5 surprising facts about assisted living

If you or a loved one can no longer live safely at home, assisted living may be the answer. Residents typically live in their own rooms or apartments and get housekeeping services, meals and help with personal care.

But facilities can vary enormously, and people’s expectations about assisted living often clash with reality, elder care experts say. Here are some important things to know. In my latest for ABC News, learn 5 surprising facts about assisted living.

This week’s money news

This week’s top story: October mortgage rates forecast. In other news: 6 pitfalls to avoid when shopping for Medicare Advantage, 5 tips to get primed and ready for Amazon’s October Prime Day, and entrepreneurs feeling less optimistic as rates rise. October Mortgage Rates Forecast: Highest in 2 Decades In September, mortgage rates reached their highest […]

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Q&A: Paying a grandchild’s student loans

Dear Liz: Regarding the grandparent who would like to pay off a grandchild’s student loans. You wrote that paying off the loans would be considered a gift. However, if the grandparent paid the funds to the institution that originated the student loan, would it then not be a gift? This would exempt the grandparent from filing the […]

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Q&A: Pensions and Social Security benefits

Dear Liz: I am a teacher getting ready to retire. I have been collecting a spousal benefit from my husband’s Social Security. My understanding is that once I start collecting my pension, I will be subject to the windfall elimination provision. Is there a way to continue to collect against my husband’s Social Security, which is greater than […]

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Q&A: How to dump your broker and invest your own money

Dear Liz: I have a mutual fund and a Roth IRA that are actively managed by a broker. The accounts have not done well. I would like to withdraw them from the broker and reinvest them on my own. How do I safely and securely withdraw them from the broker? What paperwork and fees should I expect? Answer: Look […]

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7 saving strategies you may not have tried yet

With the holiday shopping season just starting and prices of many consumer goods continuing to rise, saving money can seem impossible. But those financial pressures also make doing so even more important. “Saving is your margin,” says Eric Maldonado, a certified financial planner and owner of Aquila Wealth Advisors. “When things happen — your car […]

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This week’s money news

This week’s top story: The home and auto insurance crisis and how to keep your coverage. In other news: 5 options if you’re crushed by student loan and credit card debt, why Delta’s elite status changes matter, and 8 Latino financial influencers to follow in 2023. The Home and Auto Insurance Crisis and How to Keep […]

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Q&A: How to tap an unused 529 college savings plan without getting taxed

Dear Liz: I opened a 529 college savings plan for our son and over the years it grew. My son was fortunate to receive a full-ride academic scholarship and therefore much of the money stayed in the plan. Recently my son became a new father to my first grandchild. I know that it is permissible to give five […]

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Q&A: Death and document retention

Dear Liz: After a spouse’s death, I am wondering if there is some guidance on how long to keep items such as a driver’s license, Social Security card, Medicare and health plan card, passport, veteran’s information and so on. I haven’t seen this addressed in your column. Answer: Guidance about what to keep and discard after a […]

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Why retirees may want to buy an immediate annuity now

An immediate annuity is an insurance product that provides guaranteed income: You give an insurer a chunk of money, and the company gives you a stream of payments that can last for life. The payments begin within 12 months of purchase. Now may be a good time for retirees to buy an immediate annuity, since […]

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