Monthly Archives: January 2016

Retirement Mistakes

Posted by Cedars on January 27, 2016

Retirement mistakes you don’t want to make

Retiring too early:

  • Before you retire, figure out a solid retirement budget first

Ignoring your life expectancy:

  • people 60 or 65 today are living into their mid-to-late 80’s and beyond
  • To be safe, plan to live till at least 90 or 95

Tapping benefits too soon:

  • It’s tempting to grab your Social Security benefit as soon as it’s there, at age 62.
  • If you do however, the amount of the benefit is cut by 25%

Retiring with debt:

  • Get rid of your Credit card debt while your still employed
  • Pay off those car loans before you retire

These are all good things to take a look at before you retire, sell your home or move into senior housing.

 

Posted in : Senior Living

How Dementia Changes Families

Posted by Cedars on January 20, 2016

When my mom developed dementia, my dad tried to deny it and I tried to fix it. We both failed.

You could sum up my father’s reaction to my mother’s first year of dementia in two words: Bad Waitress.

“Last week I asked her for eggs over easy and she scrambled them,” he shouted over the phone one day in 2005. “Today it happened again.”

I kept my tone neutral. “She didn’t do it on purpose,” I said. “She actually couldn’t remember what you asked.”

“The hell she couldn’t,” he snapped. “She’s just not paying attention.”

I tried defending her further, but he had already hung up.

If this sounds like a conversation you have had you can find services and support for you and your family.

Alzheimer’s association

24/7 helpline

800*272*3900   or    alz.org

 

Posted in : Memory Care

Seniors Get More From Your Bank

Posted by Cedars on January 15, 2016

Get more from your bank;

When banks compete for your business, you win.

Relying on one institution for all of your financial needs might be costing you money. Here are four areas where banks want to earn your business-and how you can benefit, if your willing to shop around.

Deposits

Shop around, rates can vary widely from bank to bank, so it pays to shop around. On-line banks can offer better rates than a brick-and-mortar institutions, because they do not have the overhead expense.

Mortgages

While buying a home is a major purchase, a 2015 U.S. government report says nearly half  of all homebuyers don’t shop for mortgages-they seriously only consider one lender. That could be a costly choice. Don’t be afraid to shop around.

Auto Loans

Eight out of 10 Car buyers finance at the dealership, according to the nonprofit canter for responsible lending. Preapproval is easy; it’s usually just an application with no obligation to accept the offer.

 

Posted in : Senior Living

Wheel Wise for 2016

Posted by Cedars on January 12, 2016

Wheel wise, which car technologies makes seniors safer, more confident, more comfortable drivers?

Driving can deliver some of life’s greatest pleasures. Your car can take you to visit your children; on breathtaking, scenic vacations- or just to lunch with good friends.

The AAA Foundation for traffic safety, Here are the features the study found most helpful for seniors;

  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Park-Assist System
  • Navigation Assistance

Shop Smart: Discover which cars have the features you want at Senior Driving.AAA.com/SmartFeatures

Posted in : Senior Living