Protect Your Retirement from These Threats

“Four types of expenses can wreak havoc with your retirement.”
Retirement is a balance between enjoying your golden years, taking good care of your health and balancing your finances, so you don’t run out of income too early. However, as reported by MD Magazine in the recent article “Four Big Retirement Threats and How to Protect Yourself,” there are challenges ahead, some of which you can control, others requiring preparation.
Threat One: Premature death of a spouse and loss of Social Security or pension income. The loss of one Social Security check can have a significant impact on...
How Technology Could Support Aging in Place

“The goal: to see if researchers can monitor and detect health changes in older adults and enable them to live longer in their own homes. For example, early signs of cognitive decline may be detected through changes in computer use or driving.”
A research assistant tested and placed sensors in the studio apartment of a 75-year-old Portland, OR resident one June morning. The man was basically allowing his house to be reconfigured, reported The Wall Street Journal in the article “A Tech Test to Keep Seniors in Their Homes Longer.” The man was taking part in a...
Tips for Finding an Estate Planning Attorney

“Searching for a lawyer who can help you put together a good estate plan, may seem like a daunting task. However, with a little help, you should be able to find several qualified lawyers to choose from.”
Finding an estate planning attorney who can help you create an estate plan that works for your family, is an important first step in creating an estate plan. You’ll want someone you are comfortable with, who is respected by other professionals and will be able to help your loved ones during emotional times. An article from The Balance, “Tips for Finding...
Ahead of the Curve or Behind the Eight Ball?

“It’s difficult to determine exactly how much to save for retirement. Some people pick a round number, such as saving 10% or 15% of their salary, while others use an external cue, such as the amount of money that will be matched by an employer.”
Are you saving enough for retirement, asks US News & World Report in the article “Are Your Retirement Savings Ahead of the Curve?” Maybe the better question to ask is more specific: How much income do you think you’ll need to replace your salary to pay for your chosen retirement lifestyle? Remember that...
Are You Sure You Want THAT in the Cloud?

“People are storing important documents, such as wills and medical directives, online. While convenient, there are a few things to keep in mind before you open another online account, experts say.”
There are some clear benefits to storing your will and documents online. You and your spouse (or other authorized people) can access them anytime, from anywhere. We are used to putting our lives online. However, there are also some downsides to consider before doing so, according to a helpful article from CNBC titled “Here’s what you need to know before storing your will online.”
It’s good to...