Retirement is not etched in stone...

Well, with all of what is going on in our country today...most of us have first hand experience of how quickly our "plans" for retirement can change. In fact, it is just like any other part of our lives, change happens when you least expect it.

One thing that we do know, is that based on numerous studies, it is those people who will and are experiencing the most enjoyable retirements are the ones who have planned appropriately for them.

Although our country is in an economic down turn and many have lost their savings as a result of the stock market plunge, there is no time better than now to protect those assets that you worked so hard to earn.

Planning for your future is much more than just financial considerations. It includes protecting your assets from family changes such as divorce, second marriages, children who are incapable of managing money and considering how you will carry out your years physically, emotionally and geographically.

Who and how you will be cared for in the event of a health crisis. Do you want your spouse to care for you at home? What about when you are unable to perform the activities of daily living such as bathing, toileting and dressing? Do you want your spouse, children or other family members to assist you? Would you prefer that your dignity is not compromised and allow a professional caregiver to help? I know that it is not a conversation that is welcomed, but it is ever so important to address these issues before a crisis hits.

Will you remain at home? Move in with your adult children? Assisted living center? Long term care? How your surviving family will carry on after you are gone.

Now, I am not an attorney but I have had the pleasure of working with and learning how invaluable an estate planning attorney or one who specializes in elder law is. In fact, over the past several years, I have become a huge advocate of the importance of engaging in their services.

So I urge you - learn more about the importance of protection such as wills, healthcare directives, guardianships, trusts (including special needs trusts), estate planning and Medicaid planning. Isn't it worth it to learn how you can protect yourself, your family and everything you have worked so hard for?

~Serena L. Brock