Estate Planning Articles

What seniors should know about eyesight and aging

Posted by Gerald J. Turner – As we grow older, our eyesight is one of the things that begins to change. While the majority of the time a senior citizen’s eyesight will never diminish to the point where they cannot function properly, you should be prepared for any vision related problems that you experience as a senior and learn how to confront them. Ophthalmologists agree that the age of 60 is when significant vision related problems generally decide to show up. The bad news is that many of these eye issues do not present any warning signs. The good news? Most are treatable. Below are a few common age-related eye and vision problems and how to treat them. Cataracts are a relatively common vision problem among senior citizens, and present as cloudy areas in the lens of one or both eyes. Blurry vision usually follows, as does a decreased sensitivity

Read More »

Grandkids off to college? Tips on helping them pay

Posted by Gerald J. Turner – Many grandparents want to help their grandchildren pay for their education. However, the cost of a college education is on the rise, making funding a student’s education a real sacrifice, especially for those moving toward retirement or living on a fixed-income. College financial-aid and student loan regulations are also changing rapidly, and qualifying for need-based financial aid can be tricky. That’s why it is important for students, parents, and grandparents to be on the same page about funding a young person’s college experience. Here’s how to help the student while still getting the most out of need-based aid: 1. Take advantage of a parental 529 savings plan, but make sure it belongs to the parent or student. If you’re thinking about helping a student pay for college, then you have probably heard of a 529 plan. If a 529 belongs to the parent or

Read More »

The rise of the “Gray Divorce” – Things you should consider

“‘Til death do us part,” says the traditional wedding vows. However, we all know that it isn’t always that simple. More and more people are opting to get divorced at a mature age. In fact, of all of those who went through a divorce in 2009, 1 in 4 individuals was age 50 or older according to a paper written by two sociologists at Bowling Green State University. While the logistics and mechanics of so-called “gray divorce” are legally similar to that of a younger couple, there are usually special factors, most of them money-related, that need to be considered. First is the issue of alimony, sometimes called spousal support. Judges are, for multiple reasons, far more likely to grant alimony to the spouse whose current financial situation and earning potential is the weakest. Another issue is the length time alimony payments must be made. While a younger worker whose

Read More »

4 easy ways to save more for retirement

Posted by Gerald J. Turner – No adult likes to feel like they can’t take care of themselves. One of the unfortunate truths of growing older is that many of us will not be able to get along without a little help. It’s important to have a well-structured, detailed financial plan in place as you prepare for retirement. One of the most important ways to prepare for retirement is also one of the simplest: save more cash. For many of us, finding more dollars to stash into our savings can be difficult. But by saving a little extra each month, you will be more financially secure as you move toward retirement and beyond. Here are a few simple reminders of ways to step up your savings game: 1. Automate your savings. For many of us, several important expenditures come off the top of our paychecks before we even see it.

Read More »

Financial Planner vs. Financial Advisor – what’s the difference?

Posted by Gerald J. Turner – At first glance, the terms “financial advisor” and “financial planner” may seem interchangeable. However, when seeking the advice of a financial professional, it’s crucial to know which type of expert you need. Here is a quick overview of each professional, what they offer, and which one you need: Financial Advisor A financial advisor is a generic, broad term for a person who can help you manage your finances. Advisors can help with managing your investments, buying or selling stocks, or give general tax or budgeting advice. Advisors should hold a Series 65 license which is earned by passing the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam. This test covers legal issues, regulations, ethics and fiduciary duties, as well as portfolio management best practices and strategies. However, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, claim there are more than 100 different certifications available that a financial advisor

Read More »
Top