9 tips for creating a home that is safe for aging in place

27 Feb
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It’s never too early to start thinking about how your home can adapt to meet your changing needs over time, as well as what modifications might be required to make it safer, easier to use, and more accessible, says Melissa Birdsong, an interior designer and the board chairwoman of Raleigh Village East, a nonprofit organization focused on helping people age in place.

“Plan it, do it, and enjoy the benefits of a home that is easier to use now,” says Birdsong, 73. “And remember that you can make these changes and still maintain the style of your home. A safe home will increase its value and be more comfortable and more accessible for you, for other seniors who visit you, and for family members of all ages.” More>>

5 Benefits of Life Insurance for Retirees

12 Dec

Many retirees have reached the point of financial security and might not consider life insurance important. Others might feel they don’t qualify or can’t afford the premiums. There’s also a misconception that life insurance is only for people with young families, dependents or those with significant debts.

While some people may be more likely to see the need for life insurance than others, retirees still have many benefits. More>>

Why Insurance May Help You Feel Better

28 Nov

Just imagining a scenario in which you can’t pay your bills is stressful. Now imagine how stressful it would be if you really can’t pay a bill. One’s mental health could be put to the test.

Dealing with an emergency is likely to raise anyone’s blood pressure. Oftentimes, it comes with a high price. Many Americans feel unprepared to pay for one — whether the emergency is related to their health or home. A recent Bankrate survey reports that 58 percent of adults are concerned about the amount of money they have saved for these unexpected expenses.

These concerns can lead to real stress. More>>

Planning for LTC: The 4 Words That Drive the Conversation

16 Nov

At some point in our lives, most of us will likely need some kind of long-term care support. But although people find it easy to talk about the experiences of a friend or family member who is going through a long-term care event, they are reluctant to have a conversation about their own need for care. More>>

14 Key Signs You Will Run Out of Money in Retirement

14 Nov

You don’t want to go broke in retirement. Despite all your preparation, however, you might discover that your retirement is going to cost more than you planned.

First and foremost, you need to become aware of the reasons that the budget you have in mind could be smaller than it needs to be. If you’re worried about having enough money, check out the signs that you might not be saving enough for retirement. More>>

Six in 16: My Family’s Military Journey and Reflections on Security

10 Nov

Guest contributor Kim Stringer is an insurance specialist with Truist Life Insurance Services.

Military spouses are essentially running single-parent households and have a lot on their plates in addition to the stress of worrying about their deployed partner. With a high frequency of relocation, they also may not have the deep family connections that many of us rely on for advice and support. And with many of the military spouses’ benefits ending when they retire, typically at an earlier age than others retire from the general workforce, their planning needs are different. Take all these factors into consideration and you can offer a great service to those who provide a great service to all of us. More>>

How Much Does a $50,000 Annuity Pay Per Month?

13 Jun

Annuities are an ideal option for investors seeking regular income in retirement. They pay out a fixed stream of payments on a monthly or annual basis that you can never outlive. Here’s how much you’d get per month if you invested $50,000. A financial advisor could help you put a retirement plan together for your goals and needs. More>>

Mandating Retirement Readiness Checkups

26 Jan

American retirement outcomes need improvement. Having $100,000 saved in a 401k is not going to cut it. As we read daily, for the majority of people household retirement savings and projected incomes are at levels that will not sustain basic lifestyles when full-time work ends. Read on to see some example areas that a retirement readiness checkup could cover. More>>