Financial Resource
About
Planning Professionals
A Guide to Help You Decide Who to Call
For Estate and Financial Planning
300 S. Adams, Green Bay , WI 54301
(920)448-4300
www.adrcofbrowncounty.org
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Table of Contents
Introduction………………………………………………………………………….….3
Estate Planning/Elder Law Attorney………………………………………….5
Financial Planner…………………………………………………………………..….8
Long-Term Care Insurance Agent……………………………………………..12
Accountant………………………………………………………………………………14
Additional Web Resources……………………………………………………….17
The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Brown County (ADRC) is a non-profit organization that
serves residents of Brown County who are 60 years of age or older, adults with disabilities and their
caregivers. The ADRC is the place to start whether you or a loved one is facing the challenges that
come with changes in health, disability and age or to prevent these changes from becoming
challenges.
ADRC provides: accurate, unbiased information specifically tailored to your individual situation;
maintains resources on broad range of programs and services related to aging or living with a
disability; helps you understand long-term care choices available; and, assists with applications for
programs and benefits. ADRC offers educational programs, social and recreational activities,
prevention programs for healthy living, caregiver supports and education, nutrition education,
community dining, and homebound meals.
Through options counseling ADRC staff listen to learn about your unique situation, focusing on your
strengths, values, preferences, needs, and personal and financial supports. They provide education
and decision support including weighing pros and cons of each option. They assist with identifying
community services and options that best meet your needs and desires to enable you to make the best
decision for you and your family. Staff assist with applications and advocacy and follow-up is
offered to ensure you receive the services you need.
ADRC staff are available by phone and by appointment in our office or your home.
Call 920-448-4300 for more information or to schedule and appointment.
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Introduction
It is common practice to plan for and protect ourselves and our resources with auto, home, life and health
insurance, but much less so to plan for long-term care needs. However, people are living longer, and often
living longer with health problems or disabilities. Currently, 70% of Americans who live beyond 65 years of
age will need long-term care at some point in their life.1 Since more than half of that care will be paid for by
individuals and families,2 it is important to begin planning for long-term care before it is needed.
Long-term care refers to the care needed on a regular basis due to a
disability, age or chronic condition. This care may include bathing,
dressing, supervision, homecare, medication assistance, adult care
programming, assisted living or nursing home care. Short-term or acute
care following a hospitalization or surgery is not usually considered longterm care. Most insurance plans including private insurance and Medicare
plans do not cover long-term care services. The cost of long-term care can
wipe out the resources of an individual or family, if planning has not
occurred. In 2010, the average cost of care for one year in a Wisconsin
nursing home was more than $79,500! With the cost of Wisconsin assisted
living facilities at nearly $3,500 per month and homecare averaging $20
per hour, you can begin to see the importance of such preparation.
Planning is important not only because of the financial issues, but because planning allows you to consider
those things that are important to you; your preferences, values and strengths. It allows you to explore the
resources and options available, and talk with your loved ones about your desires.
Some things to consider as you plan for your long-term care include:
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Where and how do you want to spend your retirement years?
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If you need long-term care, what kind of setting would you prefer?
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What role do you hope your loved ones might play?
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What role do your loved ones expect to play?
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What, realistically, can your loved ones be expected to do based on their physical abilities, medical
training, personal and family schedule? Might it be better to have professional help?
What financial resources or insurance are in place to help you meet your goals?
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After exploring these questions, assess your finances and compare them with your goals. Finally, discuss your
plans and wishes with loved ones to ensure roles and expectations are clear and agreeable.
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Review your financial situation.
Research the costs of care in your area or the area you wish to retire in
Develop a personal long-term care plan.
Discuss ways to finance your ideal long-term care arrangement.
Identify your community resources. The ADRC has extensive information about community
resources and options related to long-term care, older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers.
