Sample Articles: June-August 2006

Going On A GRANDJOURNEY
Taking Your Grandchildren On Vacation

By Gina Roberts-Grey

As a grandparent, you play a vital role in a child’s life. An enthusiastic spectator at soccer games, part-time care giver during spring break or safe haven from the rigors of emptying trash and mowing the lawn, today’s grandparents are extremely active in their grandchildren’s lives.

Although it is natural to see grandparents present at their grandchild’s school recital, scout outing or sport event, many families are adding travel companion to the long list of roles that grandparents fulfill. The chance to hit the open road, see different parts of the country and take a break from ordinary routines is an important aspect of a child’s life.

Having the opportunity to learn about various cultures and beliefs, relax, and learn how to adapt to life away from home, are just a few of the many benefits to taking a vacation. Whether hoping for a long weekend away or the trip of a lifetime, kids love the chance to pack up their treasured belongings and take a vacation.

In a world driven by hectic schedules and budget constraints, many grandparents are opting to fulfill a few of their grandchildren’s travel fantasies.

According to Mike Solarz of the American Auto Association, there is a spike in the number of grandparents traveling with their grandchildren. “I consult grandparents who are filling in for busy parents or who want to take their grandchildren on a trip they wished they took their own children on,” notes Solarz. If you’re looking to fit a getaway into yours or your grandchild’s life this summer, consider a few of the benefits that vacationing together offers.

Taking in the sights: “One of my grandfathers was a writer, and one summer we gave each other the challenge to write a short story about a frog. He would leave me notes on the typewriter and I'd type back to him. I felt a special closeness with someone who shared my passion,” shares Julie Kelsey of Germantown, Maryland recalling just one of numerous memories she has from vacationing with her grandparents.

Taking a trip together gives children and grandparents insight into each other’s interests in a different way than if they spent time together at home. “Our grandchildren were able to share some of our interests and we experienced seeing the sights through their eyes,” says grandmother of five, Marjorie Queal of Hamilton, New York, reflecting on a recent trip to Montreal she shared with three of her grandchildren. Learning that you have a passion for visiting lighthouses or the ability to turn letters on license plates into silly acronyms, lets children develop a unique bond with their grandparents.

“It was cool to hear my grandmother speaking French,” says Queal’s ten-year old granddaughter Alyce. Traveling together also gives grandparents the chance to see their your grandchildren in a different light. “Once we thought we were lost, and the kids kept the situation light by singing in the back seat while we found our way,” explains Queal. A lifetime of memories: At age six, Kelsey’s parents sent her to spend her summer vacationing with her grandparents. “I had so much fun, I went every year until I went away to college,” says Kelsey. At thirty seven (and now a mother herself), Kelsey recalls the trips as some of the most fulfilling aspects of her childhood.

“Since I was away from my parents, I could break out my self-imposed view of myself as a daughter or a student, and explore new interests,” adds Kelsey, touching on a valuable aspect of time spent with grandparents. “Children need a place where they feel safe, comfortable and loved, regardless of their grades, sports achievements or perceived shortcomings,” notes Marriage and Family Therapist John Cunningham of Mt. Shasta.

Experts such as Cunningham explain that although a child knows his parents love him, expanding his circle of nurturing support beyond his immediate family increases his confidence and esteem. “Taking a trip with grandparents gives children the opportunity and independence to flourish in this unique type of nurturing environment,” he adds. What to pack: Fear of sunburn or an unexpected encounter with separation anxiety, often discourages grandparents from taking their grandchildren on vacation.

Anticipating some of your grandchild’s travel needs can be accomplished by using the same love and logic used when raising your own children. “I encourage my daughter to pack for my grandchildren as though she were taking the kids on a trip,” says Donna Turner of McHenry, Illinois whose grandchildren frequently accompany her on long weekend adventures.

Whether your grandchild needs a blanket to fall asleep or crackers to calm motion sickness, packing the little necessities of home (as well as extra socks and bathing suits) ensures everyone a memorable and exciting vacation. In case of emergency: Grandparents whose grandchildren are asthmatic, diabetic or who have certain medical conditions, are often hesitant to encourage an extended absence from home. Although many grandparents are extremely involved in their grandchild’s life, not living with them might preclude them from having some pertinent information.

