Retirement

We’re awash in knowledge in 2023, but do you think our general level of understanding is greater? Do you think we’re wiser? I’m not so sure, so when I was challenged to re-read through one of the great collections of ancient wisdom last month, the book of Proverbs, it was an easy Yes. Indeed, I

Higher interest rates are making annuities more popular than ever. But despite rising annuities sales, misunderstandings keep many people from taking advantage of annuities. Insurers have been dealing with waves of applications in 2023 as yields on multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs) leapt to 3%, 4%, and then above 5%. Let’s look at the misunderstandings that

This is a case that really happened as I report it. A 93 year old grandma played all kinds of sweepstakes and got mailings from them regularly. She loved the excitement of entering contests. She got a letter from one of them, informing her that she had won a huge cash prize. Shortly after, she

The latter part of your career — in your 40s, 50s and early 60s — is the prime time to position yourself for a successful retirement. While your “post-work” years may still seem a long way off, the time will pass quickly. For some, retirement may come sooner than expected as layoffs, illness or the

Arriving at a conference, I went to hang my coat on the rack and noticed one that was almost identical to mine. I hung my coat as far away from that one as possible. A couple of hours later while heading to a session, I noticed a woman wearing my coat. She was furiously checking

For those who wish to age in place at home, a first step often involves hiring someone to come in to help aging parents. Sometimes the elder is able to hire on their own, and sometimes family does so. At AgingParents.com, where we advise families about healthcare and legal issues, we normally recommend using a

Fed Using The Wrong Rule Book When the Fed started hiking interest rates to fight inflation two years ago, I worried. My professor alarm flashed red; the tactic to create recessions to discipline workers is flawed, costly, and outdated. Workers’ wages have not exceeded productivity for decades—the Economic Policy Institute has faithfully followed these numbers.

Why are there significant differences in U.S. life expectancies by state? Answers to this question can potentially be found by digging into the underlying influences on life expectancies, which are a basic measurement of well-being in a broad population. The life expectancies discussed in this post were published by the CDC in January 2023 and

For most computer literate elders, online shopping is a great convenience and is usually fine. Until something goes wrong, that is. With an aging parent who is a little confused, or who has memory problems, online purchases can become a trap. While most purchases go as planned, one can understand that sometimes the wrong thing

To Doug, the end point was near and clear. He saw retirement within the next three years. With a sparkle in his eye, he pointed to where he and his wife Sue were to retire. Looking out, Doug spread his arms as if to hug the distant pine covered mountains, he declared, “Yep! Sue and