Category: Articles

  • Tension over Intention

    It is not just families who disagree about the interpretation of legal documents. There seems to be tension among estate planning attorneys in regard to recommending that clients write down their heartfelt intentions to accompany those documents. Many lawyers believe that it is the form that is most important — that the written legal language will communicate their client’s heartfelt wishes. Others believe that, no matter how carefully written, the form alone cannot transfer intention.

    This is particularly true of discretionary trusts. Although the Trust provides the legal power for the Trustee to act, it usually does not state the maker’s underlying reasoning or intention of how the client would like to see their assets spent.

    In his book Borrowed Narratives, Harold Smith tells us that making the personal statement in story form is better remembered and more persuasive than a sterile legal document. He further states that putting one’s thoughts in writing slows it down for the reader so that they can better understand the maker’s meaning.

    Please make sure, when you are working with your estate planning attorney, that your underlying intentions for making the trust are clearly defined. This can make all the difference.

    Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law
    2054 S. Beretania St., Honolulu HI 96826
    808-524-0251 | www.stephenyimestateplanning.com

    It is not just families who disagree about the interpretation of legal documents. There seems to be tension among estate planning attorneys in regard to recommending that clients write down their heartfelt intentions to accompany those documents. Many lawyers believe that it is the form that is most important — that the written legal language will communicate…

  • Educating Adult Children About Saving

    Many parents, in addition to planning for their own future, care deeply about helping their children find their financial footing as they enter adulthood. Having spent decades building up their nest eggs for retirement, they recognize the power of long-term financial planning and hope their children will capture the same benefits by starting to invest while they are young. Convincing someone just starting off in their careers to set aside money for retirement — which to them, may seem like light years away — can be a tough sell. But, initiating the conversation in a respectful and educated manner may eventually compel them to make it a priority. If you’re a parent looking for guidance in this area, consider the following discussion pointers.

    First, recognize the challenges young professionals may face

    Those starting their career often face two challenges in establishing their nest egg. The first is feeling that they have all the time in the world to save for retirement. The second challenge is that young adults are balancing numerous priorities with their newfound financial independence. Acknowledge and be realistic about these hurdles, even as you make the case for setting aside money for retirement.

    Then, outline the key reasons for making retirement savings a priority

    1. Retirement may come sooner and last longer than they may think. The average American can spend any time between a few years to over 40 years in retirement. And while some retirees choose to continue earning a paycheck, the majority are relying on their savings to cover expenses. This means the costs to live the way you want in your later years — traveling, pursuing your hobbies, engaging with family — can easily surpass one million dollars.
    2. They will likely balance financial priorities throughout their lives. Learning how to manage priorities and save for multiple goals at the same time is a valuable skill. Deciding to be thoughtful about saving, investing and spending money today can help young professionals set a strong financial foundation as their income grows.
    3. Young professionals have a huge advantage in saving: time. A modest amount saved over several decades has the potential to grow into a significant sum due to the power of compound interest. Consider sharing the following example: Imagine if you saved $100 per month beginning at age 25, which is the equivalent of a little more than $3 per day. If the money was invested, earning an average annual return of seven percent, the savings would amount to nearly $367,000 by age 70. Now, suppose you waited until age 35 to start your retirement fund. If you invested $200 a month, still earning seven percent per year, your savings would grow to about $355,000. That’s still impressive, but it required you saving twice as much money per month than if you began ten years earlier.
    4. They control their own destiny, but they can learn from your successes and mistakes with money. As adults, your children are ultimately responsible for saving for their retirement. But, chances are, they could stand to benefit from the wisdom you’ve gained from decades of saving and investing. Opening up about your experiences — both smart money moves and missteps you’ve made over the years — may help them capture opportunities and avoid mistakes as they work to build their nest eggs.

    If you or your child would like assistance crafting a retirement saving strategy, reach out to a financial advisor. Together you can find a way to balance the items most important to you.

    MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP
    1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1100 Honolulu, HI 96814
    808-952-1222, ext. 1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com
    Michael W. K. Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC, CRPC ®, is a Private Wealth Advisor, Certified Financial Planner ™ practitioner with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Honolulu, HI. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 31 years.
    Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser.
    Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.
    © 2018 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. File # 2171757

    Many parents, in addition to planning for their own future, care deeply about helping their children find their financial footing as they enter adulthood. Having spent decades building up their nest eggs for retirement, they recognize the power of long-term financial planning and hope their children will capture the same benefits by starting to invest…

  • Hiring a Private Caregiver Can Be Tricky

    When hiring a caregiver, you may be tempted to try to make the process as simple as possible by treating the caregiver as a “private contractor.” You tell the person “I will pay you so much an hour, and you deal with the IRS and the State when it comes time to pay taxes.” After all, taking on the responsibilities of withholding taxes (and then paying the taxing authorities), buying Workers’ Compensation insurance, paying Social Security and Medicare tax, and all the rest, can be a real pain. However, the IRS and the State will take the position that the caregiver is an “employee,” that you are an “employer,” and that all the legal obligations that attach to those labels are applicable to your situation.

    IRS Publication 926 gives very helpful guidance to those hiring household employees, including caregivers. Go through that publication, which can be found at https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-926, and consider all the questions it poses, several of which might surprise you. For example, can your prospective caregiver legally work in the U.S.? How do you verify that, and what records must you keep to prove that you satisfied your obligation to verify the caregiver’s status? You can find all the resources and forms you will need for that on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website www.uscis.gov/i-9-central or call 800-375-5283.

    Depending on your budget, it may make sense to look into local employment or caregiver agencies. This simplifies your job, because you can contract with the agency, and the agency will be the caregiver’s employer and will deal with all of the details of being an employer. You will pay a premium for this kind of service, but the agency’s experience and employment expertise may make the extra cost seem like a bargain.

    Another set of issues arises if you opt to be the employer of a caregiver, and then your employee is injured on the job. If you have made sure to carry the right kinds of insurance, you will be fine. However, the consequences of failing to do so can be financially disastrous. An agency will probably carry Workers’ Compensation insurance, but you should be sure to talk with your personal insurance professional to find out if there is anything else you should do to protect yourself through your homeowner’s and umbrella policies.

    The bottom line is that you should never hire a caregiver without carefully considering your legal responsibilities and potential liabilities, and making sure they are addressed. Ask your trusted advisors — your CPA, your lawyer, and your insurance professional — for guidance, and check out the resources cited above. You will be glad you did.

    SCOTT MAKUAKANE, Counselor at Law
    Focusing exclusively on estate planning and trust law.
    www.est8planning.com
    808-587-8227 | maku@est8planning.com

    When hiring a caregiver, you may be tempted to try to make the process as simple as possible by treating the caregiver as a “private contractor.” You tell the person “I will pay you so much an hour, and you deal with the IRS and the State when it comes time to pay taxes.” After…

  • Workplace Insurance and Medicare

    One question that is frequently asked by people about to turn 65 who have health insurance through an employer is:

    “Do I need to enroll in Medicare?”

    Good question! If you or your spouse are still working when you turn age 65 and have insurance through your employer you may consider delaying Medicare Part A and Part B until you retire if you have Creditable Coverage, which means coverage as good as Medicare.

    Or you can choose to elect your Part A, which is premium-free, and delay Part B until retirement. Depending on the size of the group, one plan would be primary while the other would be secondary.

    The first step is to contact your (or your spouse’s) HR Department to make sure that your current coverage is creditable and find out how it will work with Medicare before you make your decision. When coverage through your employer ends you will be provided with a Special Enrollment Period that lasts for eight months, in which you will want to sign up for Medicare so you will not incur a penalty.

    Another step you might want to take is to contact a licensed, experienced agent to assist you in researching the Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Insurance and Prescription Drug Plans that are available in your area.

     

    COPELAND INSURANCE GROUP
    1360 S. Beretania St., Suite 209, Honolulu HI 96814
    808-591-4877 | margaret@copelandgroupusa.com

    One question that is frequently asked by people about to turn 65 who have health insurance through an employer is: “Do I need to enroll in Medicare?” Good question! If you or your spouse are still working when you turn age 65 and have insurance through your employer you may consider delaying Medicare Part A…

  • How to Figure Your Payment Date

    Social Security benefits are paid each month. Generally, new retirees receive their benefits on either the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on the day in the month the retiree was born. In general, here’s how we assign payment dates:
    There are exceptions. For example, children and spouses who receive benefits based on someone else’s work record will be paid on the same day
    as the primary beneficiary.

