Mom asking for my advice

[kyounge1956]

While I know the question was about investment, I would suggest a consultation with an "elderlaw" geriatric lawyer, as you are sitting on the top of a a situation that will eventually involve many, many more questions that could affect her life, and that of loved ones.
An early investment of about $200 for a short consultation with an experienced geriatric lawyer could pay off in saving many, many hours of frustration, and almost assuredly save many dollars, both for your mother, and any others who may be involved in her care.

So many details that are important... even if she lives to beyond age 100. Wills and trusts are only a small part of the legal questions that can arise. Power of attorney... even if not wanted today, is something to understand and be prepared for.

Beyond that preliminary consultation, if her estate warrants protection, it would be comforting to all involved, if a lawyer were kept on retainer... to be available for consultation.

From some personal experience, the initial price for legal advice, was repaid 1000 times over, in avoiding an easy, simple, legal loophole that involved a relative.
........................................................

Re: I bonds
The first $10,000 ... the legal limit for Ibonds per year..., is currently paying 1.38%...The value is in security and protection against inflation (CPI based)... and the downside for early withdrawal is three months interest... $34 at today's rate.
........................................................
As always... am open to correction on any of these points...

Ding, ding, ding!! We have a winner. I knew there was something I wasn't thinking of. My mom has been making noises ever since my dad died that she needs to revise her will. Now, how do I find a good elder-law specialist? Call the friendly local Bar Association?

I-bonds also can't be cashed at all for a year after purchase, but they certainly bear thinking about for some of the money. Trouble is I'm scared to death of the TreasuryDirect website....I've read some stuff on Bogleheads that sounded like if you ever lose your PIN, then pffft, bye bye bondsies. Also if your heirs/beneficiaries don't know about the bonds, the treasury isn't going to come looking for them and tell they have money coming. Anyone here have experience buying bonds online? Because it is indeed the fact that CDs are earning less than inflation that makes my mom resistant to that idea. Inflation-protected government bonds might be an easier sell.

 

[Walt34]

Well, here's a start: https://www.naela.org/

You want one who specializes in that field otherwise you're paying for a lot of his/her research that the others have already done. And it really is a specialty - general practitioners need not apply.

If you're on the east coast PM me and I can put you in touch with the guy we're working with in MD. Perhaps he can give you a referral to someone local to you.

 

[tinlizzy]

I've read those posts on Bogleheads and Morningstar and they mystify me. Buying I bonds thru TD is easy as pie. To log into your account it starts by asking you if your acct starts with a number or letter. Select the appropriate one then enter your acct number. I leave my pc unregistered so it then email me a one time passcode which I copy and paste into the next screen. Then it has you use a virtual keyboard to type in your p/w.

I have periods where I have huge cognitive problems and have never locked myself out - I have my p/w written down and refer to it rather than go by memory.