Episodes

  • Navigating Medicare Changes: Expert Insights and Strategies for 2025
    Nov 9 2024

    Unlock the critical insights into Medicare changes with our expert guest, Paul Livingston, a seasoned registered nurse turned Medicare advisor. Gain the knowledge you need to confidently navigate Medicare plans and avoid the pitfalls of misinformation. Understand the pivotal role of independent brokers in tailoring healthcare options to your specific needs, especially when considering the region-specific nature of Medicare Advantage plans and the impact of individual prescription requirements. For seniors living on limited incomes, staying informed about major Medicare changes is crucial. Paul offers guidance on strategies to manage these shifts effectively and ensure your health and financial well-being are prioritized.

    Discover the practical routes available for handling medication costs without the stress of overwhelming initial payments. We explore federal programs that spread expenses throughout the year, making healthcare more manageable. Learn about the flexibility offered during the trial look period when transitioning between traditional Medicare with a Medigap plan and Medicare Advantage. However, understand the challenges that arise when attempting to revert back to a Medicare supplement, particularly for those managing chronic health conditions. This episode promises to equip you with the tools to make informed decisions regarding your Medicare options, empowering you to navigate this complex landscape with greater confidence.

    Call Paul Livingston at 479-347-9920

    Information to help you answer all of your questions about aging.

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    24 mins
  • Adapting Memorial Traditions for Modern Times
    Nov 9 2024

    Discover the fascinating transformations occurring in the funeral industry with our special guest, Christie Page from Dignity Memorial, North America's largest funeral provider. Uncover why more families are choosing cremation over traditional burials and how the mobility of modern life is reshaping final arrangements. Christie shares how Dignity Memorial's national plan transferability offers unprecedented flexibility and financial assurance for families, ensuring that your plans can follow you across 2,000 locations. This episode provides a rare glimpse into the innovative solutions being crafted to meet the evolving needs of families today.

    We also explore groundbreaking alternatives like green burials and water cremation, even though they’re not yet available in Arkansas. Understand the importance of planning ahead and how pre-arranged plans can significantly reduce the emotional and financial stress on loved ones. From direct cremations at $2,800 to elaborate funerals averaging $10,000, we break down the costs and explore the personalized planning guides offered by Dignity Memorial to perfectly align every detail with your wishes. Whether you're contemplating your own arrangements or simply seeking to understand the shifting customs in memorial practices, this episode is packed with insights that promise to enlighten and inform.

    Christie's number: 479-957-0102

    Information to help you answer all of your questions about aging.

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    26 mins
  • Epi 95 How Should I be Paying Mom's Bills
    Apr 26 2023

    Today Sara and Todd talk about the way you SHOULD be paying mom and dad's bills . If you are helping mom and dad out by picking some things up at the store for them, you are probably doing what makes sense. However, you are probably doing it wrong!!

    Todd and Sara walk you though this seemingly innocent process to show you how it can cause problems with the Medicaid application and it can possibly cost you, the child, lots of extra money to cover this innocent mistake.

    If you are caring for a loved one, and buying stuff for them, you have to listen to this episode.

    Information to help you answer all of your questions about aging.

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    17 mins
  • Epi 94 What are some of the Joys of Aging?
    Apr 19 2023

    Today Sara and Todd have a little fun. It's been a little depressing lately so they decide to talk about the things that can bring joy as you age. Anything from a lack of filter so you can say pretty much anything you want to volunteering to make a difference to a child or non-profit. There are many ways to have joy and bring joy to others.

    Listen today and hopefully get and give a little bit of joy.

    Information to help you answer all of your questions about aging.

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    22 mins
  • Epi 93 Does My Revocable Living Trust Protect Me from Medicaid?
    Apr 12 2023

    Today Sara and Todd talk about a very common misconception that people have about their Revocable Living Trust; does it protect me from Medicaid. The short answer is "no" but there's more to it than that and also, is it the end of the world if it doesn't? Again, the answer is "no".

    Today they talk about why the RLT doesn't work, what does work and what to do if you don't qualify. It's a quicker episode with lots of good information.

    Information to help you answer all of your questions about aging.

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    15 mins
  • Epi 92 Why is it So Important to Plan Ahead?
    Apr 5 2023

    Today Sara and Todd talk about a struggle they have with potential clients every day. Getting people to finally take the steps to get their estate plan in order is so critically important. Today Todd and Sara talk about the reasons it's necessary to do your planning now.

    Not planning is always more expensive and limits the actions you can take to protect your estate. It also put the decisions into the hands of stranger who doesn't know your situation at all. And it's not just so much protecting the estate, it's peace of mind knowing your wishes are in place.

    Listen today as Sara and Todd help you know that you need to plan and give you some help in getting an aging loved one to plan. It's a great show today.

    Information to help you answer all of your questions about aging.

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    19 mins
  • Epi 91 What to Do If a Loved One Is Being Abused
    Mar 15 2023

    Sara and Todd jump into a really heavy subject today, Elder Abuse. This topic is hard to digest but it is there. They have seen it in Todd's Elder Law Practice a number of times in the last few weeks and it's something that needs to be addressed.

    In this episode, they discuss the different types of abuse and how to recognize it and then what to do when you see abuse. There are things you need to look for and there are things you can do when you see it.

    Listen to this episode and share with friends to help a senior that may be being abused.

    Information to help you answer all of your questions about aging.

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    35 mins
  • Epi 90 The VA Benefits Update 2023
    Feb 22 2023

    Today, Todd and Sara cover a topic they've covered before but with recent updates. We encourage you that if you are a Veteran or especially if you know a Veteran (or the widow of a Veteran) needing help getting the care they need, you have to listen to this benefit.

    Today we discuss the assets limits and the amounts of monthly benefits that a Veteran or their spouse can get. Please listen and share with a veteran friend.

    Information to help you answer all of your questions about aging.

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    18 mins