    For others, we may issue your payments on the 3rd of each month. Among other reasons, we use that payment date if:

    ✓ you filed for benefits before May 1, 1997;
    ✓ you also receive a Supplemental Security
    Income (SSI) payment; or
    ✓ your Medicare premiums are paid for by the state where you live.

    Those receiving SSI payments due to disability, age, or blindness are paid on the 1st of each month.

    If your payment date falls on a federal holiday or weekend, expect to receive that month’s payment on the weekday immediately prior.

    An easy-to-read schedule can be found at
    www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10031-2018.pdf

    For questions, online applications or to make an appointment to visit a SSA office, call from 7am–5pm, Mon–Fri: 800-772-1213 (toll free) | www.socialsecurity.gov

    Social Security benefits are paid each month. Generally, new retirees receive their benefits on either the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on the day in the month the retiree was born.

  • Volunteering Across the Generations

    Volunteering is a popular antidote to feelings of isolation that can occur as we age. Here are two programs that enable seniors to share their time and skills with younger generations.

    Encore: Gen2Gen

    Child and Family Service (CFS) has served the needs of vulnerable populations in Hawai‘i since 1899. In partnership with a national nonprofit, Encore, CFS offers many ways for volunteers aged 50+to support that important work.

    Volunteer coordinator, Encore Fellow Kevin Henry, can find a place for you no matter if you have only a few hours a month or if you feel you don’t have any special skills. Doing inventory at a donation center or mentoring about financial literacy are just two examples.

    Foster Grandparent Program

    If you are aged 55+and can work a minimum of 15 hours a week, you can apply to be a Foster Grandparent volunteer with the Dept. of Human Services. There are certain health and other requirements.

    As a Foster Grandparent volunteer, you’re a role model, a mentor, and a friend. Serving at educational institutions, you help set a child on the path toward a successful future.

    CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICE
    Volunteer Engagement Manager: Kevin Henry
    808-342-2516 | khenry@cfs-hawaii.org
    FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM
    808-832-5169 | www.bit.ly/DHS_FosterGrandparent

    Volunteering is a popular antidote to feelings of isolation that can occur as we age. Here are two programs that enable seniors to share their time and skills with younger generations.

  • Medicare News!

    According to Kathryn Coleman, Director at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), a final rule issued in April 2018 has redefined the “primarily health related” supplement benefit definition. As a result, CMS expects Medicare Advantage plan sponsors to begin offering services for enrollees needing assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Plans are not required to provide any of the services and restrictions may apply, but it is a first step toward utilization of Medicare insurance for long-term services. That’s great news for caregivers of Medicare beneficiaries on limited incomes who did not make provision for non-medical care as they age. The list below details possible options resulting from CMS’s new ruling. This list is not exhaustive.

    • In-home support for individuals with disabilities and/or medical conditions needing help with ADLs and IADLs
    • Respite care for caregivers from a personal care attendant or short-term institutional care
    • Stand-alone memory fitness benefit
    • Non-Medicare-covered home and bathroom safety devices and modifications to prevent injuries
    • Transportation to/from doctor visits, the pharmacy or physical therapy with a health aide
    • Over-the-counter items not covered by Medicare or prescription drug plans

    Whether Medicare Advantage plans implement any of these services in 2019, or beyond, there will be a growing interest and high demand for long-term services and support as Medicare enrollees age.

    MEDICARE MOMENT WITH MARTHA
    A radio program with Martha Khlopin
    KHNR-690AM: Sundays 9:30am–10am
    808-230-3379 | getmartha@aol.com

    According to Kathryn Coleman, Director at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), a final rule issued in April 2018 has redefined the “primarily health related” supplement benefit definition. As a result, CMS expects Medicare Advantage plan sponsors to begin offering services for enrollees needing assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) or Instrumental Activities…

  • Keeping Seniors Happy, Healthy & Strong

    When a senior member of your family is in need of 24/7 care, it is fortunate that Hawai‘i has many professional, caring and dedicated homes and facilities to welcome them. What every family wants to know is: “Will my mom or dad be happy living in someone else’s home, eat right, and stay mentally and physically strong?” It may be even more important to you that your 80-, 90- or even 100-year-old family member lives in a facility that can assist them to improve their daily life.

