Monitoring Brain Health with Dr. Wendy Suzuki [Episode 114]

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Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and co-host Susan Arthur are joined by Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology in the Center for Neural Science at New York University and author of “Healthy Brain, Happy Life.” Her work focuses on areas of the brain critical for our ability to form and retain long-term memories, and some of her more recent research is dedicated to the role that exercise plays in neuroplasticity and expanding cognitive reserve.

They discuss what neuroplasticity entails, what much of the research surrounding brain function and stimulation entails, and the impact of exercise on the aging brain.

She talks about the boost in brain function that an aerobic workout can have, as well as her studies as it relates to Parkinson’s Disease. Dr. Suzuki details the misconceptions surrounding the connection between brain function and exercise and the importance of good sleeping habits in cognitive performance.

Dr. Suzuki also advocates the importance of meditation and how that can offer benefits to brain health. She discusses how manageable of a lifestyle change increasing healthy habits is and how vacuuming or walking around a store can be easy and beneficial ways of keeping your brain healthy.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Suzuki’s upcoming talk on exercise, neuroplasticity, and the expansion of cognitive reserves at 3 p.m., Sunday, September 8, at the Congregation Shaare Emeth in St. Louis, Mo.

Dealing With Long-Term Care Bills [Episode 113]

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Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and co-host Susan Arthur discuss the various elements to long-term care and the various methods involved in paying for it. They break down the monthly costs of assisted care and nursing home care and how city care can differ in cost and quality from rural care.

Joe and Susan talk about long-term care insurance and how the costs of prescription medications can impact your finances. They also touch on the possibility of being able to afford paying for long-term care yourself and how many make assumptions regarding having your children assist in paying for the costs of long-term care.

Joe talks about the assumption of financial risk when you are younger and planning for the future, and highlights the differences between the advice he may give to someone younger and able to take the risks versus someone older who cannot afford to take on financial risk.

Joe and Susan talk about qualifying for government programs, such as Medicaid, in order to qualify for long-term care. They talk about the Medicaid planning process, as well as the utilization of irrevocable trusts.

Transitioning to a New Home [Episode 112]

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Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and co-host Susan Arthur are joined by Charlie Shapard, of Smooth Transitions of St. Louis, to discuss senior moves and downsizing as you get older. He highlights senior move management and what they should consider regarding their care and needs, before making the move.

Charlie talks about their customized approach that lowers the amount of stress that seniors face as they transition into their new living environment and describes going through the belongings of senior clients who wish to downsize.

He talks about compensation and some of the labor and coordinating efforts that go into the transitional moves that his company takes on. Charlie talks about the hours and billing and what goes into his services for seniors and their families interested in them.

Charlie offers suggestions for seniors considering a move, as well as how he works with retirement communities in order to ensure a smooth transition for his clients.

Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid [Episode 111]

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Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and co-host Susan Arthur identify some of the missteps that people make in their estate planning and highlight methods of avoiding these mistakes. They talk about the legal side of facing disasters when traveling with loved ones and how contingent agents and contingent trustees can be beneficial in times of crisis.

Joe and Susan talk about the challenges involved in leaving assets to minors and the importance of specific language in legal documents, as well as the implementation of trustees, in order to ensure the asset be maintained until the minor is of a specified age.

Joe and Susan discuss how marriage and prenuptial agreements can factor into the protection of assets and estate planning. They discourage only naming one person in your estate planning documents and emphasize the importance of including a residuary clause. Joe also highlights the importance to include advanced health care directives that reflect your wishes.