Financial Planning

In many, if not most, cases when mom moves in with daughter and son-in-law or daughter and son-in-law move in with mom, everything works out well for all concerned. But it's important that everyone, including siblings living elsewhere, find answers to their questions. ...

A will is a legally-binding statement directing who will receive your property at your death. It is also the way you appoint a legal representative to carry out your bequests and to name a guardian for your children. Without a will, your estate is distributed according to state law, rather than your wishes. But there are many things that a will can't do. Read on to learn more. ...

One of the most common questions I am asked both professionally and personally is, “Jennifer, in your opinion and experience, what is the best facility?” Whether it is a skilled rehabilitation, long-term care, assisted living and/or memory care facility, everyone wants to know the inside scoop on the best place to help care for and assist their loved one. My answer is always the same: “It depends.” ...

Whether you’re an employed Boomer ready for a career change, or need a job-search refresher course after being downsized due to COVID, it’s never too late to begin a new chapter. People in our age range in the workforce already know what the mistakes are because we’ve made them. We already know what’s coming over the horizon because we’ve been over it many times. We already know when a plan isn’t going to work, and we know how to improve it. Why? Because we’re highly experienced and can get the job done in one-third the time of anyone else — and that’s an asset. ...

New paint, a few shrubs and a fresh doormat. Some home improvement projects are in the do-it-yourself category. A new patio, kitchen remodel or home addition, those are another matter for most of us. We've got a handy checklist for finding a home contractor plus descriptions of who can do what when it comes to calling in a pro. ...

Medicare is not free; there are premiums and deductibles. If you don't qualify for Medicaid and can't afford a Medigap policy, you may be able to get help paying for the costs of Medicare. ...

All long-term care costs rose sharply in 2020, but assisted living facility costs increased the most, according to an annual Cost of Care Survey. The across-the-board rises were due, in part, to increased costs brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.  ...

Interest rates are at an all-time low. They have been ridiculously low for the past year and economists are not expecting them to increase anytime soon. Low interest rates have brought buyers into the real estate market, some of them first-time buyers. ...