The purpose of this resource guide is to provide information about the various professions that you may want
to consult with, or gather information from, as you plan for your future long-term care needs. We have
highlighted the following disciplines: Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorneys, Financial Planner, Long-Term
Care Insurance Agent and Accountant. As you search for professionals within the disciplines indicated, you
may want to use the tools and resources referenced in this guide. Additionally, you may want to ask family
members and friends for references and experiences with professionals they have worked with.
If you have questions about the information in this guide, or would like to schedule an appointment to
discuss your unique situation, please contact the ADRC at 920-448-4300.
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Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorneys
Estate Planning and an Elder Law Attorneys refer to lawyers who specialize in helping people plan for the
future spending of an estate. They can also assist with planning for long term care and the costly expenses
due to an illness, disability, or incapacity of an individual. These professionals may specialize in the
following:
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Wills
Trusts
Special Needs Trusts
Probate
Advanced Directives (Power of Attorney for Health/Finance)
Guardianships, Conservators
Medicaid/ Long Term Care Planning
Social Security /Disability benefits
Not all attorneys who practice Estate Planning or Elder Law are specialized in every area of the field. It is
important that consumers inquire about the expertise and experience level of any attorney you are considering
hiring.
The State Bar of Wisconsin provides helpful information about what customers should expect from their lawyer as
well as what an attorney can expect from a customer or client. Attorneys should: treat you with common
courtesy; keep information confidential; listen to your problem and answer your questions; represent your interests
both in and out of court; advise you of your rights and responsibilities; research and analyze all available
information related to your problem; be candid with you about your legal issue, the likelihood of success, and the
advisability of making and accepting settlement offers; act with diligence and promptness; prepare legal
documents; keep you informed about the status of your case; and check for conflicts of interest.
Your lawyer will expect the following of you: be on time for appointments; be open and honest about the facts of
your case; respond promptly to requests for information; notify them of any change in your case, and any change
of address or telephone number; follow their advice; be patient and understand that legal problems require time
and research; and pay agreed upon fees for the work performed.
Things to consider when seeking legal help
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Does this attorney specialize in a particular area of legal practice?
How long has s/he been in this field?
How much of his/her practice is devoted to this area?
Is there a charge for the initial consultation? How is it calculated? How long is the consultation?
What documents or other information should I bring to the consultation?
If I hire you to represent me, how do you calculate the fees?
 Is there a retainer fee (fee paid before the work begins)? How much is it?
 Do you charge an hourly rate? A flat fee?
 Does the fee change for representation at an administrative hearing?
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Has the attorney practiced in the areas specific to Medicaid planning, being knowledgeable in divestment
and spousal impoverishment protections?
Fees – Spelling It Out In Writing
The Wisconsin State Bar allows attorneys to have oral agreements for services when the total cost is under $1,000.
The fee arrangement is a contract that should be spelled out in a written retainer agreement when the cost is over
$1,000. The agreement should specify the services the lawyer has agreed to provide, how much s/he will charge,
how the fee is calculated (i.e.. hourly rate or flat fee), who will pay for costs such as filing fees, long distance calls
and photocopying expenses, and other responsibilities of both you and the lawyer.
How to find an Estate Planner and/or Elder Law Attorney
The Lawyer Referral and Information Service, located on the Legal Explorer
website and hosted by the State Bar of Wisconsin, is a good resource for those
seeking legal advice or an attorney. Referrals to attorneys located within your
geographic area and specializing in the area of law you are questioning can be
obtained on-line at www.legalexplorer.com or by calling toll-free
at 1-800-362-9082.
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) has a website that
you can use to find an attorney practicing Elder Law in your own state.
www.NAELA.org
A Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) is an attorney who has been
practicing Elder law for a minimum of 5 years and has passed a certification
exam. To find a CELA, visit the National Elder Law Foundation’s website at
www.nelf.org/find-a-cela.
A listing of Elder Law Attorneys serving residents of Brown County is available at the ADRC.
Additionally, area attorneys volunteer their time at the ADRC on the 2nd Friday of every month to answer
questions about elder law and estate planning. To schedule a 30 minute appointment for, please call the ADRC at
448-4300.
