How much do you REALLY love your family?

According to a 2021 survey conducted by caring.com, only 33% of adults in the United States have estate planning documents such as a will or trust.

Many respondents attributed their lack of estate planning to procrastination, but many others indicated a mistaken belief that estate planning is not necessary because they do not have many assets.

Don’t dump food and liquid for diarrhea

With all the different locations and exotic foods at our disposal, travelers can pick up a bout of diarrhea.

Fortunately, most people experience a mild form and respond well to regular fluid intake and anti-diarrhea medication. Those with underlying diseases and the very young or elderly are at greater risk and may require antibiotics or other medications.

As many as 60% of travelers to developing countries will come down with diarrhea, making it the No. 1 travel ailment. It can manifest itself up to two weeks after returning home.

Preventing travelers’ diarrhea begins with rehydration, putting liquid back into your body. Travelers should eat as normally as possible. There is no good evidence to support a restricted diet. High-risk patients or those with concerns about becoming ill and obtaining medical service and products while abroad should take a first aid kit.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2022

Why Should You Have An Estate Plan?

An estate plan can provide significant peace of mind by ensuring that your money and property are protected, and plans are in place for the day when you become ill or die, and your accounts and property pass down according to your wishes. Did you know the biggest fights in families aren’t about money, stocks or real estate? They are about the little things that hold memories. Your family can be torn apart over something as seemingly minor as “Who gets Grandma’s car or Grandpa’s tools!”

What Key Elements Of An Estate Plan Should You Consider?

• Do you have a last will and testament or a trust? If you do not have these important documents, state law will determine who will inherit your property — and it may not occur in the way you would have chosen.

In addition, someone appointed by the court instead of a trusted person of your choosing will be in charge of caring for any children or pets and winding up your affairs. Spelling out your wishes in a will or trust will also prevent unnecessary confusion, anxiety and expense for your loved ones when you are gone.

• Are the proper powers of attorney in place? A financial power of attorney designates an individual to make financial and property decisions (e.g., opening a bank account, signing a deed, getting your mail) should you become unable to handle your own affairs. An advance directive designates a person you trust to make medical decisions for you when you are otherwise unable to speak for yourself.

• Ensure that you have a living will, which memorializes your wishes concerning your end-of-life care, such as whether you want to receive life support if you are in a vegetative state or have a terminal condition.

• You should also have HIPAA authorizations in place with medical professionals to ensure that your loved ones can obtain needed information.

• Pass along your personal belongings according to your wishes with memorandums for distribution of personal property.

Learn more about the benefits and protections of an estate plan by attending our estate planning/Medicaid planning seminar at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, 902 E. University Drive, Granger, at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27 or 6 p.m. Monday, March 6. Reservations required; seating is limited. Call (800) 303-7423 or visit riceandrice.com.

Schemers and scammers always in season

— even remotely connected to the Social Security Administration.

What Seniors Think ‘How did you meet your spouse/significant other?’

A Social Security scam linked to tax time can reach you any time of year via email, telephone or the postal service.

The thieves offer refunds of Social Security taxes you’ve paid over the years, an attractive lure during the economic slough in which everyone has been wallowing. This is not — repeat, not

The schemers usually offer to file a refund claim with the Internal Revenue Service in return for a percentage of the refund and an up-front fee of $100 or so for doing the paperwork.

The only sure thing that will happen is you will lose whatever money you send to these crooks.

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Surprise — not all all-inclusive vacations include everything

Several resorts have adopted a package-resort philosophy designed to include everything in one price. The idea is that, once you arrive, you can put away your traveler’s checks, credit cards, and cash. Your room, meals, drinks, and recreational activities are all pre-paid.

In some cases, you never need leave the grounds, unless you want to find out more about the area and its people.

All-inclusives have a lot of appeal for people who don’t want to worry about spending their holiday paying for the things they do.

But not all all-inclusives are the same.

Before you sign up for such a holiday, find out what really is included.

Ask if there are any additional charges, such as tips, you will need to pay. You should not have to tip on an all-inclusive vacation.

Are the meals served buffet style or a-la-carte by a waiter? Are there additional charges at the resort’s restaurants? Are cocktails and beer local or premium brands? What activities are included in the package? How extensive is the water-sports equipment — how many sail boats or sail boards are available? Are motorized water sports, such as jet skiing and water skiing included?

Are the rooms furnished with a refrigerator so you can store food or drinks? Is there a charge for food stocked in it? You’ll probably think of more questions as you pursue the matter.