    Placing your loved one in a residential care home takes a lot of research. On your visit to the care facility, observe these few things:

    • Are the staff and residents happy and engaged with each other?
    • What is the routine of their daily life: eating, sleeping, exercising, etc.?
    • Is the facility clean, safe from trip hazards, open, and welcoming?
    • Does the facility encourage participation in activities, like handicrafts, created around the residents?
    • Do residents’ bedrooms have a TV so they don’t have to watch it with others?

    Many facilities may have “respite” care to see how they would like living there. Let them make the decision for their happy, healthy and strong life.

    AIEA HEIGHTS & WAIALAE SENIOR LIVING I & II
    99-1657 Aiea Heights Drive | 2945 Kalei Road
    808-488-5521 | 808-941-6940
    www.aieaheightsseniorliving.com

    When a senior member of your family is in need of 24/7 care, it is fortunate that Hawai‘i has many professional, caring and dedicated homes and facilities to welcome them. What every family wants to know is: “Will my mom or dad be happy living in someone else’s home, eat right, and stay mentally and…

  • From a Patient’s Point of View

    People living with dementia (PLWD) have challenges with verbal communication: language comprehension, speech production, and vocabulary. But they are not unconscious to what is going on around them. Even as the brain declines, emotional intelligence is preserved. PLWD take in data visually rather than auditorily and react to what they think is happening. As caregivers we must remember that PLWD are really doing the best they can with the abilities they have left.

    Try not to expect them to be the way they used to be. Accept them for who they are now and who they’re becoming. Promote independence by encouraging participation in meaningful activities. We all want to feel “of use” in this crazy world and PLWD are no different.

    The feelings they may find hard to express are captured in this poem, inspired by a dementia patient.

    MEMORY FRIENDS
    Respite, Education & Consultation
    Mapuana Taamu, Certified PAC Trainer
    808-469-5330
    mfriends808@gmail.com

    People living with dementia (PLWD) have challenges with verbal communication: language comprehension, speech production, and vocabulary. But they are not unconscious to what is going on around them. Even as the brain declines, emotional intelligence is preserved. PLWD take in data visually rather than auditorily and react to what they think is happening. As caregivers…

  • Being a Better Caregiver

    Home healthcare providers are often asked what makes a better caregiver. The answer is that, while many factors come to mind, an interest in learning is high on the list, and essential to a caregiver’s progress.

    For example, an important role caregivers have is recognizing when an individual’s health condition is changing. Those who can reflect and learn from these changes often develop into better caregivers.

    Caregiving for a family member can be challenging enough. But whether this occurs suddenly or as a gradual decline in health, caregivers can learn more and better themselves starting with some basic tips:

    1. Be healthy. Simply put, the healthier you are both mentally and physically, the better able you’ll be to pursue and provide care. This means eating healthy, staying active, and getting enough rest. When done consistently, caregivers have the energy to care for others and learn to avoid burn out.
    2. Get help. Sometimes, caregivers come across situations that are confusing or new to them. Perhaps their loved one is responding differently with their care routine. That observation could mean a condition needs more help from a medical provider. While asking for help can feel awkward for some, it’s a great way for caregivers to learn and make connections with what they see.
    3. Take courses. Look for free or low-cost courses in your area. There are many online courses that teach everything from caregiving techniques to self-care strategies that can be a part of your caregiving library. Many hospitals, home care agencies, hospice providers, caregiver support groups, and assisted living facilities also offer help in the way of seminars and workshops.
    4. Observe others. Sharing time with a more experienced caregiver is a great way to learn hands-on skills or another way of doing something. Since each person is different with their own set of circumstances, it helps to learn from others in a similar situation and share experiences.
    5. Support groups. Support groups can be a life force for caregivers. They provide mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and educational support needed for caregivers to continue doing what they’re doing and avoid burnout. Some support groups also provide respite and other resources to relieve a caregiver, allowing them to better reflect and process what is happening to them.
    6. Get rest. The busier you are the more important and vital rest becomes in a caregiver’s life. There is no other substitute for it and no one else can do it for you. Good caregivers make a plan for down time, to recharge themselves, and learn to protect that time from being encroached upon by others.

