In a divided nation, Americans can still find points of agreement. Large majorities of Americans agree that teachers are underpaid, government benefit programs are necessary, and a second civil war would be bad for the nation. A September 2024 survey discovered that a substantial majority of Americans agree on another fact: the United States faces […]
It never hurts to have a bit of extra retirement income. Social Security benefits are modest, savings accounts dwindle over time, and most people worry that they did not invest enough money in their retirement accounts to assure a comfortable lifestyle after they stop working. The Rewards of Side Hustles Before retirement, many people earn […]
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) allow residents to change their housing environment to meet changing needs without relocating to a new community. Healthy retirees live in a part of the CCRC campus that is devoted to retirement community housing, complete with amenities that may include swimming pools, housekeeping, and dining halls. The community takes care […]
Many older adults depend on Social Security retirement benefits as their primary source of income. About 1 in 7 Americans over the age of 65 receive 90% of their income from Social Security. Maximizing Social Security retirements benefits can help retirees live a more comfortable lifestyle. Here are three strategies that older adults can follow […]
Older adults have been a frequent target of fraudulent investment schemes. The FBI reports a 74% increase in losses suffered by older fraud victims since 2020. In 2021, more than 92,000 older victims were swindled by financial scams. They lost at least $1.7 billion. Since many seniors never report their losses, the financial impact of […]
Few things are uglier than the spectacle of children or other relatives arguing about an inheritance. The law respects the right of individuals to decide who should inherit their property. Parents may decide to leave property to some children but not to others. They may decide to give more property to one child than to […]
Updated July 2025 Ideally, as workers gain experience in a job, their wages increase and their savings grow. When employers don’t offer pension or retirement benefits, workers can still take advantage of individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Unfortunately, the yearly limit on contributions to an IRA is much smaller than the limit on 401(k) plan contributions. […]
Scammers have a long history of preying on seniors. The social isolation that seniors are experiencing to avoid contracting COVID-19 has elevated the risk that they will be victimized by fraudulent schemes that target the elderly. Seniors are more likely than others to experience serious symptoms of COVID-19. Concerned seniors are therefore searching the internet […]
You have heard the old adage “Rags to Riches to Rags”, or “Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves in three generations”. It is not just a dynamic of western culture; it is actually an old Chinese proverb “Rice paddies to Rice paddies in three generations.” Breaking down the saying (1) The first generation strives to better themselves, so […]
Updated July 2025 Change provokes fear and vulnerability for both parents and caregivers alike. The year 2025 is marked by change from many directions. Some of the changes we are experiencing this year are: High interest rates. High interest rates hurt bond portfolio values immediately, equity portfolios eventually and real estate values in the long […]