How to Make Smart Financial Decisions at Retirement Age
By Gary Hightower 9 am on
After retirement, it’s important for seniors to protect their finances so they have the best prospects for comfortable living. Family caregivers can help their elderly loved ones maximize their finances through using these smart saving and spending strategies.
Create a Budget
Retirement can be a financial challenge for those who aren’t prepared. One of the most important choices seniors can make after retiring is coming up with a budget. This allows them to see how much money they have each month and how much they can afford to spend on various expenses. Help your loved one create a reasonable budget and stick to it. It may be necessary to budget for home care services if your loved one needs assistance to be able to age in place safely and comfortably. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior care.Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Eliminate Debt
Once seniors retire, they may have limited opportunities to increase income, yet reducing a debt load can feel like a pay raise. This is because interest rates can add thousands of dollars a year to a senior’s expenses. If possible, your loved one should start paying down current debt and avoid taking on any unnecessary debt during the senior years.After your loved one retires, he or she may need some help taking care of certain tasks around and outside the home. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional elderly home care Arlington seniors can trust and rely on.
Know the Rules
Retirement income is subject to laws and regulations that stipulate the minimum amount allowed to be withdrawn each year along with the taxes a senior must pay. For new retirees, these rules can sometimes be confusing, so it may be necessary for your loved one to seek financial advice from an expert. Once the rules are understood, your loved one should stay in compliance to avoid having to pay penalties.
Reduce the Cost of Living
There are many ways for seniors to lower their cost of living, which ensures they don’t run out of money or encounter financial difficulties during retirement. Many seniors find downsizing makes a huge difference in their finances, since a smaller home typically means lower payments and less home maintenance. However, your loved one should carefully research potential homes to make sure the move will be financially beneficial. Your loved one can also utilize senior discounts and savings programs to reduce the cost of food, home services, and utilities. Your parent can take advantage of discounts for senior citizens and spend time shopping around for coupons and other discounts on products and services to reduce his or her overall cost of living.
Focus on Health Care
The connection between a senior’s health and finances is strong, since healthcare can be costly. For this reason, seniors should strive to take care of their health to avoid expensive hospital stays and prescription medications. It’s also important to compare insurance rates to make sure your loved one has the right plan, and he or she should also explore options for long-term home care. Seniors can focus on their health before extra help is needed so they can plan effectively. Though it might seem counterproductive to suggest hiring a professional caregiver when your loved one is attempting to save money, it can actually be a smart long-term financial decision. Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Arlington seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve. Call Home Care Assistance at (817) 591-1580 to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans.
