Every family has their secrets. Years ago, the keepers of these secrets may have passed away without anyone ever learning about the private information. Today, however, it is easier than ever for families to uncover hidden stories thanks to technology like direct-to-consumer genetic testing.

Because of this, any person with a family secret regarding parentage or the family tree may want to think carefully about how and if they want to address it in an estate plan.

As parents get older, their needs change. Such changes don't just affect them, though; they also affect family members.

Because of this, your parent's needs can be a topic for family discussion. As this article suggests, holding a family meeting could be a good way to share information and collaborate on a plan. To make this discussion easier, kinder and more productive, consider the following tips.

Elderly men and women are among the most vulnerable people when it comes to abuse and exploitation. Often, these parties are unfamiliar with technology, isolated and experiencing mental declines that affect their decision-making skills. As such, they can be targets for theft and financial abuse.

Sadly, this trend does not seem to be easing up. In fact, according to statistics from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, the number of suspicious activity reports (SARs) filed in the last six years has increased dramatically.

Learning that your spouse must go into a nursing home or other care facility is heartbreaking for the well spouse. Not only is it difficult to come to terms with living apart, but there can be concerns about how to pay for the care a person needs.

People in this upsetting situation may assume that they must spend all their money and sell assets in order to pay for care until they qualify for Medicaid. However, this is not necessarily true.