According to AARP, 65.5% of Georgia’s citizens will be part of the state’s aging population by 2030. As a result, people are looking at ways to improve long-term care and to prevent elder abuse. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed two bills in May to help protect senior citizens from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The Albany Herald’s recent article, “Legislation should help...
Continue ReadingWhen you and your partner are at a certain point in your relationship, you need to get serious about your financial future. It’s best to work as a team. This is a great way to get on track more quickly and efficiently. Couples really benefit from a team mindset because it’s likely that when it comes to retirement, each...
Continue ReadingThere’s no magic formula for a prosperous retirement. However, following a few simple rules might help: save what you can, don’t spend more than your income, steer clear of debt, invest well and if you are lucky enough, have a job with a guaranteed pension or an employer match to your retirement accounts. Some people would rather retire later...
Continue ReadingRetirees often apply simplified rules of thumb to see how much to withdraw from their savings each year. What happens is that their assets continue to increase in retirement, and this increased wealth is passed along to beneficiaries. There’s nothing wrong with passing along more. However, what if there was a way to enjoy more of what you’ve saved?...
Continue ReadingKiplinger’s recent article, “The Biggest Social Security Mistake You Can Make,” explains that the biggest Social Security mistake isn’t taking it too early. Individuals can claim their Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62 (and get a reduced benefit) or wait and receive a larger benefit. At 70, the maximum benefit is reached, which is about 75% greater than the...
Continue ReadingA recent Wealth Advisor article asks a very practical question you may face someday: “Your Parent Didn’t Have A Will: What Should You Do Now?” For starters, the article advises you to make a diligent search for a will, when a parent passes away. That includes a look through your parent’s paper records and file cabinets. You should also speak with their good...
Continue ReadingWorking with an elder law or estate planning attorney may be one of the best investments a person can make, reports nj.com in its article, “Why an estate planning attorney is worth the money.” You need to make sure that all of your documents are in order. This is not an easy thing to do on your own. With properly prepared estate planning...
Continue ReadingMany retirement savers changing jobs, simply transfer funds directly from their previous employer’s 401(k) into their new employer’s retirement plan. They do this with a quick phone call to the new plan administrator. However, in some cases, that’s not always the best move. CNBC’s recent article, “New job? How to become a retirement-plan rollover champ,” explains that there’s no blanket answer for...
Continue ReadingAn executor is the person designated to distribute a deceased person’s property that passes under his or her will and takes care of paying debts and expenses, explains WMUR in its recent article, “Settling an estate.” When an executor isn’t willing or able to perform his or her duties, there’s usually an alternative. If no alternative has been named, the courts will...
Continue ReadingKerri Kasem, the daughter of late Top 40 DJ Casey Kasem, recently visited the Waynesboro, VA area to speak on elder abuse. She spoke at the Seventh Annual Training of the Greater Augusta Coalition Against Adult Abuse. The News Virginian reported in its story, “Kasem speaks against elder abuse,” that Kasem presented: “Isolated: How Casey Kasem’s Family fought, changed the law, and...
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