Customer Reviews

A Guide to Elder Planning: Everything You Need to Know to Protect Yourself Legally and Financially

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For each generation it seems that a reference book comes along that becomes the universal guide for the audience it intends to reach. Examples that come to mind are the Farmers Almanac and the Guinness Book of Records. For their intended reader these books are the starting and ending points of the information sought.

Steve Weisman has filled that void for those considering elder planning issues. The book's fund of knowledge takes pains to begin at defining terms and strategies and, only then, provides the advice needed by all. To best illustrate the breadth of topics contained in the treatise, the issues range from asset protection to planning for your pets. The book is of value not only to the elderly but also to extended families facing elder planning issues and provides methods for non-elderly adults to maximize their assets throughout their life. As with any great book aimed at helping the populace, the use of clear, concise language is remarkable. In reviewing the book, I am left with the old refrain, "why didn't I think of that" but I can happily report that Steve Weisman did think of that and his efforts benefit us all.

Who would have thought that a topic as seemingly dry and dull as financial and legal planning could be handled in such a humorous fashion while still providing a great deal of helpful information and suggestions for personal planning? This is a book that has important information for everyone, particularly older people, presented in a style that will make you smile.

With a 17-page index, even an info maniac like myself can find anything and everything in this book.

I can't begin to describe the scope and layout throughout. I'm learning things about elder planning that I didn't even know I needed, not to mention the questions I already had. The author's opinions are woven into the descriptions, along with "Loophole" information on various senior subjects. The author obviously has a birdseye view of many subjects that are skimmed over by columnists that I've read.

The best way to read this book is probably cover to cover, so as not to miss anything.

I own this book and found it to be a good source of information on the general world of elder care planning. It brings together the subjects of Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid and housing issues in one place. I was disappointed in that it did not deal with the subject of Medicaid more fully. It should also be noted that this book was published in 2003. This specifically makes the information contained within it on the subject of Medicaid out-of-date and useless to the reader. For an example of an up-to-date book on using Medicaid to pay for care in a nursing home or an assisted living facility please check out The Medicaid Handbook 2007.

Although there is no clear way to handle the sum total of what is and will be necessary to prepare for the inevidible.... This book is very helpful in knowing the type of arrangements to make and the process to go through for those arrangements. I found it enlightening and knowledgable to assist in that preparation.

I wish I had read this when I was 20! It provides a bunch of savvy information for any age. It is clearly written, and (surprisingly) an interesting read. I highly recommend it.