A few years ago, Marianne Kilkenny’s elderly parents moved into an assisted living community. That got her thinking about her own plans because she didn’t want to end up in a similar community or a facility run by a company.Kilkenny, 65, the founder of Women For Living in Community, is among a … [Read more...] about How to create your own retirement community
Retirement
Ways to make extra money in retirement
Whether retirement seems like a far-off dream or you’ve been retired for years, it’s important to consider how you want your retirement to look. Almost half of American workers plan to continue working in some capacity, finding alternatives for retirement to generate extra income or some passive … [Read more...] about Ways to make extra money in retirement
7 types of retirement savings accounts
We've all heard the warnings and are well aware that we should save more for retirement. It's always a good time to take concrete steps to do just that.Uncle Sam wants you to save for retirement so much that the federal government has created a number of tax-advantaged retirement accounts, … [Read more...] about 7 types of retirement savings accounts
Caring for aging parents from a distance
John Cruz' parents both suffer from chronic health issues and are in their 70s. Both have had falls that have resulted in broken bones, so their mobility is compromised. Cruz (not his real name) has helped them out two or three times per week for years. "Before the pandemic, they needed … [Read more...] about Caring for aging parents from a distance
Health care documents everyone should have
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many Americans to think more seriously about getting their affairs in order, including the healthcare documents needed in case they’re incapacitated and need someone else to make medical decisions. Even if you manage to avoid contracting Coronavirus, completing these … [Read more...] about Health care documents everyone should have
Medicare open enrollment: How to pick a plan
Medicare open enrollment is a time each year during which people who are on Medicare can change their health plans or their prescription drug coverage for the following year. This year’s open enrollment period is from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.Here are your benefit options:Original … [Read more...] about Medicare open enrollment: How to pick a plan
How to survive forced early retirement
When most workers plan for retirement, they expect to work until their full retirement age, which is 66 or 67 for people born after 1942, or even longer.But some workers find themselves out of a job at an age when it’s difficult to find another one – and at a time when they expected to be in … [Read more...] about How to survive forced early retirement
Senior discounts (almost) everywhere
The phrase "senior citizen" seems so old, doesn't it? But it has its frugal advantages. A few weeks before you turn 50 years of age, you'll likely get an invitation to join AARP. Don't be insulted - be excited. By joining the organization you are eligible for discounts on everything from hotel … [Read more...] about Senior discounts (almost) everywhere
Will your heirs have to pay your debts? Maybe
The share of all household debt held by Americans in March 2017 rose $149 billion, reaching $12.73 trillion in debt, according to the newest release by the New York Federal Reserve. And a 2016 report by University of Michigan's Retirement Research Center found that nearly 32 percent of Americans … [Read more...] about Will your heirs have to pay your debts? Maybe
How to create a retirement plan when you’re self-employed
Whether permanently or temporarily, by choice or by circumstance, many of us are self-employed these days. We're in this gig economy, where so many of us are making our own livings with our own small businesses. That's great. Except for one thing: People who are self-employed have to provide their … [Read more...] about How to create a retirement plan when you’re self-employed
How to protect yourself (or your parents) from scams against seniors
We've all heard the sad stories: A senior citizen was fleeced out of his home by an unscrupulous caregiver. A home repair worker turns out to be a thief who takes all the jewelry. A call announcing you've won a prize turns out to be a ploy to get you to empty your bank … [Read more...] about How to protect yourself (or your parents) from scams against seniors
How much will I get from Social Security?
I recently saw an interview with the Acting Director of the Social Security Administration (SSA) discussing retirement preparedness in the US. The statistics she gave were startling:For 61 percent of elderly beneficiaries, Social Security provides the majority (more than 50 percent) of their … [Read more...] about How much will I get from Social Security?
How to get started investing
Whether you're a twenty-something who has just gotten your first job or you've been out in the world of work for decades, here is how to start investing.First of all, good for you! The earlier you start saving, no matter how much it is, the more money you will have later. And if you're … [Read more...] about How to get started investing
What happens to your online life when you die?
We don't like to talk about the end of our lives, but it's something that is important to plan for, both for ourselves and for those we leave behind.These days, estate planning includes not only who will inherit our worldly goods when we die, but also what will happen to our digital … [Read more...] about What happens to your online life when you die?
Why and how to make an estate plan, even if you’re not rich
Estate planning is only for old, rich people. Estate planning is scary. Estate planning is so easy you can do it yourself. Wrong. Wrong. And, so wrong, unless you want your family duking it out in front of Judge Judy.Simply put: An estate plan is a set of legal documents that allows you to … [Read more...] about Why and how to make an estate plan, even if you’re not rich
