In today's episode of Life, Legacy & Wealth, we continue the conversation around Medicaid planning, nursing home costs, and asset protection—and the costly mistakes families often make when they try to navigate this process on their own. I'm joined again by elder law attorney Cary Moss, who shares real-world examples from her practice that show how well-intended decisions can create serious financial and legal problems if they're not done correctly.

Cary breaks down common red flags, including gifting assets, adding children to accounts, misunderstanding special needs trusts, and relying on incorrect advice from friends or the internet. We also walk through a powerful success story that shows how proper planning can protect a spouse, preserve assets, and bring peace of mind during an incredibly stressful time.

If you or your family are thinking about long-term care, Medicaid eligibility, or protecting what you've worked so hard to build, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Costly Medicaid planning mistakes families make when acting without legal guidance
• Gifting assets and triggering Medicaid lookback penalties
• Why adding children to bank accounts or deeds can backfire financially and legally
• Misunderstandings around special needs trusts and age-based eligibility rules
• How proper Medicaid planning protects a well spouse and preserves assets
• The critical role of durable powers of attorney and enhanced powers
• Coordinating Medicaid planning with long-term estate and legacy goals

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode, we dive into the real cost of nursing home care and why Medicaid planning is a critical tool for asset protection for seniors and their families. Attorney Cary Moss explains why nursing home costs often come as a shock, clarifies the difference between Medicare and Medicaid, and breaks down how long-term care is actually paid for. The conversation focuses on practical strategies to protect savings, homes, and retirement assets while still qualifying for Medicaid benefits.

Cary shares common myths about Medicaid planning, outlines what assets are considered exempt versus countable, and walks through both pre-planning and crisis planning options designed to preserve family wealth and reduce financial stress.

If you're worried about long-term care expenses, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance to help protect your assets and plan with confidence.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Medicare vs Medicaid and what actually covers long-term care
• The true cost of nursing home care and why it surprises most families
• Medicaid planning basics for seniors facing nursing home costs
• Asset protection strategies to preserve savings, homes, and retirement accounts
• Common myths about Medicaid and qualifying with higher assets
• Pre-planning vs crisis planning for long-term care and Medicaid eligibility

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Tom Moss breaks down the real differences between wills and trusts in Florida, with a clear focus on probate, privacy, cost, and long-term control. He explains how probate works, why trusts can help families avoid court oversight, and how proper planning can speed up asset distribution while protecting sensitive family and financial details. Early in the discussion, Tom Moss draws on his experience in estate planning to clarify common misconceptions and highlight when a trust can offer meaningful advantages over a simple will.

The conversation covers trust funding, execution mistakes, trustee selection, and how small wording choices can create major legal consequences. Tom also shares practical guidance on updating estate plans after moving to Florida, navigating homestead laws, and avoiding costly errors from DIY or outdated documents.

This is a concise, practical episode for anyone deciding between a will and a trust or revisiting their estate plan.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How probate works in Florida and why it can be costly and public
• Key differences between wills and trusts for control, speed, and privacy
• Why properly funding a trust is essential to avoid probate
• Common mistakes in DIY estate planning and improper document execution
• How trustee selection can make or break an estate plan
• Florida homestead laws and risks when moving from another state
• When and why to revisit and update estate planning documents

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.