Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar

Seventy percent of folks have no estate planning in place—meaning no will, no trust, no powers of attorney, nothing appointing anyone they trust with the legal authority to act on their behalf if something were to happen. I don’t think it’s a lack of money; we spend lots of money on lots of things. Maybe it’s avoidance—somehow emotionally linking us to our final demise? It amounts to procrastination. We all do it from time to time.

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If you’re married – you took an oath “for better or worse in sickness and in health, until death do us part.” But what does that oath really look like?

Many of my clients come face-to-face with that challenge later in life – more specifically when one spouse’s health declines to the point that they can no longer live at home…maybe the other spouse just doesn’t have the capacity or skills to continue to care for the other. Nursi...

In this episode, we’re addressing an often painful topic: toxic parents – difficult-to-deal-with parents.

“Hey, wait a second Nancy – my Mom is a gem – everyone loves her; she volunteers at the church and reads to children after school. The homestead is a showcase at Christmastime.”

Well, that’s great that you have such a wonderful mama – it is a genuine blessing, and I’m not going to take that away from you. Not everyone has such a ...

In this episode, we tackle the most frequently asked questions older adults and their families have about long-term planning and estate planning. As a seasoned elder law and estate planning attorney, I share practical, approachable tips that can help you and your loved ones navigate these questions with confidence, protect your assets, and reduce family stress down the road.

What will happen if I need long-term care, and how will I ...

There have been some big changes recently out of Washington – especially when it relates to Medicare and Medicaid.   They may sound similar and actually they are often used interchangeably – but they are very different – different purposes and it’s important for both seniors and their caregivers to know the difference.  

That’s what we’re focused on today – Medicare v Medicaid and untangling the confusion BEFORE you may need one or ...

Download my FREE Pet Planning Checklist

We love our pets. They’re family. They’re there when we come home, they comfort us, they make us laugh, and they fill our hearts with companionship.

But here’s the truth: many people don’t plan for what happens to their pets if they can no longer care for them. I have seen it too many times in my practice.

When people don’t plan:

• Pets may end up in shelters, often elderly and unad...

Every day, more of us Baby Boomers are hitting 65 and beyond. If you haven’t started planning for your senior years yet, it’s time. I know it can feel overwhelming but remember this: failing to plan is planning to fail. My goal is to help you avoid that. I also want you to avoid some of the biggest estate planning boo-boos which come from taking short cuts – short cuts that backfire on you, your family and your estate – absolutely ...

If your family is impacted by a dementia diagnosis you are not alone. Dementia is the designated term for a variety of cognitive disorders which can range from Alzheimer's, to sundowners, to Parkinson's and Lewy Body Syndrome. The disease affects millions of Americans and is projected to significantly increase in the coming decades. Currently 7 million Americans living with dementia. That is one in ten people age 65 over and its ex...

We've often discussed typical estate planning, but what happens when an estate is more substantial? These are known as high-net-worth estates. In this episode, we'll delve into what constitutes such an estate, what they might entail, the inherent risks without proper planning, and real-life examples to illustrate these points.

Let's begin with a clear definition. A "high-net-worth estate" isn't just abo...

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy. It's a time filled with grief, a whirlwind of emotions, and a lot of uncertainty. On my podcast, Boomer Time, I often get asked, "What do I do next?" when someone loses a loved one. It's a 911 call for help, and honestly, it's a question that needs a thoughtful answer.

First and foremost, let's acknowledge the pain. Grief is essential. Allow yourself t...

My latest episode will focus on a “sensitive topic” and this may be one of the toughest to talk about. Death. What do you want done with your body when you’re gone. It’s not as simple as you might think and if you don’t plan you may be leaving a significant financial burden for your loved ones.

There are lots of options – more than you may realize. How do you want to go out? I’ve got folks don’t want a funeral or want a big par...

This week, we’re talking about funeral home drama. You don’t want it – you may worry about that one loose cannon that may show up a the funeral, right.  I’ve got a few of those in my own family so I know you’re pain.  When family feuds, old grudges, and poor planning collide at one of the most emotional times in life.

I’ve seen stories of it all — the brawls, the breakdowns, and yes, even a fistfight next to the casket. So, gra...

Welcome back to Boomer Time! It's your host, Nancy Cogar, here today to talk about something that can feel a little intimidating: estate planning. And you know what? I hear from so many of you who feel like your questions might be "dumb." Let me tell you something right off the bat – when it comes to protecting your future and the people you love, there's absolutely no such thing as a "dumb" question.

In ...

Older adults are the main target and the victims with the biggest losses, according to newly released numbers from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). And the losses are astronomical: a record $12.5 billion was reported stolen through scams and fraud last year, up 25 percent from $10 billion in 2023.

The overall cost of these crimes continues to skyrocket: Just four years ago, in 2020, Americans lost far less, $3.5 billion, to fraud...

In Episode #66 of the Boomer Time Podcast, I sit down with Amy Clarke of Morning Pointe Senior Living to discuss the crucial needs of both seniors and their caregivers. She announces the upcoming annual Caregiver Cafe, a free community event sponsored by the Morning Pointe Foundation.

This seminar series aims to educate and inform families facing difficult aging-related decisions. I am honored to be a panelist this year and look fo...

What if a loved one dies? What are you responsible for?

When a loved one passes away, it's important to know which debts and bills you are not responsible for. Generally, you are not personally responsible for a deceased person's debts unless you were a co-signer, joint account holder, or otherwise legally obligated.

Episode 65 provides a breakdown of what you could be liable for and more.

----Nancy A. Cogar, Esq., has a ...

So, I wanted to start off today on a personal note, as I sometimes do, because as you know, I’m not just a lawyer; I’m also a caregiver. I want to share with you a deeply personal story about my own journey with my 83-year-old mother, who recently had a stroke and is transitioning from independent living to assisted living care.

If you’re facing a similar situation or just trying to prepare for the future, this episode is for you. W...

In this episode of Boomer Time, we're shifting focus slightly. I want to discuss the recent news of Gene Hackman's death because it offers additional important lessons. These include everything from end-of-life care to necessary support, estate planning (which we've already touched on in several past episodes), and the potential for abuse and exploitation. We're discussing issues that arise in the sunset years and h...

I want to talk about a crucial topic — Medicare, Medicaid, and how they fit into estate planning and important differences between the two.  It can be confusing, and they are both quite different. Whether you are navigating your own healthcare needs or helping a loved one, today’s episode is packed with important information that can make a real difference in managing long-term care and protecting assets.

If you are an older adult ...