by Jenn Heller

Are you thinking about the idea of "aging in place?" Well, it's a pretty important decision, and the first thing you need to do is check if your current home can be adjusted to fit your needs as you get older. Let's break it down for you.

As we all get older, we face this choice: do we stay in our own homes or move to a senior living community? Nowadays, more and more families are choosing to stick with their homes, and they call it "aging in place."

Aging in place can mean different things to different people. We will summarize by saying that The National Institute on Aging says essentially it involves residing safely, independently, and comfortably in your own home and community, regardless of your age, income, or abilities. …

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by Jenn Heller

Elder fraud is no small concern, with the FBI reporting a staggering $900M+ loss for Americans aged 60 and above in 2020 due to scams. And this is not just limited to the U.S.; it's a global concern as cybercriminals increasingly exploit online scams to target older adults, particularly those living independently. The financial implications of falling victim to scams are evident. Losses can deplete retirement savings, disrupt plans for inheritance, or compromise daily expenses such as bill payments and groceries.


Identifying Elder Fraud Schemes

Fraudsters employ an array of methods to exploit individuals, but understanding common types of financial scams targeting older adults is key to…

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by Jenn Heller

In the journey that is life, it's all too common to overlook the invaluable aspects we've been granted. In my own experience, I must admit that I had chosen to evade the sobering realization that, inevitably, my parents would not always be a constant presence.

Having those discussions was a task I consistently tried to initiate, urging them to prepare for the future. Aspects such as making a will or trust, streamlining financial accounts, securing access to the safe and deposit boxes, clarifying account co-holders, and more were topics I really tried to cover. Regrettably, they, too, chose to avoid the weight of these matters. Then, in March of 2022, my dad's passing brought an irrefutable reality into focus.

My dad, who had…

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by Jenn Heller

Let's chat about the move to senior living – it's a pretty significant decision, isn't it? Back in the day, it was often driven by necessity, like health concerns or a crisis situation. But guess what? Things have evolved! Nowadays, more and more active older adults are actually choosing senior living communities as a lifestyle choice. They're all about "grabbing life by the horns" as my dad would say and making the most of the available services, amenities, and opportunities these communities have to offer.

About a year after my dad passed away, my brothers and I found ourselves in the position of searching for a comfortable place for my mom. She's an incredibly "young" 80-something (shh, I won't reveal her exact age – she'd be…

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by Jenn Heller

As we approach our golden years, it's time to think about where we want to spend this special chapter of our lives. While aging in place sounds appealing, many retirees also crave a vibrant community with activities, amenities, and like-minded folks. Whether you're leaning towards staying put or considering a retirement community, it's crucial to understand the pros and cons of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs).

To help you navigate this decision-making process, we've gathered some valuable information on CCRCs, along with five essential questions to ask when touring these communities.

continuing care retirement community nurse with senior living resident

CCRCs in a Nutshell - What is a CCRC?

Imagine thoughtfully designed, all-inclusive communities that cater to the needs of the…

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by Jennifer Heller

Estate planning is a crucial process that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, protects your loved ones, and minimizes potential conflicts. In the state of Florida, understanding the key steps involved in estate planning is essential to secure your legacy. In this article, we will discuss five important steps in estate planning, highlighting the significance of seeking professional assistance and emphasizing the need for annual reassessment.

couple estate planning with planner

Step 1: Take Inventory

To begin your estate planning journey, it is vital to create a comprehensive inventory of all your assets and liabilities. This includes your real estate properties, investments, bank accounts, retirement funds, insurance…

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by Jenn Heller

As individuals age, the prospect of selling their home and transitioning to a senior living community becomes an attractive option. This decision offers a multitude of benefits, including significant financial advantages. Let's dive into this topic and discover the financial advantages and the remaining 4 reasons why many seniors are choosing to make the move to senior living communities.

Lifestyle Convenience

Moving to a senior living community provides older adults with a lifestyle designed for convenience. Senior communities offer a range of amenities and services tailored to specific needs. From housekeeping and maintenance to transportation and on-site medical support, seniors can enjoy simplified daily tasks and more time for…

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by Jenn Heller

Property and mortgage fraud have been on the rise in recent years, posing a significant threat to both homeowners and buyers. Fraudsters are using highly sophisticated means to deceive people and steal their property or money, making it absolutely imperative for you to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself. One of the best ways to do that is to set up fraud alerts.

A fraud alert is a notification that you receive when someone tries to open a new account or access your existing accounts. It alerts you to any suspicious activity and can help you prevent fraud before it happens. For property and mortgage fraud, a fraud alert will notify you of any fraudulent activity related to your property or mortgage,…

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An estate sale is a type of sale that is held to liquidate a large portion or all of the possessions of an estate. Not to be mistaken with a garage sale which takes place in the driveway and/or yard of the home, an estate sales takes place within the home and is coordinated by an expert in the field of estate sales.

An estate sale can be used for a variety of reasons, including the death of the estate owner, downsizing, moving, or simply wanting to get rid of unwanted items. Estate sales can be a great way to sell personal property and make some money, while also helping to clear out a home.

How Does an Estate Sale Work?

Typically, an estate sale is organized by a professional estate sale company or individual who specializes in estate sales who…

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by Jenn Heller

Studies show that as we age there are benefits to a busy social calendar. For seniors this can mean better sleep by staying physically active. The lifestyle benefits that come from living in an independent or assisted living facility are abundant. Independent and assisted living facilities offer a multitude of activities from bingo, bocce, pickleball, fitness, game nights, and arts and crafts to name just a few. To witness first hand, we visited Starling at Nocatee to get a feel for what is offered to our senior friends. To be honest, we wanted to move in ourselves! Starling felt like a cruise ship for seniors and we wanted to jump on board to enjoy the fun! From the incredible common areas and amenities, the amazing activities and…

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