Q: Every day I seem to have a mailbox full of "invitations" to free seminars on living trusts and financial planning. I'm not really sure I need to be concerned with such topics, but if I do, would these seminars provide me with the information I need?

A: This is a question I would like more seniors to ask before they sign up for one of these "free" presentations. Will attending such a seminar provide you with the information and services you need? The answer may be yes, but more likely no.

These seminars address estate planning in a general manner. The right strategies for an individual must be based on the individual's unique circumstances. What might be right for your neighbor probably won't make sense for you.

Many times, the sponsors of such seminars have a product or service to sell, and while they provide some useful general information they are also promoting their specific product or service.

Estate planning is complex, and, this complexity provides a window of opportunity for scam artists to make an entrance into financial planning seminars. Not all seminars are presented by scam artists, but some are, and you need to protect yourself. You need to be careful about what information you offer about yourself and carefully read and fully understand anything that you sign.

Before you sign any papers to create a will or trust or to invest money, explore your options with an experienced attorney or financial adviser of your choice. By that, I mean you initiate the contact with the provider instead of dealing with a salesperson who contacted you or offered a free lunch seminar.

Avoid high-pressure sales tactics by phone, door-to-door or seminar salespersons. If a salesperson gives the impression that a well-known organization endorses the product or service, check with that organization before committing yourself.

Do some homework. Learn the differences between wills and trusts. Investigate how probate works. Understand the pros and cons of different types of investing.

It has taken you years of hard work to accumulate your assets — take your time in deciding how to handle estate planning. Nothing should be done under pressure, and it's best to discuss your options with someone you trust.

If you do decide to attend such a meeting do two things: Sit on your hands and keep your mouth shut. By sitting on your hands you won't sign anything and by keeping your mouth shut you won't reveal any personal information.

Q: Lately it seems that my doctor and I aren't communicating too well. Is there something I can do to help improve this situation?

A: Yes, there are. Communication is a two-way street, speaking and listening, and both parties have a responsibility to make sure understanding takes place.

For years, doctors have been given all the blame for not listening and for responding in medical terms not understood by the patient. However, the patient must take part of the blame for not providing clear explanations and failing to really listen to what the doctor says.

To make a correct diagnosis, your doctor must receive detailed, not vague, descriptions of your symptoms. The doctor needs the whole picture, not just what you may think is important.

To make sure you don't forget to provide specific information, make a list of your concerns and take it with you. Make sure you listen carefully and speak up if you don't understand. Don't be afraid to interrupt to have a point re-examined.

Take notes so you can review them at home. Better yet, have someone accompany you. Two sets of ears are often better than one.

June happenings

- What's New with Frauds and Scams seminar, 1:30-3 p.m. June 11 at Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village. For more information, call the Advocates' Office at 495-6250.

- What Can You Do to Help the Environment? seminar, 1:30 to 3 p.m. June 25 at Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avendia Simi, Simi Valley. For more information or reservations, call the Simi Valley Center at 583-6363.

— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; or call 495-6250. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.