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How to complain or express concern
The first step to addressing a concern is to talk with your attorney directly about the issue. This approach is
often effective and the most efficient way to solve a problem or concern. If the complaint is not resolved,
oversight and regulatory agencies are in place to protect consumers.
The Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) is in charge of investigating complaints against attorneys in
Wisconsin and protecting the public from lawyer misconduct. You can file a complaint with the OLR and they
will conduct a confidential investigation. Keep in mind that professional misconduct is not the same as a
disagreement about your case or its outcome.
Office of Lawyer Regulation
110 East Main Street, Suite 315
Madison, WI 53703-3383
Phone: (877) 315-6941
Fax: (608) 267-1959
Additional Resources
WI State Bar - The website contains consumer information and materials as well as an attorney search feature.
All attorneys in Wisconsin are required to be members. www.wisbar.org
BadgerLaw.net - This site offers a gateway to internet resources on public interest law and legal issues in
Wisconsin. www.badgerlaw.net
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Financial Planner
A Financial Planner is a professional who helps people realize their financial goals by considering options to
grow the client’s net worth and track progress towards financial goals. Financial planning is a continual
process, not a one-time event.
A Financial Planner can help with the six key areas of financial planning:
1. Financial position - cash flow, budgeting and cash reserve
2. Protection planning - life and disability insurance needs
3. Investments and financial goal tracking - saving money for specific goals or analyzing an existing
investment portfolio
4. Tax planning - opportunities to establish long-term tax strategies and minimize taxes
5. Retirement and financial independence – helping people reach the point where work is optional.
Analyzing any supplemental income sources such as maximizing Social Security benefits or
reverse mortgage solutions.
6. Estate planning – assuring that a person’s estate and investments pass most efficiently to their
heirs. Also, establishing a plan to account for possible long-term care expenses.
Things to Consider
 Financial planning and other financial designations a planner holds
 Educational background and work experience
 Licenses to sell financial products, such as life insurance or securities
 Services the planner provides
 The planner's basic approach to financial planning
 Areas of specialization
 Types of clients the planner serves, and any minimum net worth or income requirements
 Professional affiliations, including membership in the Financial Planning Association
 How the planner prepares a plan
 If, and how, the planner prepares a written financial plan and how often it is updated
 How the planner might address your particular needs
 Whether the planner or others will implement recommendations from the plan
 How the planner is paid for services and typical charges
Financial Planners hold a variety of credentials and it is important to consider those credentials and licenses.
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Maybe the most important designation, the CFP is a certification provided by the Certified Financial Planner
Board of Standards Inc. This mark can help you identify financial planners who are committed to competent
and ethical behavior when providing financial planning. Individuals certified by the CFP board have taken the
extra step to demonstrate their professionalism by voluntarily submitting to the rigorous CFP certification
process that includes demanding education, examination, experience and ethical requirements.
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Financial Analyst (CFA)
The CFA charter is a qualification for finance and investment professionals,
particularly in the fields of investment management and financial analysis of
stocks, bonds and their derivative assets. The program focuses on portfolio
management and financial analysis, and provides general knowledge of other
areas of finance. Additionally, the CFA charter has experienced increasing
relevance and demand within corporate finance.
Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
The Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) program, offered by The
American College, focuses its curriculum on the financial planning needs of
individuals, professionals and small business owners and covers key financial
planning areas, including insurance, income taxation, retirement planning, investments and estate planning.
Certified Public Accountant/ Personal Financial Specialist (CPA/PFS)
The CPA designation is awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to
accountants who pass the AICPA's Uniform CPA Examination and satisfy the work experience and statutory
and licensing requirements of the state in which they practice. The Personal Financial Specialist (PFS)
program allows CPAs to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in personal financial planning. Also, PFS
credential holders have additional experience, education and examination requirements.
Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
The CLU designation is awarded by The American College to insurance and financial services professionals
who have met the College's three-year business experience requirement, passed its eight college-level
education courses and agreed to abide by its code of ethics.
