living will

Check out our gallery to see how many of these 10 must-have documents are in your possession -- and which ones it's time for you to take action on.

Every adult needs a will: It may be depressing to contemplate, but die without one, and the state decides what happens to your property, and there's no guarantee the state's wishes and your own will coincide.

Americans display a fairly significant disconnect between our ideals and our actions when it comes to preparing for our deaths: While 60% of us believe all adults should have estate plans, only 44% have one. But it's more than just fear of thinking about our mortality that's stalling many of us.

Who would pick the pocket of your grandma or grandpa? Apparently, a lot of people: Older Americans are losing $2.9 billion annually to elder financial abuse, up 12% from 2008, according to The MetLife Study of Elder Financial Abuse. Here's how to protect your older relatives from becoming victims.

When I arrived at the hospital, my father lay unconscious in the intensive care unit. A staff member was able to waken him. He opened his eyes and, recognizing me, moved his hand toward mine. Then he quickly lapsed back into an unconscious state. My father was 88 and had multiple health problems:...

By the time my father-in-law passed away last September, my wife and her extended family were relieved that his six months of suffering had ended. Paul's arms and hands were black and blue from numerous IV's, blood draws and various other procedures. His weight had dropped substantially, his...