Sa nr Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller Protecting Your Pets After You’re Gone Dear Savvy Senior, What is the best way to ensure my pets are taken care of after I’m gone? I have two dogs and a cat that are my four-legged family, and I want to make sure they’ll be well taken care of after I die. Solo Senior Dear Solo, It’s a great question. Every year, approximately 500,000 cats and dogs enter shelters when their pet parents experience an emergency or pass away. Without a proper plan in place for the future care of your pets, they are at risk of ending up in a shelter where they could be euthanized. To avoid this terrifying scenario and ensure your furry family is cared for both physically and financially after you’re gone, you should consider including them in your estate plan. Talk to your attorney about how to insert them in your will or trust in accordance with your state’s laws. Here’s what you’ll need to do. Wills If you already have a will or are planning to make one, you could simply add in a trusted caretaker clause for your pets, along with an alternative if your fi rst choice falls through. You should also set aside money in your will for your pet’s care with an explanation of how the funds should be spent. To determine how much to leave, multiply your pet’s annual food, care and medical costs by their life expectancies. You may want to add a separate document, called a letter of instruction, describing your pet’s routine, food and medication. But be aware that even with this provision in your will the caretaker is not legally obligated to follow your instructions, spend the money as you intended or send the pet to another caretaker that you’ve named. Once the money is distributed to the caretaker, it’s an honor system. Trusts Another option is to create a pet trust, which provides more legal protections. Depending on your state’s laws (see aspca.org/ pet-care/pet-planning/pettrust-laws), you could set up either a revocable pet trust, which can be changed or canceled during your lifetime, or an irrevocable pet trust that can’t be reversed. A pet trust can be completely separate or part of an existing trust that encompasses your other assets. Along with appointing a trustee to manage your trust’s finances, you name your pet’s caretaker (who could also serve as the trustee), and any alternative caretakers, as well as an optional trust protector for added oversight of the trustee given that the benefi ciary (your pets) can’t defend their own rights. Unlike a will, the caretaker has a fi duciary duty to follow your letter of instruction if you include one. The cost for a living trust range anywhere between $1,000 to $3,000, while a will typically costs between $200 and $1,000. There are also cheaper do-it-yourself resources for making a simple will or trust, like Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust (Nolo.com, $99) and Trust & Will (TrustandWill.com, $159). Or, if that’s more than you’re willing to pay, you can make your will for free at FreeWill.com or DoYourOwnWill.com. Other Arrangements If you don’t have anyone who would be willing to take care of your pets after you’re gone, you should make arrangements to leave them to an animal retirement home, a rescue, humane society, pet care program or other animal welfare group. Many of these organizations fi nd new homes for pets or offer lifetime care but may require a fee or donation. Talk to your veterinarian about the options available in your area. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. nior ior THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 20, 2023 CARDELLO | FROM PAGE 16 program. We are all aware of the overcrowding in our schools. There have been many discussions and ideas but nothing has been solidified yet. Overcrowded schools affect both the student and staff. More has to be done to correct this problem soon. Another concern in the Page 19 District is mental well-being. There are counselors available for our students but that is not enough. There are programs available that offer solutions for social-emotional learning and teacher well-being that we need to implement for a better present and future for our students and staff. As we move forward there is still much work to be done. On Tuesday, November 7, please vote for me so that I can continue to be your voice and continue to serve the needs of all our students. If you have any questions, need a ballot, a ride to the poles or would like to help with my campaign please call or text at 781 354-4869. Thank you, Millie J. Cardello School Committee Ward 1 American Legion Post 69 to Host Monthly Karaoke Night American Legion Post 69 will host its monthly karaoke night on Friday, October 27 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Karaoke is a fun and entertaining way to spend an evening with friends and family. It’s also a great way to meet new people and make new friends. At American Legion Post 69, karaoke is held in a casual and relaxed atmosphere, so everyone can feel comfortable participating. No matter what your singing ability is, you’re sure to have a good time at karaoke night at American Legion Post 69. There’s a wide selection of songs to choose from, so you’re sure to find something you enjoy singing. If you are unable to be with us, there will be another karaoke night on November 10. American Legion Post 69 is located at 75 Meridian Street, Malden. For more information about the karaoke night events, please call (617) 324-9570. All are welcome to attend this fun and entertaining event! ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS...Iron Works location for this Beautiful Dutch Colonial 7 room 3 bdrm 2 full baths. Enter this home thru a lovely enclosed front porch into a great foyer with a double stairway to the 2nd floor. French doors thru out the first floor, gracious living room, open concept leading to formal dining room with built in china cabinet, updated kitchen, quartz counters and pantry. Exterior access thru a nice mudroom from the kitchen to a lovely trek deck, great for cookouts & entertaining overlooking a nice yard. 2nd floor has 3 bedrooms all with ceiling fans, updated custom full bath and a small office, walk up attic. Basement has a playroom with wall to wall and new door. 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