Barrett, I know how expensive nursing homes are.  My dad was is one for a very short time prior to his death.  He was only there for about a month but the bills were just outrageous... although he did have a private room which was needed because he entered with a MRSA infection contracted at either ...

Thanks everyone.  I guess you guys really picked up on my fear and insecurity factor here.  Yes, I know that I'm making this more difficult that it actually is but it's scary because it's ME that had to pick up where my dad left off.  I was hoping that CD rates would rise back to where they were bef...

Barrett, ya know, you're talking to a beginner here and when you start talking taxes, well, my eyes just glazed over.  Yes, her money will be taxable but according to her accountant, this will not be an issue for a long time due to her severe losses and limited income.  I did lay out the basics of t...

Hi everyone and thanks for the replies. To answer Barrett's earlier questions, my mom is a very healthy 85 years young.  She swims long laps in her pool several times a week and is probably ten years younger than her actual age.  Good genes, I guess. So, this financial guru that her well-meaning nei...

So, here's my situation.  I am now in charge of my elderly mother's finances after the passing of my dad back in 2007.  Prior to his passing and immediately before the 2008 debacle, their money was being handled by their investment advisor/accountant with ties to Raymond James.  My major problem is ...