Are You Owed Any Unclaimed Property?

As we age, we gain wisdombut unfortunately, we may also become targets. Seniors are frequently targeted by scammers who exploit trust, generosity, or a lack of familiarity with new technology. Whether you're over 65 or caring for a loved one who is, knowing how to spot and prevent scams is essential.At Seniors Blue Book, we believe that safety and awareness go hand in hand. Were here not only to help you find trusted care and services but also to protect you from those who try to take advantage. The Most Common Senior Scams to Watch For1. Medicare or Health Insurance ScamsHow it works: Scammers pose as Medicare representatives and ask for personal information, claiming it's needed to issue a new card or confirm coverage. Red flag: Medicare will never call asking for your number or banking info.2. Tech Support ScamsHow it works: A pop-up or phone call claims your computer has a virus. The tech asks for remote access or payment to fix the issue. Red flag: Reputable tech companies dont reach out unsolicited.3. Fake Prize or Sweepstakes ScamsHow it works: You're told you won a contestbut must pay a fee to collect your winnings. Red flag: If you didnt enter, you didnt win. Legitimate prizes never require upfront payment.4. Phony CharitiesHow it works: Especially during disasters or the holidays, scammers pretend to be charities asking for donations. Red flag: They pressure you to give immediately, often in cash or gift cards.5. Romance & Relationship ScamsHow it works: Someone builds an online relationship, then asks for money. Red flag: They avoid meeting in person and have a series of unfortunate emergencies. How Seniors Can Protect ThemselvesNever share personal information like Social Security numbers, Medicare ID, or banking details over the phone.Dont click suspicious links or open unknown attachments in emails or texts.Hang up on unsolicited calls and verify by calling back a trusted number.Discuss any large financial decisions with a family member or trusted advisor.Use call blocking services and register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry. What to Do If You Suspect a Scam Report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Tell your bank if youve given out financial info. Let your caregiver, family member, or a trusted professional know. Use support networks like your local senior center or resources from Seniors Blue Book to stay informed.  How Seniors Blue Book Can HelpAt Seniors Blue Book, we dont just list providerswe help families find trusted, verified, and locally recommended services. Whether youre looking for senior housing, home health, transportation, elder law, or financial planning, were here to connect you to professionals who put your safety first.Search local services: SeniorsBlueBook.comPick up our printed book at libraries, hospitals, or senior centersCall us directly for personal help finding the right care in your area Final ThoughtsScammers may try to prey on older adults, but knowledge is power. The more you know about common scams, the easier it is to avoid them. Share this guide with loved ones, post it on social media, or print it out and keep it handybecause protecting yourself starts with staying informed.  Need help finding trusted senior services? Let Seniors Blue Book connect you to the resources you needsafely, and without the spam. Visit SeniorsBlueBook.com today or contact your local representative.

It sounds like something out of a movie: A wealthy man passes away, leaving behind a historic manor, a million-dollar estate, and two women claiming to be his rightful heir.But this isnt fictionits a real case thats making headlines. And while most of us dont have castles and wine collections to pass on, the lessons from this case apply to everyone.At Bellomo & Associates, we believe estate planning isnt just about moneyits about love, legacy, and protecting the people you care about.The Real-Life Drama UnfoldsJustin Bodle was a successful British TV producer. When he died in 2019, he left behind a fortune worth $29 million. But heres where it gets messy His most recent will, written in 2013, left everything to his estranged wife. Since then, he had a new partner and two additional children but never updated his documents. Now, his partner is fighting for what she believes is fair under inheritance laws, while the wife (also the executor) claims the estate is drained by debts and taxes. Its ugly. And preventable. What Went Wrong?His will didnt reflect his current family life.There was no plan to care for the partner or new children.There wasnt enough liquidity to handle taxes and expenses.The result? A bitter court battle, expensive legal fees, and uncertainty for everyone left behind.What Does This Have to Do with You?Even if you dont own a manor in the English countryside, heres what you can learn:Update your plan after life changes. Divorce, remarriage, new kidsit all matters.Be specific. If you want to provide for a partner or child, spell it out clearly.Dont rely on good intentions. Executors have legal duties, not emotional ones.Think about cash flow. Your loved ones will need money to settle your affairs.Get help from a pro. Estate planning is not a DIY project, especially in blended families.Your Legacy Should Be Love, Not LitigationStories like this make headlines because theyre dramatic, but behind every court battle is a family thats hurting. You can avoid that. Lets build a plan that reflects your real life, real values, and real wishesso your loved ones are taken care of and stay out of court.

What is the Sandwich Generation?The term describes adults who are simultaneously caring for their own children and their aging parents. The concept was first popularized in the 1980s as life expectancy rose and more adults found themselves responsible for both older and younger generations at the same time. Who Belongs to the Sandwich Generation?Typically between 40 and 60 years oldOften Gen Xers or younger BoomersIncreasingly includes Millennials, especially those with young children and aging Baby Boomer parentsWomen often take on a disproportionate share of the caregiving duties Why Is It Growing?People are living longer: Aging parents often require care for years or even decades.Delayed parenthood: Many adults have children later in life, so theyre still raising kids while their parents are aging.Boomerang kids: Young adults are more likely to return home after college or need longer-term financial support.Insufficient retirement savings: Aging parents may not have the financial means to fully care for themselves. Challenges FacedEmotional StrainCaregiver burnoutFeelings of guilt or resentmentLack of personal timeFinancial PressurePaying for college and elder care at the same timeLess time and money for personal savings or retirement planningCareer ImpactMay reduce work hours, take unpaid leave, or leave jobs entirelyDifficulty advancing professionally due to divided focus Coping StrategiesFinancial Planning: Budgeting, long-term care insurance, estate planningSupport Networks: Therapy, caregiver support groups, extended family helpWorkplace Flexibility: Remote work, family leave policies, flexible hoursCommunity Resources: Adult day care, respite services, elder care programs A Shift in PerspectiveWhile often described in terms of stress and burden, many in the sandwich generation also report:A sense of purposeStrengthened family bondsIncreased empathy and resilience Financial Planning ToolsBudgeting and Planning:Mint or YNAB (You Need a Budget): Track household expenses including elder care and child-related costs.SmartAsset: Offers tools to plan for long-term care and retirement needs.Long-Term Care Planning:Genworths Cost of Care Calculator: Understand what elder care may cost in your area.AARP Long-Term Care Calculator: Estimates needs and offers planning strategies. Emotional Support & Mental HealthCaregiver Support:Family Caregiver Alliance (caregiver.org): Offers local resources, education, and a support hotline.The National Alliance for Caregiving (caregiving.org): Advocacy, research, and community support.Therapy & Peer Support:BetterHelp or Talkspace: Online therapy platforms.Caregiver Action Network: Offers forums, peer support, and guidance for those caring for multiple generations. Elder Care ResourcesCare Services:Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov): A U.S. government service to find local elder support programs.Senior Housing Solutions: Helps locate senior living and in-home care services in SWFL.Meals on Wheels: Provides meal delivery and check-ins for seniors.Legal & Medical Documents:Five Wishes: Helps create legally valid advance directives and end-of-life plans.CaringInfo.org (by NHPCO): Free state-specific advance directive forms and planning guides. Child & Teen SupportEducation & Financial Help:FAFSA.ed.gov: Federal student aid applications.Savingforcollege.com: Help with 529 plans and education planning.Childcare Solutions:Care.com: Find babysitters, tutors, and child care services.Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, or local afterschool programs: Affordable and reliable youth programs.Read more on Wikipedia