Series 6 and Series 7 Exam Licenses
The Series 6 exam licenses individuals to sell only mutual funds and variable annuity products, while the
Series 7 exam licenses individuals to sell any equity or debt instrument, including mutual funds and variable
annuities, as well as stocks, bonds and derivatives. The Series 6 and Series 7 exams are important components
of the securities industry. They give customers a level of confidence that the professionals with whom they
work are well versed in financial rules, regulations and other important considerations. While most investment
professionals specialize in various segments of the financial services industry, each professional is required to
have a base level of knowledge.
It is important to check whether complaints have been filed against the planner you are considering. To check
the disciplinary or complaint history of a financial planner or advisor contact:
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (WDFI)
608-261-9555
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
800-487-1497 www.cfp.net/find/EnhancedSearch.aspx
North American Securities Administrators Association
202-737-0900 www.nasaa.org
National Association of Insurance Commissioners
816-783-8500 www.naic.org
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Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
800-289-9999 www.finra.org
Securities and Exchange Commission
800-732-0330 www.sec.gov
Local Better Business Bureau
920-734-4352
Fees/Charges
Financial planners can be paid in a variety of ways, and each has its merits. Choosing the appropriate method
depends on your individual situation and the services the financial planner is assisting you with. The planner
may earn a commission for selling a product to you, charge a fixed fee for services or a combination of the
two. Before entering into a relationship with a planner, you should have a clear understanding of how he or
she will be paid. You will also want to request information on whether there are outside incentives or bonuses
to be gained by the planner for the products they recommend you purchase.
How to Find a Financial Planner
Ask for names from friends or business associates who may have used a financial planner. Attorneys,
accountants, insurance agents, bankers and other financial specialists also can be good sources because
planners often work with them to carry out a client's plan. You can also contact one of the following
resources:
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
800-487-1497 www.cfp.net/find/EnhancedSearch.aspx
Financial Planning Association
800-322-4237 www.fpanet.org
National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
800-366-2732 www.napfa.org
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants-Personal Financial Planning Division
888-777-7077 www.pfp.aicpa.org http://apps.aicpa.org/credentialsrefweb/PFSCredentialSearchPage.aspx
Society of Financial Service Professionals
888-243-2258 www.financialpro.org
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How to complain or express concern
The first step to addressing a concern is to talk with the financial planner or his or her supervisor about the
issue. This approach is often effective and the most efficient way to solve a problem or concern. If the
complaint is not resolved, oversight and regulatory agencies are in place to protect consumers.
The Certified Financial Planner Board, Inc. is in charge of evaluating complaints and grievances made against
a certified financial planner (CFP). If you feel a certified financial planner has treated you unethically and
violated the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility or Rules of Conduct you may file a
complaint with the CFP Board at their website www.cfp.net/learn/complaint.asp, or submit a grievance form
to the following address:
CFP Board
1425 K Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
ATTN: Professional Standards Department
The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (WDFI) - The Division of Securities investigates
complaints relating to alleged violations of the state securities and franchise investment laws. Through its
Professional Registration and Compliance Bureau or its Enforcement Bureau, the Division can:
 Tell you whether a securities offering has been filed for registration or exemption and whether a
broker-dealer, securities agent, investment adviser, or investment adviser representative is licensed.
 Inform you about the disciplinary history, if any, of a broker-dealer, securities agent, investment
adviser, or investment adviser representative.
 Answer questions concerning your rights and responsibilities when dealing with a broker-dealer,
securities agent, investment adviser, or investment adviser representative, or with an issuer of
securities which has offered and sold securities directly to you.
 Investigate problems with your brokerage account, questionable sales practices, telephone
solicitations, and allegations of fraud and misrepresentation.
 Tell you whether a franchise offering has been filed for registration.
You can contact the WDFI at their web site www.wdfi.org and click on “file a complaint” on the left or call
608-261-9555.
