Griffin Financial Advisors, LLC

Hopefully, you had the chance to watch the total solar eclipse on Monday as is swept from Oregon to South Carolina. Many viewers traveled to locations to see it in totality, while others were content with seeing a portion of the moon cover the sun. Regardless, many people took numerous steps to prepare for this “once in a lifetime event”. Whether viewers hunted down special glasses, made their own “glasses” at home, or traveled to a viewing location, time was spent to observe this experience. An experience that lasted a maximum of 2 minutes and 38 seconds depending on your location. A question you need to ask yourself, are you spending just as much time preparing for your “once in a lifetime” event?   This of course is your retirement, which will last a lot longer than two minutes. Viewers of the eclipse took the necessary steps to protect their eyes and secure the best vantage point for viewing. Have you done enough planning with your assets to experience and accomplish what

Long term care is a topic many individuals avoid until it’s too late.   During the past two months, I have had five individuals ask me what they can do to get care for an elderly parent.   You probably know someone in a similar situation.   They are learning elder care is expensive, $40K -$60K per year.   They realize these costs will consume all their parent’s assets. They are hoping there is some “program” to help them.   The answer is no and maybe.   No, Medicare does not pay for long term care.   The most Medicare will cover is 100 days in a rehabilitation facility while you are receiving therapy.    There is a government program which covers long term care.   It is called Medicaid, and you must be virtually broke to qualify for it.   That is the maybe.   Under Medicaid, you would have to exhaust all your assets to qualify for care. Then, find a long term care facility which is willing to accept a Medicaid patient.   This is not the path most individuals want to pursue.   It