN Live on April 3rd, 2024 to discuss “Providing for your Pet’s Future without You” Vincent J. Russo discusses how to plan for your pet after you die and the pros and cons of a Pet Trust. You do not want to miss this informative episode. CLICK HERE to read the Providing for your Pet’s Future without You blog post. For more information on these topics and more, you can download for free our Planning Guides from our law firm website at vjrussolaw.com Vincent can be found on past CFN Live episodes by cl ..read more

This originally aired on the Catholic Faith Network’s show CFN Live: https://youtu.be/WW9rL3xNUl8 Our pets are part of our family, and we need to consider them when implementing one’s estate plan. What are the options when my pet passes away? Although you can’t leave money directly to a pet, there are several things you can do to make sure your pets stay well cared for when you can no longer take care of them. Here are some options: Leave your pet (and some money) to someone in your Will or Living Trust. Sign up with a charitable organization’s program to provide or find a home for your pet ..read more

Even if you have a long-term care insurance policy, you may likely be hoping that you won’t ever have reason to use it. Regardless of what the future holds, there’s one silver lining of which you may not be aware. That is, premiums on many long-term care insurance policies are in fact tax-deductible. What Is Long-Term Care Insurance? Long-term care insurance, or LTCI, can help you prepare for covering the cost of care in a nursing home facility or other setting when and if you need it. Unfortunately, the likelihood that you’ll need long-term care services at some point is high. In fact, about ..read more

Solo agers are seniors who, either by choice or circumstance, are aging without the traditional family support network. This group often includes childless adults or individuals who are geographically distant from relatives. Solo agers face unique challenges as they navigate the complexities of legal, health, and financial planning. Being proactive is key for solo agers—and that’s where specialized guidance is invaluable. Here are some actionable tips to consider: Build Your Support System: Develop a network of friends, neighbors, and community members. Engage with local clubs or online group ..read more

Tax season has begun, with the filling deadline set for mid-April for most taxpayers. Working individuals may be unaware that they qualify for potential tax breaks. Many taxpayers who have a limited earned income overlook the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). What Is EITC? The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) lowers the amount you owe in federal taxes and could even mean you will receive a refund. This tax break is in fact readily available. However, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) states that many remain unaware of it. A significant number of those who qualify fail to claim the credit. As of ..read more

This originally aired on the Catholic Faith Network’s show CFN Live: https://youtu.be/Jg2qnoMY3qk It is that time of year again, where taxpayers must file their personal income tax returns. But, what do you need to know before filing your tax return? In the big picture, since the tax world is constantly changing, this tax season is no different, with a myriad of rules, deductions, credits, and responsibilities that may seem overwhelming. Here are some helpful tips on how to navigate the 2024 tax season. What tax form should I use? When deciding on which tax return form to use, it’s important t ..read more