The Estate Blueprint: Planning Your Future with Tom Begley

Planning Ahead: How to Afford Long-Term Care Without Losing Everything

Episode Summary:In this episode of The Estate Blueprint, elder law attorney Thomas Begley III discusses how families can plan for long-term care without depleting their life savings. From understanding the differences between skilled and custodial care, to breaking down Medicaid eligibility, to navigating the five-year lookback period, Tom shares essential legal strategies that help protect family assets and provide quality care. Whether facing a sudden medical crisis or preparing years in advance, this episode is a must-listen for anyone with aging parents or concerned about future healthcare costs.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to The Estate Blueprint and long-term care planning00:39 – Why most Americans will need long-term care and how few have coverage01:06 – How changes in Medicaid law could impact future planning01:36 – Why most insurance policies do NOT cover long-term care02:32 – The rising cost and limited reach of long-term care insurance03:07 – Skilled care vs. custodial care: what’s covered and what isn’t04:18 – Understanding Medicare’s limitations and co-pay myths04:48 – Why early planning is essential for preserving family assets05:22 – What Medicaid does and doesn’t cover in nursing homes or at home06:07 – Assisted living vs. skilled nursing: eligibility and limitations07:14 – How Medicaid “slots” work—and what happens when they’re full08:05 – Why private pay may be required before Medicaid acceptance09:06 – Can families protect assets before Medicaid kicks in?09:56 – The dangers of “street law” and bad legal advice10:34 – Understanding countable vs. non-countable assets11:28 – Special protections for married couples and community spouses12:33 – Why home title transfers and spousal wills are key to protection13:14 – What is the Medicaid “look-back period” and why it matters13:58 – Examples of exempt transfers during the lookback period15:01 – Real-life story: A costly mistake due to early application16:28 – Why waiting five full years after a gift is critical17:53 – How check deposit and deed recording dates affect eligibility19:06 – Hidden risks in delayed Medicaid planning20:19 – Why it’s not always “too late” to protect some assets21:07 – Distinguishing between stroke cases and dementia care22:04 – Timing strategies for Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnoses23:00 – The ethical balance between saving money and ensuring dignity
About the Show:
The Estate Blueprint with Thomas Begley III is a trusted legal podcast dedicated to helping families navigate estate planning, long-term care, elder law, and asset protection. Each episode offers compassionate guidance and expert strategies to secure your legacy and protect your loved ones.
Resources:
Learn more or schedule a consultation: Begley3Law.com

Do I Really Need a Trust? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Estate Blueprint, host Kevin Rosenquist and estate planning attorney Tom Begley discuss the pros and cons of living trusts. They explore common misconceptions, when trusts are necessary, and how to determine if you really need one. Tom provides valuable insights on different types of trusts and common mistakes people make in trust planning.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:07 - Introduction and episode topic
00:45 - Explanation of what a living trust is
03:12 - When living trusts make sense (out-of-state property)
06:53 - Downsides of using trusts
08:19 - Common mistakes with trusts
12:32 - Why people misunderstand trusts
14:43 - Professional advice on estate planning
 
About The Show:
The Estate Blueprint with Tom Begley is a podcast where clarity meets compassion in estate planning. Each episode breaks down essential topics about wills, trusts, long-term care, and legacy protection to help listeners make informed decisions about their estate planning needs.

Understanding Estate Planning and Probate

Episode Summary:
In this inaugural episode of The Estate Blueprint, host Kevin Rosenquist and estate planning expert Tom Begley discuss the fundamentals of estate planning and probate. Tom shares his 35 years of experience, explaining the three core documents everyone needs regardless of age or wealth: a will, an advanced medical directive, and a general durable power of attorney. He also demystifies the probate process in New Jersey and warns about common pitfalls of DIY estate planning.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:07 - Introduction and show overview
00:36 - The three essential estate planning documents
03:17 - Why young people need estate planning
03:35 - Statistics and reasons people avoid planning
07:39 - Understanding probate and its challenges
11:08 - Common fears about probate and trust mills
14:33 - Issues with DIY estate planning
17:48 - Conclusion
 
About the Show:
The Estate Blueprint: Planning Your Future with Tom Begley is a podcast where clarity meets compassion in estate planning. Join host Kevin Rosenquist and expert Tom Begley as they break down the essentials of wills, trusts, long-term care, and legacy protection.