    In healthcare, caregivers are always learning, adjusting their knowledge and skills, and adapting to new information. This occurs even when a caregiver becomes the one being cared for, and experiences things from a new perspective. By continuing an interest in learning new things and being flexible, a caregiver can better themselves and the quality of life for others.

    ATTENTION PLUS CARE HOME HEALTHCARE
    Accredited by The Joint Commission
    1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 1060, Honolulu HI 96814
    808-739-2811 | www.attentionplus.com
    AGING IN HAWAII EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM by Attention Plus Care — a program providing resources for seniors and their families, covering different aging topics each month. For caregiver training and upcoming topics, call 808-440-9356.

    Home healthcare providers are often asked what makes a better caregiver. The answer is that, while many factors come to mind, an interest in learning is high on the list, and essential to a caregiver’s progress. For example, an important role caregivers have is recognizing when an individual’s health condition is changing. Those who can…

  • Healthy Aging and Hearing Loss

    As we age, our hearing often loses its edge. Clinical research suggests that hearing loss can have a negative effect on some key measures of healthy aging as cognitive, physical and social functioning decline. A study by the National Institute on Aging indicates that people with untreated hearing loss are significantly more at risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia.

    Hearing loss gradually sneaks up on us. Over time, we adjust and adapt, but even a mild hearing loss can be a source of misunderstanding and failed communication, leading to stress, fatigue and self-imposed isolation.

    Modern hearing devices are virtually invisible, comfortable and easy to use. As a result, those with hearing loss are no longer prevented from enjoying the activities that make life more enjoyable, like dining out with friends at their favorite restaurant or being present with family.

    The first step in correcting a hearing problem is to have the amount and type of loss measured by a hearing specialist.

    A professionally fitted hearing aid may be the key to enjoying a better tomorrow!

    OHANA HEARING CARE
    1296 S Beretania St., #102, Honolulu HI 96814
    808-593-2137 | www.ohanahearingcare.com

    As we age, our hearing often loses its edge. Clinical research suggests that hearing loss can have a negative effect on some key measures of healthy aging as cognitive, physical and social functioning decline. A study by the National Institute on Aging indicates that people with untreated hearing loss are significantly more at risk of…

  • Improve Your Health with Tai Chi

    Tai Chi, often referred to as “moving meditation,” is an ancient Chinese practice characterized by slow, flowing, low-impact movements and deep breathing. It offers wonderful benefits for any age group and is an incredibly effective and helpful practice for older adults. Potential benefits include:

    • improved balance and fall prevention
    • relief for arthritis symptoms
    • improved blood pressure and circulation
    • increased relaxation and stress relief

    Tai Chi also taps into the principle of Mindfulness — being able to calmly focus on a single idea, movement, thought, or problem.

    The Tai Chi for Health program at the Nā Kūpuna Makamae Senior Center in Honolulu, taught by certified instructor Randal Lau, provides a safe exercise designed specifically to meet the challenges of aging. It is open to all fitness levels and abilities, and is a great way to relax, enjoy yourself and improve your health and overall well-being! The class runs Tue. 10–11am and Fri. 11am–12pm.

    Weekly kūpuna activities at the Senior Center in the historic pumping station on Ala Moana Blvd. include: Gentle Yoga & Sound Bath, Hula, Qi Gong, Hawaiian Language, Lauhala Weaving, Pua Culture/Lei-Making Class, Hanafuda, Tech Savvy Seniors, Kūpuna Podcasting, and a monthly Farmers Market.

    NĀ KŪPUNA MAKAMAE SENIOR CENTER
    A Project of Pacific Gateway Center
    653 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu HI 96813
    808-774-7047 | M-F 9am-5pm
    www.NaKupunaMakamae.org

    Tai Chi, often referred to as “moving meditation,” is an ancient Chinese practice characterized by slow, flowing, low-impact movements and deep breathing. It offers wonderful benefits for any age group and is an incredibly effective and helpful practice for older adults.