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Top 10 Reasons People Procrastinate about Estate Planning Featured

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Meet Laurie E. Ohall:

Link: The Law Offices of Laurie E. Ohall

Laurie Ohall is a Florida Board Certified Elder law attorney who has been practicing law since 1994. She concentrates her practice in the areas of estate planning and elder law which includes the related fields of asset protection planning, probate, guardianship and trust administration. Ms. Ohall is Of Counsel at the law firm of Browning, Meyer and Ball Co., LPA.

Ms. Ohall is a member of the Florida Bar (1994) and the Ohio Bar (2010) and is also admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida. She is a member of the Brandon Bar Association (Past President, 2009 – 2010, Treasurer 2010-2011), the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), and the Academy of Florida Elder Law attorneys (AFELA). She is also a section member of the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Division and the Elder Law division of the Florida Bar, and serves as co-chair of the Resident’s Rights Committee for the Elder law section. Ms. Ohall is also a Board member of the Momentum Festival, Inc., a not-for-profit committed to raising money for local charities.

Ms. Ohall graduated in 1991 from Stetson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and received her Juris Doctorate in 1994 from Stetson University College of Law. She served as a Teaching Fellow in Legal Research and Writing while in law school at Stetson University College of Law.

Ms. Ohall has published several articles related to estate planning and asset protection and she is a speaker in the elder law, estate planning and probate related fields for the National Business Institute. She is also a frequent lecturer at community events for topics related to estate planning basics, Medicaid and VA benefits.

 

Top 10 Reasons People Procrastinate about Estate Planning

 Link:Top 10 Reasons People Procrastinate about Estate Planning

Are you guilty, as most American adults are, of putting off your estate planning? As an estate planning attorney, I've heard all of the excuses as to why --

  1. They are intimidated by the process. Estate planning does not have to be intimidating – you just need to know what to expect. Most attorneys will have you fill out a questionnaire that lists your assets and liabilities and asks you questions like, “Who do you want to appoint as your personal representative of your estate” or “Who do you want to appoint as your agent under a Durable Power of Attorney?” You should come prepared to the initial consultation with any documentation you want the attorney to review, or any questions you have for the attorney. The attorney will review your goals and make suggestions or recommendations. The consultation generally takes one to two hours, and then there is a follow-up meeting to sign your planning documents which takes about an hour. It’s pretty simple.
  2. They just don’t care. Some clients tell me that they intend on spending every dime before they die, to which I say, “Go for it!” However, what about the things that could happen to you before you die? What if you become incapacitated? Who will pay your bills? Make healthcare decisions on your behalf? Estate planning is not about planning for death, it’s also about planning for incapacity.
  3. Not sure who they’d appoint as personal representative, agent under a power of attorney or health care surrogate. Certainly, these can be tough decisions, but that’s not a good reason to procrastinate. If you do not have family that you can trust, look to your friends, a pastor, a bank representative, a trust company, or even your own attorney.
  4. Think they are too young. Remember Terri Schiavo? She was 26 years old when she suffered cardiac arrest which left her in a vegetative state. If she would have had a durable power of attorney, living will and health care surrogate designation, you may never have heard of her. Her situation is the perfect example of how you are never too young (if you are an adult) to do your estate planning.
  5. Think it’s too expensive. The cost to do your estate planning really depends on what area of the country you live in, and whether you choose to have an attorney prepare the documents. You could “do it yourself” by purchasing software, or buying forms from your local office supply store. However, if you have a complicated situation, it might be smarter to utilize the services of an attorney.
  6. They don’t have time. The process doesn’t really take that long (see #1 above), but you have to make the time to fill out some paperwork and meet with an attorney (or answer the questions on software if you are going to do it yourself).
  7. They don’t think they have enough assets to worry about it. As I’ve already stated, the Last Will and Testament (which governs what happens at death) is not the only document an individual should have. You need to appoint someone who can deal with your finances and health care decisions should you be unable to do so, and that’s where a Durable Power of Attorney, Living Will and Health Care surrogate designation come in. These documents allow you to appoint someone that you trust to make financial decisions and health care decisions for you in the event that you become incapacitated and while you are still alive.
  8. They think it will get done when they are gone. Notwithstanding what I’ve already covered regarding incapacity issues that could arise prior to death, yes, it very likely will get taken care of after you are gone. However, if you do a little planning, you could make it easier on your loved ones.
  9. It’s too complicated (so they stick their head in the sand). It doesn’t have to be complicated, and if you think it is, see #1.

     10.They don’t want to think about their mortality. Ok, that I understand. Who wants to think about their mortality? No one that I know. However, once you’ve accomplished the process, you will have peace of mind knowing that your affairs are in order!

 

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Senior Citizens Discounts

This information was passed along to us; we thought this would be interesting information to post on our website, since we all love a good deal!

In order to receive the Senior Citizen discounts listed below, you have to mention the discount prior to paying.

If you find that some of these locations do not offer the discount any longer, or if you come across a vendor that should be added to the list, please go the “Contact US” Tab on the homepage of the website.  Send us an email, for a vendor to be added or removed. Happy Shopping& Saving! ~ From the staff at Sallycares.com


RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan's: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee ( 55+)
Chili's: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members ( 55 +)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddruckers: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gaetti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)

Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations ( 55+)

McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney's: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday ( 50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off ( 55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off ( 50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Whataburger: 10% off (62+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+)

RETAIL & APPAREL :
Banana Republic: 30% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month ( 50 +)
Belk's: 15% off first Tuesday of every month ( 55 +)
Big Lots: 30% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days ( 55 +)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (50+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 20% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 40% off (Wednesdays only) ( 50+)
Kohl's: 15% off (60+)Modell's Sporting Goods: 30% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off ( 55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month ( 55 +)

GROCERY :
Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday ( 50 +)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)

Food Lion: 60% off every Monday (60+)

Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday ( 55 +)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
Publix: 15% off every Wednesday ( 55 +)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe's Marketplace: 15% off (62+)

TRAVEL :
Airlines:
Alaska Airlines: 50% off (65+)
American Airlines: various discounts for 50% off non-peak periods. (Tuesdays - Thursdays) (62+)and up (call before booking for discount)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations.
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount).
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount).
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

Rail:
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)

Bus:
Greyhound: 15% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50+

Car Rental:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Budget Rental Cars: 40% off; up to 50% off for AARP members ( 50+)
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off ( 50+) Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members

Overnight Accommodations:
Holiday Inn: 20-40% off depending on location (62+)
Best Western: 40% off (55+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Waldorf Astoria - NYC $5,000 off nightly rate for Presidential Suite (55 +)
Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 40% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 40% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler's Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 25% off (62+)
Motel 6: Stay Free Sunday nights (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 30% off ( 55 +)
Quality Inn: 40%-50% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 40% off (60+)

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT :
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
Massage Envy - NYC 20% off all "Happy Endings" (62 +)
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley's Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)
SeaWorld, Orlando , FL : $3 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS :
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $19.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).


MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $8 off haircuts (60+)
Supercuts: $8 off haircuts (60+)