United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) primary mission is to protect investors and
maintain the integrity of the securities markets. The SEC oversees the key participants in the securities world,
including stock exchanges, broker-dealers, investment advisors, mutual funds, and public utility holding
companies. To file a complaint with the SEC, go to the Commission’s online complaint area at www.sec.gov/
complaint.shtml to find the form that makes the most sense for your case or call 202-551-6551.
Additional Resources
Financial Planning Association (FPA)- This membership organization’s website offers resources, including
tools and a glossary, designed to help individuals understand the importance of financial planning and the
value of a financial planner. www.fpanet.org
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Long-Term Care Insurance Agent
Long–Term Care Insurance can help pay a portion of skilled nursing home, assisted living, home health or
adult day care costs for a person with a chronic condition, or disabling disease. For those who are elderly, long
-term care insurance can help pay for the cost of continuous supervision and care. A Long-Term Care
Insurance Agent can advise on and sell policies to individuals and groups which will cover some of the costs
associated with long-term medical care.
In Wisconsin, only policies that provide coverage for both institutional and community-based care may be
advertised or sold as long-term care insurance policies. Separate policies for only nursing home or only home
health care can be purchased, but these are not considered long-term care insurance policies.
The Wisconsin Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership (LTCIP) is a program that allows you to retain more
assets should you need the financial help from Medicaid to help you pay for long-term care. Qualified LongTerm Care Insurance policies can be purchased to pay for future long-term care needs. Should Medicaid be
needed to continue long-term care, the amount that the LTCIP paid for care can be ignored so that the
applicant for Medicaid can potentially be allowed to keep more than the Medicaid asset limit of $2,000.00.
An updated listing of qualified LTCIP policies can be found at www.oci.wi.gov/srissues/ltpartner-qual.htm.
You can contact the Medigap Helpline at 1-800-242-1060 for more information on LTCIP.
Things you should consider when purchasing Long-Term Care Insurance
 You want to have the flexibility of choosing care in the setting you prefer.
 You want to stay independent of the financial support of others.
 You want to protect some of your assets and income.
 You have enough income to pay premiums, including possible increases, without financial difficulty.
Long-Term Care Insurance may not be appropriate for you if:
 You cannot afford the premiums.
 You have limited assets.
 Your only source of income is Social Security or
Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
 You have trouble paying for utilities, food, medicine, or other
important needs.
 You are on Medicaid.
 You are already experiencing a long-term care need.
Questions to Ask the Selling Agent:
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What type of policy is it, and what coverage does it provide? Is the policy considered a long-term care,
nursing home only, or home health care only policy?
What types of facilities or providers are eligible to provide the care covered by the policy? Are these
facilities and providers available in my community?
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How long will the benefits last?
How much will the policy pay each day?
What has been the history of premium increases on policies in-force?
Does the policy have elimination periods before benefits begin? How long are they?
Are there any preexisting condition limitations?
What is the insurance company’s financial rating?
What is the cost of non-forfeiture benefits? Inflation protection? Waiver of premium?
What happens if you don’t pay your premium?
What conditions are not covered by the policy?
What number of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) must be deficient?
Is the policy considered a qualified partnership policy?
Whom do you contact if you have questions about coverage or if you need help filing a claim?
The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) produces helpful resources to use as you
consider long-term care insurance. The Long-Term Care Insurance Approved Policies in Wisconsin
provides a definition of long-term care along with a list of companies which offer long-term care insurance in
Wisconsin. The Guide to Long-Term Care includes a long-term care checklist, consumer protections, and
Wisconsin minimum standards for policies. You can view the publications on OCI’s website at
www.oci.wi.gov , or call the Medigap Helpline at 1-800-242-1060 to request a complimentary copy.
For your convenience, the ADRC also has copies of both the Long-Term Care Insurance Approved
Policies in Wisconsin and Guide to Long-Term Care.
