Milwaukee Post
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/863148
SENIORS By DAN MUCKELBAUER Post Editor Three generations or two older genera- tions in one home is becoming more com- monplace, builders say. The good news: It's easy to accommodate the older set when building a home. More good news: It might add as little as $13,000 to make two of the most popular changes sought to convert a regular new floor plan into a multigenerational one. First, the growing need is a statistical fact. The U.S. Census Bureau projects the over-65 population growing from 47 million in 2015 to 71 million by 2030. Most older peo- ple who answered a 2016 survey by Home Advisor said they intended to stay in their homes as long as possible. "While most older homes weren't designed for an aging population, it's not difficult to make a new home accessible," said Tim O'Brien of Tim O'Brien Homes Inc., which has offices in Milwaukee and Madison. Easy entry and one-floor living for a per- son are two of the biggest design adjust- ments, although some plans account for multiple generations. "If you're considering having someone immobile living with you, people are defi- nitely asking for easier transitions from the garage or front door into the house," Scott Thistle of Halen Homes LLC in Brookfield said. An easier-to-navigate threshold into the Bridging generation gap while aging at home Multigenerational living easily accommodated, builders say Tim O'Brien Homes Inc. Tim O'Brien Homes' Waunakee model shows a zero-entry front door, an aging-in-place feature. See MULTIGENERATIONAL on Page 15 14 • Milwaukee County Post • August 18, 2017 - PAID ADVERTISEMENT - TRUST COSTS VS PROBATE COSTS Does a trust really save you money at the time of your death? It should first be noted that trusts are being marketed by many individuals who are not lawyers and who are not licensed to draft trusts. Only lawyers can draft trusts. Marketing of trusts by non lawyers is often used as a way of selling you other services and products, such as becoming your "money manager". These salespersons usually refer you to a lawyer "they know" who "reviews" your form trust documents. Caution is needed in these situations. Certainly the financial relationship between the company and the lawyer should be fully explored. Be certain the lawyer to whom you are referred is working solely in your best interest and not for a financial relationship with the individual who referred you to the lawyer. You may want to ask how your payment is split between the various parties. When a lawyer quotes a probate fee, he or she is normally quoting for all the services to be rendered. Services may include: filing final personal income tax returns; filing fiduciary income tax returns; filing federal gift and death tax returns; preparing inventories and accountings for the estate; transferring property and preparing deeds; paying claims; and generally winding up all the affairs of the decedent. Most estates today are done as informal probates, and actual court time is usually limited to approximately an hour. Most of the services included in a lawyer's probate quote need to be done even if you have a trust. Tax returns, accountings, property transfers, and the winding-up of the decedent's affairs are going to be necessary whether you have a trust or a will. You may save "probate costs" with a trust but you incur "trust costs". You may save personal representative fees, but you incur trustee fees. Rather than the label, look at the bottom line. You may also want to factor in the larger initial cost of having the trust prepared. I recently heard a radio personality claim that "nothing needs to be done when you die if you have a trust". While this may be true in some limited situations (as it would also probably be true if you had a will in the same situation) it is not the average case. The reality is that we are all going to leave some work and expense behind when we die. Despite claims to the contrary, there is no "magical tool" which is going to eliminate all the work. Trusts do have their place and they do have many advantages, but probate avoidance does not necessarily save you money. Also, trusts that continue after you die carry yearly costs, and such trusts should be used only when your personal situation dictates, and not because your money manager wants to continue to manage your money even after your death. The next time someone tells you that there is no work or cost when you die if you have a trust, have him or her put it in writing. The Law Office of James J. Winiarski offers a free simple estate planning consultation. Our approach to estate planning is to explain the options available, the cost of each option, and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. If you would like to set up an appointment for a free estate planning conference, please call us at 383-3902. 256511102 709 W. Oklahoma Ave. 481-8170 Accepting Blue Cross, Anthem, TRICARE, Express Scripts and more... Health Tip of the Week Registered Pharmacist Bob Stresing and the Serv-U Team 256511022 Protect Your Skin Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. Experts say experiencing 5 or more blistering sunburns when you are 15 or 20 years old may increase melanoma risk by 80%. A new study following over 144,000 women, ages 40 to 75, found that those who regularly used a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more were 33% less likely to develop melanoma than those who used a weaker sunscreen. Avoid using sunscreen on infants younger than 6 months old, though. To protect them, keep them out of the sun when possible. Dress them in lightweight clothing that covers arms and legs and hats to protect their head and face. Sun- protective swim wear is a good idea for small children. Special Rates for Senior Citizens & Veterans Vietnam Veteran - VFW Member NEW HOURS Monday–Friday 7:30am–4:30pm 256511094 Norv's BARBER SHOP 2688 S. 13th St. 384-3380 WILLS, TRUSTS, POWERS OF ATTORNEY, PROBATE Pre and post death planning by a professional with over 40 years of experience. Law Offices of Attorney James J. Winiarski 3625 W. Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee (414) 383-3902 256511098 Housecalls Thick/Fungus Nails Corns/Calluses Ingrown Nails Heel Pain Dr. Thomas Marciniak is pleased to announce the opening of his office specializing in the non-surgical treatment of foot problems in SENIORS. Our services are covered by Medicare in most cases and we accept Medicare assignment. So whether you are diabetic and you need routine foot care or your nails are too thick to cut by yourself or your feet just hurt, please give our office a call at 414-427-1999. Housecalls are also available for patients who have difficulty getting to the office. If you have a question or would like to make an appointment please call our office at 414-427-1999. Dr. Thomas Marciniak PODIATRIST / FOOT SPECIALIST 4811 South 76th Street • 414-427-1999 256511077 Foot Care for Seniors