HELPFUL TIPS,STRATEGIES, RESOURCES & TOPICS OF INTEREST
This page will be updated with content or topics we feel could be useful to our senior clients & their families.
Please check back occasionally and, if you have a suggestion, we'd be delighted to hear it.
CONSIDERING RETIREMENT? A Word of Advice.
Looking at this next phase in your life as a beginning (rather than an end) can make a big difference in how you approach it. Like changing careers or planning a long vacation, this life event deserves thoughtful consideration and preparation - groundwork that will positively impact the outcome.
Linked below is an interesting workbook that breaks down the subject into 4 understandable phases:
The Honeymoon Phase
The Big Decision Phase
The Navigating Longevity Phase
The Solo Journey Phase
The authors deftly dispel what many consider a daunting "next chapter" into manageable segments.
Will you transition into your "8,000 Days" (a.k.a., retirement) or jump in head first? What about housing? Is it time to downsize or perhaps you need something more “turnkey?” Are you a caregiver? Maybe you are now, but you also may become a care receiver. Retirement may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for – to explore your true purpose in life. And what about those practical matters: dealing with Social Security, Medicare, your financial well-being and “maintenance issues.” If you enter retirement with a spouse or partner, that too may change. Once the grief has eased, will you embrace life as a single person?
Wherever you are in the retirement cycle - contemplating it or fully launched - we think you'll find this workbook (please CLICK HERE) helpful.
Many thanks to Hartford Funds for making this available to our clients.
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9 ESSENTIAL MOBILE DEVICE APPS FOR SENIORS
Many people assume that the older a person is, the less he or she knows about the Internet and technology. Well, that’s just not true. According to a study by Pew Research, six in ten senior citizens (adults 65 or older) use the Internet, while 77 percent have their own cell phones. The study also points out that once seniors learn to use new advances in technology, it often becomes a fundamental part of their day to day living. On that note, there are tons of mobile device applications (apps) that can benefit older adults and make daily activities easier. Here are some free essential apps you may want to consider. LEARN MORE
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*NEW* Click on the link below:
The Apps, Sites & Devices Changing the Way We Age
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THE READING ROOM
Here's a virtual library with a slew of articles at your fingertips. To explore topics of interest and to learn more about areas that may pique your curiosity, CLICK HERE
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RETIREMENT INSIGHTS
CLICK HERE
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A WORD ABOUT IDENTITY THEFT:
You’re probably familiar with three of the most common risks to your income in retirement: over-spending, market volatility, and longevity. But did you know that identity theft is quickly becoming a fourth risk factor? Over the past six years, more than $107 billion has been lost to identity theft.* As internet fraud, data breaches, and identity theft continue to rise, retirees remain key targets for fraud and scams. Below are some tips to help you safeguard your identity and your finances:
- Provide your Social Security number only when necessary and to verified parties.
- Never use your name, mother’s maiden name, a child or pet’s name in your passwords. Create more complex passwords using uppercase and lowercase letters, non-sequential numbers, and special character symbols.
- Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts; this will minimize the damage in the event one of your accounts is compromised.
- Make sure your computers and mobile devices are running the latest versions of operating systems and applications, and regularly update anti-virus software.
And remember,we are only a phone call away if you have questions about managing and protecting your income in retirement. Call us: (505) 977-2000.
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HAVE YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW, RECENTLY LOST A SPOUSE OR PARTNER?
NEUBERGER BERMAN’S SURVIVING SPOUSE CHECKLIST
Thinking about the next steps while mourning can be difficult. Nonetheless, the death of a spouse has financial implications and there may be other important matters which require immediate attention.
This 8-page guide provides a map as you gather documents and make important contacts. You can use this download-able checklist from Neuberger Berman to help you navigate through the next 12 months.
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NEWSLETTER SIGN UP:
a monthly eNewsletter for pre-retirees & the newly retired
If you would like to begin receiving this in your Inbox, please contact us. Retirement is a milestone for most of us and our clients have found the tips and strategies in this monthly eNewsletter both entertaining and worthwhile.You can download this month's issue here:
For our current issue: CLICK HERE
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ALZHEIMER'S RESORCES
More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease and impacts more than 15 million family members, friends, and caregivers. Not everyone experiencing memory loss or other possible Alzheimer's warning signs recognizes that they have a problem. The first step in following up on symptoms is finding a doctor with whom a person feels comfortable.
Here are a few websites that could make a positive difference to you or someone you know:
- alz.org - where you can assess your needs, find local resources, connect with caregivers, get information on all stages of the disease
- alz.org/training - free online workshops
- alz.org/findus - support groups,education programs
- 800.272.3900 - 24/7 Helpline - all day, everyday
In the event that you need additional support or would like to speak with someone at the Alzheimer's Association local NM chapter, please call (505)266-4473.
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ARE YOU ORGANIZED & CENTRALIZED?
If you were to pass away or become incapacitated, your loved ones may be responsible for making decisions about your health or estate. During a time of emotional distress or grieving, it is difficult to think about money and how to find critical documents to move forward with plans. That’s why it’s important to get your documents into one centralized place. By doing so, you are not only ensuring your wishes are understood, but also are planning to help loved ones make financial arrangements in your absence.
How to get started with organizing your documents today
First, find a secure location, such as a password-protected online vault, fireproof home safe or bank safe deposit box. Decide which documents should go into this centralized place. If you want to minimize clutter, you may consider printing out the links to online statements with their corresponding passwords. Include any documents containing crucial financial information. Here's a list of suggested documents:
- Quarterly and Annual Statements: IRAs, 401(k)s, funds, brokerage accounts, statements from last quarter and statements from the end of the previous calendar year (that is, the last Q4 statement you received).
- Healthcare Benefit Information: Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plan, group health plan, individual health policies, LTC policies and contact information for insurers, HMOs, your doctor(s) and your insurance agent.
- Life Insurance Information: document when level premiums on straight term policies end, the death benefit and present cash value on any whole life policies and the required premiums on any policy.
- Beneficiary Designation Forms: beneficiary designations often take priority over requests made in a will when it comes to 401(k)s, 403(b)s and IRAs. Also, retain copies and review them with a retirement planner or attorney so they can help you gauge the tax efficiency of the eventual transfer of assets.
- Social Security Basics: if you have not claimed benefits yet, include your Social Security card, W-2 form from last year (or Schedule SE and Schedule C plus 1040 form), and certified copies of your birth certificate, marriage license, divorce papers, military discharge paperwork or proof of citizenship, if applicable.
- Social Security Statements: take a screenshot or print a copy of the statement that tracks your accrued benefits.
- Pension Matters: collect special letters or bulletins from your employer, your Individual Benefit Statement, your Summary Plan Description and contact information for someone at the employee benefits department where you work.
- Real Estate Documents: deeds, mortgage documents, property tax statements, homeowner insurance policy and a list of the contents in your home and their estimated value.
- Estate Planning Paperwork: your estate plan, any trust paperwork, a will and a durable power of attorney or health care directive.
- Tax Returns: at least have a copy of your 1040 and state returns from the prior year.
- List of Digital Assets: contents of a cloud, a photo library, social media pages and all corresponding passwords.
Once you are ready, be sure to tell your loved ones where to find your documents and provide them with password information or permission to access to your safe deposit box, if necessary.
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