By Gwinn Volen

With just one kid left in the house, the 'empty nest' is on the horizon, and with it, thoughts of downsizing are starting to creep in. Honestly, the idea of maintaining a large home as we get older isn't exactly thrilling. Who needs the hassle of a pool, with its monthly upkeep, not to mention the inevitable (and expensive!) pump replacements and the need to re-surface it every decade or so. There's also the constant exterior maintenance – the yard, the never-ending list of repairs, the inevitable "Oh no, what's that sound?" moments as yet another system decides to give out. Maybe it's not even about the work; maybe it's the desire for a simpler life, the freedom to travel more. Whatever the reason, the time feels right for a change. But…

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by Jenn Heller

Retirement is an exciting new chapter, and independent living communities offer the perfect environment to embrace it. These communities are designed to provide the ideal balance of freedom and support, allowing seniors to maintain an active, engaged lifestyle without the hassles of home maintenance. With thoughtfully planned amenities, secure living spaces, and opportunities to connect with like-minded neighbors, independent living allows residents to fully enjoy their golden years in comfort and style.

From chef-prepared dining to social clubs and safety features, independent living is about enhancing your quality of life. Imagine where your day could include a morning swim, an afternoon art class, and dinner with friends at the…

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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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