Page 15 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - October 2017 - 24-10

Senior Times - October 2017
Page 15
Estate Planning And Annuity Scams
My MHeadtiscoafreMManaytters -
MorCeoPloerospalenNd oSwhaQpuesalify
for the Medigap Subsidy!
Learn the warning signs
of estate planning and annuity scams on Wednesday, October 11, starting at 1pm at Heritage Commons in Marshall. There is no cost to attend.
The State Bar of Michigan seminar, “A Living Trust Education Initiative: Who Should You Trust? Avoiding Estate Planning Mistakes” provides essential estate planning information and the warning signs of deceptive annuity sales practices that could potentially jeopardize your economic stability. Attend the State Bar of Michigan’s free seminar to gain empowerment in making estate planning decisions.
During the presentation, you will learn how to identify and avoid “trust mill” scams. These scams tout the benefits of a “trust-based” estate
plan irrespective of specific
needs and make exaggerated statements about the probate administration process to create a seemingly convincing story on why a “trust” and
an annuity are the only good estate planning choices. The annuity’s long-term investment requirements, the hefty penalty for early withdrawals, and
the salesperson’s commission are typically buried in the paperwork. The percentage- based commission provides substantial incentive for the annuity salesperson to quickly close the deal. These aggressive annuity sales tactics have also been effectively used against Veterans applying for Veteran Affairs benefits. Come to this seminar to become aware of these sales tactics used to gain access to you and your hard earned savings.
It is important to make sure that the person giving you estate planning advice is a licensed lawyer concerned
about your best interests and last wishes and not about making a commission on a sale. If you already have an estate plan in place, this seminar
will help you to gain peace
of mind that you can ignore solicitation from non-lawyers suggesting that something
more is needed. Attend the seminar to avoid becoming an unsuspecting victim and receive a specially designed folder containing essential estate planning information and easy- to-remember reminders of the warning signs of trust-based estate planning and annuity scams.
For more information, contact the Senior Center at (269) 558-6150 or State Bar of Michigan Professional Standards Division Paralegal Amy Emmons at (517) 346- 6343 or email sbmsred@ michbar.org.
Note: Look for more activities on pages 20-21.
By: Mary Peterson,
IN-HOME CARE & SENIOR RESIDENCES
MI DEPARTMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
Presentation Highlights
• Learn the different levels of care available.
• Learn about Michigan senior residence options and resources. • Recognize elder abuse warning signs.
Additional information and handouts are available at www.mi.gov/ce. Questions may be referred to agcp@mi.gov. Presentation provided by: Attorney General Bill Schuette’s Consumer Programs team.
Program Coordinator By Karen Manney, Regional
CareCgiovoinrgdicnoamtoesr,inMmMaAnPy forms and many hats are required to get through your day. It may
be a situation you never thought would impact your life and now it is. The caregiving role changes as your loved ones change; today you may be chef, housekeeper, nurse or accountant. Tomorrow may bring a sergeant, activities director, artist, physical therapist or personal train- er. With your hat changing color and shapes throughout the day, so may your stress.
So, when was the last time you took off each and every hat and just gave yourself permission to just simply be? Just sat and cleared your mind; reflected and took a few minutes to deep breathe? You need to be sure that you are tak- ing care of you. You’re important and you matter! Give yourself permission to take 15 minutes in your day to unburden your mind. Smell the fresh air, watch the birds out the window, or feel the sun on your face, all the while taking time to breathe in deeply and exhale slowly five or six times. Regroup your mind to go about your day positively and with confidence that you can do this.
Caregiver Meals Made Simple
Something as simple as making dinner can be overwhelming when you are wearing many hats. Here is a family favorite of ours. It's quick, easy and almost a one pan meal.
Sausage Egg Roll In A Bowl
Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 2 Minutes Cook Time: 15 Minutes Total Time: 17 Minutes
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 pound ground pork sausage
• 6 cups coleslaw mix or shredded
cabbage
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
DIRECTIONS:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring often to crumble, until cooked through. Do not drain. Add the coleslaw mix, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3-minutes
or until cabbage has softened a bit. Remove from the heat and top with the green onions and drizzle with sesame oil. Serve immediately.
PROMOTING HEALTH
INDEPENDENCE CHOICE