By Gwinn Volen

My childhood memories of being in the country are vivid. Whippoorwills singing and frogs croaking in the pond at night. The smell of horses, cows and freshly bush hogged pastures. Sleepovers with cousins and friends, and even after-prom parties in high school. Once my kids were born, they too got to experience some of the joy I felt running in the woods, building forts, and fishing in the pond. ATV three wheelers were replaced with golf carts for them, but the sounds of the woods and idyllic South Carolina country life were still felt by them. My oldest son was nine when my mom decided to sell the "pond house" also referred to as "the country." My mom was 73. The upkeep was unmanageable. She no longer enjoyed going there. And the…

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by Jenn Heller

When it comes time to move a parent it can be stressful, whether moving to independent living, assisted living or any type of senior facility. It's a time filled with great emotion when they may be missing their younger days of great independence and the home they have grown accustomed to. Things like fear of aging, being alone and the prospect of not having friends can be taxing on not just your senior parent, but on you as well.

seniors at a computer

As a child, emotions of feeling you have failed your parent will kick in and guilt becomes an inevitable reaction. It's a natural human emotion that won't last forever. Honestly, the last thing you want to do is move a parent who essentially doesn't need to be moved just yet, but having a plan in place…

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What is a Homestead Exemption?

In the state of Florida, if you own a home that is your primary residence, you can file for a Homestead Exemption. This exemption places a maximum property tax increase on your home of just 3%. It's important to note that there are other exemptions you may be eligible for as well depending on your current situation.

If you purchased a home in 2024, the deadline to file for your Homestead Exemption is March 1, 2025. 

When do I need to file for Homestead Exemption?

The deadline for filing for Homestead is March 1. You need to be a Florida resident and reside in your new home by January 1 to take advantage of that Homestead Exemption for the upcoming year. Otherwise, Homestead will take effect the following year.…

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