Fees/Charges
An insurance agent should explain at the beginning of your relationship how he or she is paid. Some agents
receive a commission on the sale of the product you purchase. Other agents are salaried employees and are
paid by the insurance company, while others charge a flat fee for their services. It is good to find out how the
Long-Term Care Insurance Agent gets paid prior to getting his or her professional advice.
How to find a Long-Term Care Insurance Agent
Finding a local agent who specializes in Long-Term Care Insurance can help you when it is time to file a
claim or have questions on your policy. Asking friends and family for the name of an agent can be helpful.
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) can be contacted to see if an agent is licensed in
Wisconsin to sell insurance, and to see if there have been any administrative actions taken against the agent.
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How to complain or express concern
The first step to addressing a concern is to talk with the professional or his or her supervisor about the issue.
This approach is often effective and the most efficient way to solve a problem or concern. If the complaint is
not resolved, oversight and regulatory agencies are in place to protect consumers.
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Office of the Commissioner of Insurance., State of Wisconsin
PO Box 7873, 125 South Webster Street, GEF III – 2nd floor
Madison, WI 53707-7873
800-236-8517 Fax: (608) 261-8579
www.oci.wi.gov
email: [email protected]
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Wisconsin State Health Insurance Assistance Programs
1-800-242-1060 (Medigap Hotline)
Additional Resources
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)- This website has a consumer section with a
special section on LTC Insurance and a link to “Insure U” NIAC’s consumer resource site. www.naic.org/
index_consumer.htm
Accountant
An Accountant is a person certified in keeping financial records for individuals and businesses. An
Accountant can be trained in different areas of finance such as tax preparation, auditing, financial planning,
and consulting on compensation and benefits. This booklet will focus on only two types of accountants: public
accountants and tax professionals.
Public accountants practice the broadest areas of accounting for individuals and businesses. This type of
accountant usually specializes in an area of accounting pertaining to investment advice, financial planning,
income tax preparation or auditing. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a public accountant who has
passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination. Be aware that not all CPAs handle tax issues.
A tax professional has training that is specific to taxes. Enrolled Agents (EAs) are tax professionals who have
passed a test covering tax law administered by the Internal Revenue Service. Enrolled agents often are best for
complex tax situations. The tax professional can represent you should you be audited by the IRS.
Things to consider
Before hiring a CPA, you should decide what you want from your CPA .
 Try to analyze your present and future financial needs and determine your goals.
 Ask the CPA if he or she is licensed to practice in your state.
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You might want to find out if he or she is active in professional organizations. CPAs who are members
of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs are
regulated by a strict code of professional ethics.
Questions to ask a tax professional
 What licenses or designations do you have?
 How long have you been in the tax business?
 What tax issues do you specialize in?
 Do you have the knowledge and experience to handle my tax situation?
 What are your fees?
 Do you outsource any of your work? Do you perform the work personally? If not, what is the review
process? Who signs the returns?
 Approximately how long will it take to finish my taxes?
 What's your privacy policy? Will you share my tax information with any third-parties?
Fees/Charges
It is difficult to come up with an average cost for accounting services and tax preparation. Some accounting
firms have set fees and hourly charges, while others charge by the forms used and complexity of the case. It is
good to find out how the accountant or tax professional charge in advance but it may be impractical for the
professional to give an exact quote.
How to find an Accountant
Making a list of your expectations for an accountant may be a good first
step in finding a professional. Asking those you trust, like family and
friends, for a reference of who they use as an accountant can be helpful.
You may want to make a list of accountants who you are being referred
to you by more than one person. Interview two or more CPAs to
determine if your needs are compatible with his or her expertise.
You can search for a CPA by location and topic at the Wisconsin
Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ website at www.wicpa.org
There is tax assistance for those who are on a limited income or are elderly. If you only need to have your
income taxes filed, and are not in need of other financial planning help from an accountant, you may want to
consider the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program or Tax Counseling for the Elderly.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)
The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $50,000 and below) people
who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive
training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located
at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations.
Most locations also offer free electronic filing. To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-800-906-9887 or visit
the IRS website at www.irs.gov.