“Knowing the names and doses of any regular medication, known allergies and reactions alleviates stress and helps if a child requires medical attention,” says Registered Emergency Room Nurse, Robyn Moore of Scottsdale, Arizona. Taking a list of pertinent medical information and a medical alert bracelet (if necessary) can ease a worried grandparent’s anxiety. It is also helpful to review your grandchild’s medical history or medications, as well as safety procedures and precautions, to add an extra layer of comfort and protection. “It is also a good idea for a grandparent to have written permission to authorize medical treatment for a child in case of emergency,” notes Moore.

Gina Roberts-Grey is a freelance writer and has contributed to more than 150 lifestyle publications. If you have questions for Gina, she can be reached via her website, www.ginaroberts-grey.com

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Legal Aid, Uncertainty of Life

By Mark A. Winsor, Attorney at Law

The Will of Albert Einstein began by stating: “I, Albert Einstein, of Princeton, New Jersey, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, and mindful of the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, do hereby make, publish and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament.” In today’s complicated world, the “uncertainty of life and the certainty of death” make it more important than ever to create a comprehensive estate plan.

Uncertainty of Life: A dear friend of mine was diagnosed a number of months ago with a tumor on his brain. He is in his late 40’s. A few years ago, my sister was in a serious car accident, resulting in months of incapacitation in the hospital. At the time, she was about 40 years old with three children at home. Another dear friend of mine, who is approaching her seventieth year this month, spent several days in the hospital a few weeks ago after suffering from a mild heart attack. All of us are aware of the tragedy surrounding Terri Schiavo and the years she spent in a vegetative state. Life can turn so quickly.

You can, and should, be prepared for life’s unforeseen challenges. A Durable Power of Attorney can give someone you trust the ability to watch over your daily affairs, if you are temporarily incapacitated. A Power of Attorney for Health Care can give your loved one access to important medical records and allows them to make critical decisions about your care if you are unable to communicate your desires while under medical care. In a Living Wil,l you can make those critical decisions that Terri Schiavo’s family struggled with for years after her incapacitation. Even a Living Trust, which typically is thought of as a testamentary instrument, can be helpful in protecting your estate in the event of your temporary or permanent incapacitation.

Certainty of Death: I once did an estate plan for a woman who had celebrated her 100th birthday. I have had others in my office that knew, because of a pending illness or disease, that they would soon pass on. For the rest of us, we sometimes may feel like death, although certain, is far from our door. At the end of last year, a middle-aged businessman died suddenly of heart failure. What appeared to be a thriving business, sank into financial distress within weeks of his death, causing indescribable burdens on his surviving wife. In representing her, I have been saddened by the terrible financial tragedy and loss of a business that would have been avoided with proper planning.

Since death is certain, but the timing is not, each of us should make it a priority to create our estate plan. I am often asked whether it is better to have a Will or a Living Trust. Since we live in a complicated world and because each person’s situation is unique, it is impossible to answer without first asking questions. Because a Living Trust can be flexible, generally the only disadvantage is that the cost for a Living Trust usually is more than for a Will.

You should also be aware that “estate planning” is much more than merely deciding between a Will and a Living Trust. Often, a proper evaluation can uncover potential estate planning challenges that can better be addressed with other legal solutions.

Procrastination: Abraham Lincoln once wrote, “Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.” Regardless of whether you think you need a simple Will or a comprehensive estate plan, the human tendency is to put it off until later. Not only are we a busy society with many priorities, talking about incapacitation and death can be, for some people, very uncomfortable. We also have a natural tendency to feel we have plenty of time before anything tragic could occur in our life. Sad experience confirms Abraham Lincoln’s council, especially in creating your estate plan.

If you have questions about issues brought out in this article or questions about other legal concerns, please contact me at 480-503-7044 or visit www.WinsorLaw.com.

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Financial Records: How Long To Keep Them

By Nancy Fleming, CFP

Nancy, now that tax season is over, how long should I hold onto my financial stuff?
- The Paper Collector

Dear Collector:
Everyone wants to know what to do with all that paperwork you accumulate over time...the mutual fund statements, checking account, property tax records, etc. We seem to have boxes and drawers full. I hope this will help!

Investments: Keep ALL trade confirmations (buying and selling), annual statements and dividend re-investment statements. At the end of the year you can toss monthly statements IF they don’t reflect buying or selling. You my need to keep annual statements for years, because anything you own at your death, or, if given away, you will need to have a support document for cost or basis.

Tax Returns and Tax Records: Keep all your old tax returns, but you can get rid of support documents after three years, as long as you don’t think you will get nailed for tax fraud.

