Lifestyles over 50 Finance & Money
Six Social Security Changes to Expect in 2019
Every October the Social Security Administration announces changes to the Social Security program. Here are the changes set for Jan. 1, 2019, according to the SSA’s annual fact sheet. Increased payments actually begin Dec. 31, 2018.
Industry News For Local Professionals - Holiday 2018
HealthNet
Wed., Nov. 14, Dec. 12 at 12 pm. Traditions of Hanover Bethlehem, 5300 Northgate Dr., Bethlehem. Monthly networking group for professionals hosted monthly and features a speaker and time for networking. $5.
Lehigh Valley Aging in Place Mixer
Wed., Nov. 14 breakfast from 8-10AM at South Mountain Memory Care, 201 S. 7th Street, Emmaus, PA 18049. Aging in Place Coalition (LVAIP) provides an ongoing forum for professionals from private, public and non-profit business sectors to inform, educate and help older adults age in place. lehighvalleyaginginplace.org.
Selling Your Parents’ Home
There comes a point in time for many that they need to sell their parents’ home. This may be due to downsizing, transition into a health care facility or to their passing. Regardless of the circumstances, it is never easy. The physical task is daunting and the emotional process is draining. Below is an outline of the necessary tasks:
Talk with siblings - this is the first step. You might be related, but you probably do not all think alike. Discuss your wishes and expectations, divide up responsibilities and come to an agreement. If your parents are still alive involve them in the process as much as possible.
Elder Law Alert: Department of Veterans Affairs Makes Sweeping Changes to VA Pension and Aid & Attendance Benefit
Introduction
VA Pension benefits are “nonservice connected” disability benefits that provide a monthly tax-free income to eligible wartime veterans and their surviving spouses. A married veteran can receive up to $2,169/month, a single veteran up to $1,830, and a surviving spouse up to $1,176. Pension benefits are particularly valuable to seniors because they can help defray the high cost of medical expenses (e.g. in-home care, adult day care, assisted living).
Discounts for Veterans 2018
This section is a list of local and national organizations that offer discounts to veterans. These discounts can change so check first to verify the discounts offered. Also included are resources available to veterans and their families.
National and Regional Discounts 2018
National and Regional Listings
Lifestyles over 50 compiled an exhaustive list of discounts aimed at people 50 years of age and older. The list consists of the name of the company offering the discount, followed by the discount itself and any qualitfications that apply.
What Is In Your Free Home Analysis?
What is a Comparative Market Analysis?
The Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is used to help evaluate how your home stacks up against the similar homes in your area. It looks at homes that are currently listed and those recently sold. The purpose is to find the highest price that will still make the home competitive on the open market.
Dutch Treat - Savings in the Valley
For many years organizations like AAA and AARP have negotiated discounts for members and seniors with national companies. At the local level there are numerous businesses in our community that offer “senior discounts”, although no organization has compiled them into one list.
Transitioning To Senior Living – Step One
Transitioning to Senior Living is not always easy. Some people move to downsize and free themselves from home maintenance, others for socialization and yet others for the assistance with daily activities. Regardless of the motivation, the move represents change, which can be emotionally draining.
One aspect of the move that can be made easy is selling your home. Using an experienced realtor not only helps you delegate the task but also ensures that you maximize your home’s value in a timely manner. Often people rely on their home’s equity to help fund their next stage in life; the sale of property is an important step in the transition to senior living.