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Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
The TCE Program provides free tax help to people aged 60 and older. Trained volunteers from non-profit
organizations provide free tax counseling and basic income tax return preparation for senior citizens.
Volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations
that receive grants from the IRS.
As part of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at more than
7,000 sites nationwide during the filing season. Trained and certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors
help people of low-to-middle income with special attention to those ages 60 and older.
For more information on TCE, call 1-800-906-9887, search the IRS website www.irs.gov. You can also
contact the local IRS office located at 440 Security Blvd in Green Bay. They can be reached by phone at 920662-5999 and are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How to complain or express concern
The first step to addressing a concern is to talk with the professional or his or her supervisor about the issue.
This approach is often effective and the most efficient way to solve a problem or concern. If the complaint is
not resolved, oversight and regulatory agencies are in place to protect consumers.
The State of Wisconsin, Department of Safety and Professional Services, is the state agency responsible for
credentialing and regulating various professions in the State of Wisconsin. If a complaint is made that a
credential holder is in violation of a relevant condition or rule related to a profession, it is the Division's
responsibility to investigate, and if necessary, discipline or prosecute an action against the credential holder.
Forms can be printed from the Department of Safety and Professional Services website http://drl.wi.gov/
category.asp?linkcatid=16&linkid=16&locid=0 , and mailed to:
State of Wisconsin
Department of Safety and Professional Services/Division of Enforcement
PO Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708-8935
Additional Resources
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)- This association maintains a website devoted
to financial literacy with detailed information about retirement and estate planning and the “sandwich
generation” of individuals caring for children and parents. www.360financialliteracy.org/
American Association of Certified Public Accountants- This association maintains many informational
resources for the public. www.aicpa.org/ForThePublic/Pages/ForthePublic.aspx
Resource About Financial Planning Professionals
17
Additional Web Based Resources
AARP - This organization offers many financial planning tools. www.aarp.org/money/money_tools
Assessing Your Long-Term Care Planning Quotient - This quiz was developed by Long-Term Care Group,
Inc. It is designed to provide a quick first impression of how much "planning" for long-term care someone
has done and to give them ideas for some easy "first steps" they can take. www.adrc-tae.org/tikidownload_file.php?fileId=1962
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - Ask CFPB— Get answers to your financial questions.
NIH Senior Health -Health and wellness information for older adults from the National Institutes of Health.
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/longtermcare/planningforlongtermcare/01.html
National Family Caregiver Association - Offers financial planning information for caregivers including a
webcast and resources. http://nfca.typepad.com/financial_planning/
Society of Actuaries Schaumburg, Illinois (SOA) - SOA’s Committee on Post Retirement Needs and Risks
published a series addressing a variety of retirement decisions. The briefs are written in everyday language
and offer practical considerations and advice. www.soa.org/research/research-projects/pension/researchmanaging-retirement-decisions.aspx
For additional information, please contact the ADRC at (920)448-4300.
Some of the information used in this document is provided courtesy of 1U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2N4A Survey Report
200; 32010 MetLife Market Survey of Long-Term Care Costs Questions & Answers When Looking for an Elder Law Attorney”, GUIDE TO LONGTERM CARE, prepared by the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, Internal Revenue Service website www.irs.gov,
www.ehow.com, The Information is provided courtesy of the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Brown County and may be
reproduced so long as proper credit is retained and distribution is for noncommercial purposes only. It is provided as an information source and
not intended as professional advice. It is important to seek the counsel of legal, financial, medical, etc. professionals regarding your individual
circumstances.
300 S. Adams Street, Green Bay, WI 54301
920-448-4300 Fax: 920-448-4306 TTY: 920-448-4335
www.adrcofbrowncounty.org
Information is provided courtesy of the ADRC of Brown County and may be reproduced so long as credit to
the agency is retained and distribution is for noncommercial purposes only.
The ADRC of Brown County is an equal opportunity employer and provider functioning under
an affirmative action plan.
November 2014