Credit Card and Check Statements: Keep for three years beyond the year of the transaction.

House Purchase/Sales Stuff: Keep all records, such as your deed, contract, mortgages, capital improvements, repairs, etc. This is because tax rules require you to figure out your profits to see if you owe any tax when you sell homes.

IRAs: Keep annual statements that reflect the year’s activity in the account. If you are past 70-1/2, you will need the preceding year end statement to determine the current year’s required minimum distribution.
This will help you clean out some old papers, but you still need to keep what is mentioned above. More details on tax record-keeping are available in IRS Publication 552, Recordkeeping for Individuals.

One simple way to organize your records is to get an expandable folder with 15-20 sections. Put each year’s records for each category in a section. You can put a label on each section (such as “Home Improvements” or “Charitable Donations,” or whatever). You can also put your cancelled check or check record for each category in that section when you finish reconciling your checkbook, as well as any credit card statements. It’s easy, and takes a few seconds to put stuff away when you pay your bills!

For more information about this article or other financial questions, you may call Nancy Fleming, Certified Financial Planner Practitioner™, and a registered representative and investment advisor representative, at (480) 632-8770.

TRAVEL TIPS
Pack your bags and get ready to hit the road

By Amanda Kennedy

Whether you’re visiting the grandkids or taking the trip of a lifetime, there are discounts and services available that make traveling as a senior a golden opportunity.

Reduced fares are offered for whatever mode of transportation you may choose, be it land, sea or air, but the age definition of “senior” may differ from company to company -- from 55 to 60 to 65. Most carriers also have travel partnerships with hotels and resorts that provide discounted rates to senior citizens.

If you want to travel with others your age, start planning your journey with a trip to your local travel agent for current information on tours geared toward seniors. And if you’re a spur-of-the-moment adventurer, there is no better time than the retirement years to take advantage of the many last-minute deals airlines offer online to destinations both near and far.

Wherever your travels take you, planning ahead to be sure you’ve packed properly or made arrangements for extra assistance if you have a disability will help to ensure a bon voyage.

Most airline Web sites offer travel advice that’s worth checking out. Delta’s tips include:

-- Keep your medications in their original pharmacy-labeled bottles to avoid problems with Customs.
-- Pack at least a week’s supply of your medications in your carry-on bag.
-- Take an extra pair of glasses. If you wear contacts, make sure you bring sufficient cleaning supplies for the entire trip.
-- Consult your doctor about any changes in timing of your medication, especially insulin, when you cross time zones.

U.S. Airways has some additional tips on traveling safely and comfortably: Get a good night’s sleep before a trip.

-- Dress comfortably and wear loosely fitting clothes (avoid materials that don’t stretch since the body expands slightly in flight).
-- Pack a light carry-on bag. Checking luggage might be helpful to avoid the strain of handling bags in the airport and onboard.
-- Jot down important medical and insurance information, and keep it in your wallet or purse for quick reference.
-- Eat light on the day of a trip. If you have a dietary restriction, make sure you contact the airline at least 24 hours in advance to arrange a special meal.

Southwest’s travel tips for seniors include:
-- Always put your name and address on both the inside and outside of all suitcases and travel bags. If you already have this information on your luggage, make sure the address is current.
-- Leave all jewelry, furs, medicine, eyeglasses, airplane tickets, money, passports, camera equipment and other valuables out of checked luggage.
Carry these items with you.

-- Do not lock your checked luggage. The Transportation Security Administration suggests that you do not lock your luggage in case it must be opened for additional inspection. Should the TSA forcibly open your bag, you assume liability for any damage that results. If you must fasten the zipper in some way, use plastic zip ties or cable ties that can easily be cut.

Travelers with special needs will find plenty of help available during their journey, as well. When booking your reservations, be sure to make arrangements for wheelchair assistance, traveling with a service animal or using medical equipment, such as oxygen, in-flight. Staff is available to help make your trip safe and easy when given advance notice.

Those who feel like they need a little extra time to get on the plane and stow their carry-on can request priority boarding. Take advantage of this bonus to get comfortable and start your journey right.

Most important of all, though, may be giving yourself enough time to check your baggage, clear security and find your departure gate. Most carriers suggest arriving at least one hour prior to departure for domestic flights, two hours for international flights.

Those who don’t like waiting may have to make a concession here or there, so bring along a good book to read -- or start marking your travel guide with all the sights you want to take in during your adventure.