For many older homeowners, increasing mortgage debt is dulling the sheen on their golden years. Approximately 33 million Americans over the age of 65 own their homes, making them the age group with the highest homeownership rate. But according to a study by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released in May 2014, that asset [...]
After a lot of scrimping and saving, you’ve finally started building up some retirement savings in the form of a 401(k) or IRA. If you’re lucky, you may even have an emergency fund set aside in a savings account. But your financial situation could quickly change, whether as a result of a layoff, a medical [...]
Can money buy happiness? That’s an age-old question, and one that I think that everyone asks themselves at some point. Most people wonder if all of their hard work will pay off and give them the financial freedom and happiness they seek. In short, the answer is yes—and it can be purchased for a lot [...]
The majority of Americans don’t enjoy their work. According to a study of workplaces in more than 140 countries from 2011 through 2012 conducted by Gallup: 30 percent of Americans are engaged at work. These people are emotionally invested in their work and focused on doing their jobs well. 52 percent of Americans are not [...]
Preparing for eventual care needs as we age is becoming a critical part of every American’s retirement planning. Retirees are living to a more advanced age, and funds need to last longer than ever before. The further in advance you plan, the better off you are likely to be if and when you need long-term [...]
Investing may seem like it’s just for the super-rich, but you don’t need a million dollars to start. In fact, you can start investing with a measly $1,000. If you have a job that offers a retirement savings plan, you’ve probably already started making some investments. The next step—investing on your own—really isn’t that scary, [...]
You don’t need to be rich to start investing or saving money. Even people working at their first jobs or newlyweds living on a tight budget can develop the habit of saving. Here are five ways to automate your savings program to make it effortless: 1. Set up a savings account and simply arrange automatic [...]
In between Baby Boomers and Generation Xers, another group has emerged, dubbed “the sandwich generation.” These are middle-aged adults between 40 and 59 whose financial and emotional responsibilities are increasing due to aging parents and debt-laden kids. According to a 2013 Pew study, nearly half of adults in the sandwich generation have a parent age [...]
Even if you’ve done a great job saving up money for retirement, you may eventually face healthcare expenses that could quickly drain your savings. Fidelity estimates that a 65-year-old couple needs $220,000 for healthcare expenses in retirement, but the truth is that healthcare costs are tough to quantify because you never know what issues you [...]
Many seniors (or their adult children) have to confront the reality that they can no longer live independently in their home. Moving into an assisted living community may be an attractive option, but choosing—and paying for—the right facility can seem overwhelming. The move to assisted living requires careful planning. It’s important to ensure you’re getting [...]
